2019 Mazda CX-5 vs 2020 Ford Escape

2019 Mazda CX-5
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Escape
2020 Ford Escape
$24,885MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Escape
$24,885MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 edges out the 2020 Ford Escape with a slightly higher overall score. Therefore, the Mazda CX-5 is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a midsize crossover that offers captivating looks, spirited performance, and a great level of design and refinement.

Overview

MSRP

$24,350

MSRP

$24,885

Average price

$21,295

Average price

$20,086

Listings

976

Listings

3590
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space

2019 Mazda CX-5 Reviews Summary

In a segment dominated by some pretty intimidating competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 has been slowly winning over consumers year after year with good looks and a best-in-class driving experience. But rather than resting on its laurels, Mazda has updated the CX-5 just one year into its second generation, improving handling with an updated version of its G-Vectoring Control system, increasing connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and boosting power with a turbocharged engine for two new top-tier trims—the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature.

2020 Ford Escape Reviews Summary

In case you didn’t hear, Ford came out with an electric crossover, calling it the Mustang Mach-E. Ford could have called it something else, but the marketing department decided to leverage the famous Mustang name to capture headlines and, hopefully, shoppers. What should not be overlooked is the fact Ford chose to make its first-ever standalone electric vehicle a crossover.

This choice is a testament to how far the sport utility vehicle has come. Paired with Ford's decision to phase out sedans and hatchbacks, it's clear the company is putting all of its eggs into its trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Suffice it to say, there is just a bit of pressure on the redesigned 2020 Ford Escape.

While the Escape has been around since 2000, it came into its own in 2013 when the “One Ford” philosophy was adopted, meaning that vehicles would be sold in multiple markets around the globe. As a result, the U.S. got Europe’s Ford Kuga, rebranded as the Escape—a high-tech, handsome, and surprisingly athletic small SUV.

So, with all this mind, the new Escape needs to not only be an improvement over the previous generation to compete against the rest of the compact crossover segment, it also needs to win over would-be sedan and hatchback customers. Can the 2020 Escape rise to the occasion?

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 187 hp I4

Engine

1.5L 181 hp I3

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

25

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

33
2019 Mazda CX-5
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Escape
2020 Ford Escape
$24,885MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mazda CX-5
$24,350MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Ford Escape
$24,885MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

The 2019 Mazda CX-5 edges out the 2020 Ford Escape with a slightly higher overall score. Therefore, the Mazda CX-5 is the recommended choice for consumers seeking a midsize crossover that offers captivating looks, spirited performance, and a great level of design and refinement.

Overview
MSRP
$24,350
$24,885
Average price
$21,295
$20,086
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.2
Expert reviews

8.3 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Underwhelming base engine
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Stylish design
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
Summary
In a segment dominated by some pretty intimidating competitors like the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the Subaru Forester, the Mazda CX-5 has been slowly winning over consumers year after year with good looks and a best-in-class driving experience. But rather than resting on its laurels, Mazda has updated the CX-5 just one year into its second generation, improving handling with an updated version of its G-Vectoring Control system, increasing connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and boosting power with a turbocharged engine for two new top-tier trims—the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature.

In case you didn’t hear, Ford came out with an electric crossover, calling it the Mustang Mach-E. Ford could have called it something else, but the marketing department decided to leverage the famous Mustang name to capture headlines and, hopefully, shoppers. What should not be overlooked is the fact Ford chose to make its first-ever standalone electric vehicle a crossover.

This choice is a testament to how far the sport utility vehicle has come. Paired with Ford's decision to phase out sedans and hatchbacks, it's clear the company is putting all of its eggs into its trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Suffice it to say, there is just a bit of pressure on the redesigned 2020 Ford Escape.

While the Escape has been around since 2000, it came into its own in 2013 when the “One Ford” philosophy was adopted, meaning that vehicles would be sold in multiple markets around the globe. As a result, the U.S. got Europe’s Ford Kuga, rebranded as the Escape—a high-tech, handsome, and surprisingly athletic small SUV.

So, with all this mind, the new Escape needs to not only be an improvement over the previous generation to compete against the rest of the compact crossover segment, it also needs to win over would-be sedan and hatchback customers. Can the 2020 Escape rise to the occasion?

Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.5L 187 hp I4
1.5L 181 hp I3
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
25
27
MPG Highway
31
33
Look and feel
2019 Mazda CX-5
9/10
2020 Ford Escape
9/10
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. The CX-5 is praised for its captivating looks, best-driving performance, and useful space. The base Sport trim offers impressive features like LED headlights, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a comprehensive safety suite. The top-tier Signature trim offers added luxury with ambient cabin lighting, real wood trim, and a 360-degree camera. The 2020 Ford Escape is also rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It features a sleek design and a modern cabin with a fully digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen. The range-topping Titanium trim offers premium features like a dual-panel moonroof, B&O audio system, and leather seating.
Performance
2019 Mazda CX-5
8/10
2020 Ford Escape
8/10
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It offers a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The top-tier trims feature a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with up to 250 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 2020 Ford Escape is also rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It offers four engine options, including a new 3-cylinder engine, a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower, and two hybrid setups.
Form and function
2019 Mazda CX-5
8/10
2020 Ford Escape
7/10
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It offers captivating looks, spirited performance, and useful space. It provides 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The 2020 Ford Escape is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, which drops to 34.4 cubic feet in the hybrid models.
Technology
2019 Mazda CX-5
7/10
2020 Ford Escape
8/10
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It now comes with standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The MazdaConnect infotainment system is attractive and responsive, though the 360-degree camera's resolution could be improved. The 2020 Ford Escape is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It features an 8-inch Sync screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim also offers a head-up display.
Safety
2019 Mazda CX-5
9/10
2020 Ford Escape
9/10
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It comes with a comprehensive i-ActiveSense safety suite, and it has received high safety ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS. The 2020 Ford Escape is also rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced safety systems, and has earned the best overall score of Good from IIHS.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Mazda CX-5
9/10
2020 Ford Escape
7/10
The 2019 Mazda CX-5 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It offered a tremendous deal when new, with captivating looks, fine-handling and performance, and a great level of design and refinement. The 2020 Ford Escape is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts. It offers premium materials and the latest technology, raising the bar for what an average commuter SUV can be.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.