2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2021 Ford Escape

2021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Mazda CX-5
$25,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape
2021 Ford Escape
$25,555MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mazda CX-5
$25,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape
$25,555MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$25,370

MSRP

$25,555

Average price

$24,467

Average price

$21,827

Listings

4313

Listings

1970
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fun to drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Unintuitive technology
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap

2021 Mazda CX-5 Reviews Summary

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a competitive compact SUV for buyers looking to satisfy the needs of the typical family. For the 2021 model year, Mazda has enhanced the model’s tech and discontinued the unpopular diesel engine in the United States. There’s also a new Carbon Edition for buyers to choose from. Despite the changes, the highlights and quibbles about the SUV are mostly unchanged from the 2020 model year.

2021 Ford Escape Reviews Summary

The Ford Escape is the Blue Oval’s compact crossover SUV, and one of the most important models in the automaker’s lineup. It competes in one of the most popular market segments of the moment, against popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester.

Ford also views the Escape as the de facto choice for a large slice of its customers. After the automaker eliminated sedans and hatchbacks from its United States lineup, the Escape was left as the most logical choice for keeping existing Fusion and Focus owners in the Ford fold. So in a 2020 model year redesign, Ford gave the Escape more car-like styling, and emphasized fuel efficiency.

Following that redesign, the 2021 Escape is largely unchanged. The only differences are new appearance packages and exterior colors, an available tow package, and slightly improved fuel economy for the base powertrain. The trim-level lineup of S, SE, SEL, and Titanium carries over as well. So while we didn’t get a chance to drive a 2021 Escape, we can evaluate it based on our experience with the 2020 model.

No video found
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

28

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

34
2021 Mazda CX-5
2021 Mazda CX-5
$25,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape
2021 Ford Escape
$25,555MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mazda CX-5
$25,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Ford Escape
$25,555MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$25,370
$25,555
Average price
$24,467
$21,827
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
4.3
Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

6.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fun to drive
  • Great safety ratings
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Unintuitive technology
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Easy-to-use technology
Cons
  • Uninspired styling
  • Underwhelming base engine
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Summary
The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is a competitive compact SUV for buyers looking to satisfy the needs of the typical family. For the 2021 model year, Mazda has enhanced the model’s tech and discontinued the unpopular diesel engine in the United States. There’s also a new Carbon Edition for buyers to choose from. Despite the changes, the highlights and quibbles about the SUV are mostly unchanged from the 2020 model year.

The Ford Escape is the Blue Oval’s compact crossover SUV, and one of the most important models in the automaker’s lineup. It competes in one of the most popular market segments of the moment, against popular vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan Rogue, and Subaru Forester.

Ford also views the Escape as the de facto choice for a large slice of its customers. After the automaker eliminated sedans and hatchbacks from its United States lineup, the Escape was left as the most logical choice for keeping existing Fusion and Focus owners in the Ford fold. So in a 2020 model year redesign, Ford gave the Escape more car-like styling, and emphasized fuel efficiency.

Following that redesign, the 2021 Escape is largely unchanged. The only differences are new appearance packages and exterior colors, an available tow package, and slightly improved fuel economy for the base powertrain. The trim-level lineup of S, SE, SEL, and Titanium carries over as well. So while we didn’t get a chance to drive a 2021 Escape, we can evaluate it based on our experience with the 2020 model.

Video
No video found
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
28
MPG Highway
31
34
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