2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Ford Escape

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo featured a distinctive design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, black side mirror housings, and matte black body cladding. This combination gave the vehicle a unique, floating appearance, as if it were cresting a hill at speed. The CX-30 stood out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots by being perceptually and physically higher off the ground, offering a more SUV-like experience. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3’s high-quality materials and upscale vibe, with stitched chocolate brown surfaces and a chrome accent around the engine start button. The Premium and Premium Plus trims offered black or white leather upholstery, enhancing the luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Escape had a more car-like appearance, resembling an enlarged Focus with its curved snout and sleek roofline. Despite this, it maintained the tall ride height of an SUV. The Escape’s design was less truck-like compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, but also less distinctive than the Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage. For 2021, the Escape introduced new appearance packages for three of its four trims, including the SE Sport Appearance Package, SEL Stealth AWD Package, and Titanium Elite Package. These packages added features like 19-inch alloy wheels, ActiveX upholstery with Miko Suede seat inserts, and leather-wrapped steering wheels.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. Torque was impressive, measuring 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive system contributed to its dynamic performance. The CX-30 Turbo had an EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 24.1 mpg. Mazda’s focus on acceleration g-force ensured a satisfying driving experience, with effortless acceleration and minimal torque steer. The vehicle’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and i-Activ AWD system enhanced handling, though the added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3. The CX-30 Turbo also featured an Off-Road mode, providing additional capability for light off-road driving.

The 2021 Ford Escape offered a variety of powertrains, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.0-liter turbo-four engine increased output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, available only with AWD. The Escape also had hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, both using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist, producing a combined 200 hp. The plug-in hybrid could drive significant distances on electric power alone. Despite the three-cylinder engine’s modest size, it provided adequate performance. However, the Escape’s chassis tuning left much to be desired, with sloppy suspension and steering making it less enjoyable to drive. The 2.0-liter engine models could tow up to 3,500 pounds with the optional Class 2 Trailer Tow Package.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin’s design focused on the driver, creating an intimate yet spacious feel. However, the rear seats were cramped for adults, though they did feature air conditioning vents. Cargo space was 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback.

The 2021 Ford Escape excelled in interior space, with near top-of-segment headroom and legroom in both rows. The standard sliding rear seat allowed for adjustable legroom or cargo space, with up to 40.7 inches of rear legroom in non-hybrid models. Cargo space varied, with gasoline models offering 33.5 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 65.4 cubic feet with it folded. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models had slightly less space due to the battery pack, but still provided ample room compared to competitors.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium trims added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Ford Escape used the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with a 4.2-inch touchscreen on base models. Upgrading to the SE trim added an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM. The Titanium trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. While Sync 3 was user-friendly, it lacked some of the latest tech features found in competitors.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. It came with a full suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS, including adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera, and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 system provided additional safety in emergencies.

The 2021 Ford Escape received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, park assist, and Evasive Steering Assist.