2020 Ford Escape vs 2019 Mazda CX-5
Overview | |
MSRP$24,350 | MSRP$24,885 |
Listings834 | Listings1823 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
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2019 Mazda CX-5 Reviews SummaryIn 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 SummaryIn 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 | |
Engine2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 181 hp I3 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower |
MPG City25 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway33 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 181 hp I3 |
Torque186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway33 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space30.9 cu ft | Cargo Space37.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight3541 lbs | Curb Weight3299 lbs |
Height66.2 in | Height66.1 in |
Length179.1 in | Length180.5 in |
Width83.3 in | Width85.6 in |
Wheelbase106.2 in | Wheelbase106.7 in |
Maximum Payload1034 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $24,350 | $24,885 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.3 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 1.5L 181 hp I3 |
Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 33 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 30.9 cu ft | 37.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3541 lbs | 3299 lbs |
Height | 66.2 in | 66.1 in |
Length | 179.1 in | 180.5 in |
Width | 83.3 in | 85.6 in |
Wheelbase | 106.2 in | 106.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 1034 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2020 Ford Escape if:
- You prefer a sleek design, modern cabin, and premium materials in a small SUV.
- You are interested in a vehicle with a variety of engine options, including hybrid setups.
- You prioritize advanced safety systems and a suite of modern technology features in a commuter SUV.
Choose the 2019 Mazda CX-5 if:
- You prioritize captivating looks, spirited performance, and a great level of design and refinement.
- You seek a midsize crossover with a comprehensive safety suite and high safety ratings.
- You value a vehicle that offers a tremendous deal with a great level of cost-effectiveness.
CarGurus highlights
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.
Choose the 2020 Ford Escape if:
Shop Now- You prefer a sleek design, modern cabin, and premium materials in a small SUV.
- You are interested in a vehicle with a variety of engine options, including hybrid setups.
- You prioritize advanced safety systems and a suite of modern technology features in a commuter SUV.
Choose the 2019 Mazda CX-5 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize captivating looks, spirited performance, and a great level of design and refinement.
- You seek a midsize crossover with a comprehensive safety suite and high safety ratings.
- You value a vehicle that offers a tremendous deal with a great level of cost-effectiveness.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.