2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Ford Escape presented a departure from its earlier, more rugged design, embracing a European-inspired aesthetic. The refresh introduced a more traditional front end, replacing the previous grille with a sophisticated LED light bar and the iconic Ford blue oval logo. The ST-Line Elite trim, which we tested, featured 19-inch wheels and body-color mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance akin to a Mazda CX-5. Inside, the Escape's diamond-stitched leather upholstery looked appealing but felt somewhat hard, though the seats were comfortable for long drives. Despite the abundance of plastic materials, the interior was designed to withstand wear over time.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 boasted a striking design with a long hood and dramatic flanks, though its gray body cladding detracted from its elegance. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model we tested featured a tasteful interior with off-white leather and polished metal accents, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV. The cabin was upscale, with quality materials and a combination of colors that enhanced its premium feel. However, the exterior's ruggedness was more of an illusion, as the interior prioritized elegance and comfort over off-road capability.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered a range of powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque. This engine could be paired with either FWD or AWD, providing competitive performance within its segment. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, exclusively with AWD. Despite its impressive output, the Escape's suspension remained soft, prioritizing comfort over performance. The brakes provided predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged version producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with premium fuel. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30 excelled in handling, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, making it enjoyable on twisty roads. However, the small fuel tank limited its range, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps, impacting ride comfort. The turbocharged engine provided robust acceleration, but the transmission's behavior in traffic was less than ideal.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics, including a well-positioned steering wheel and armrests. The head-up display was easy to adjust, enhancing the driving experience. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space, with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, lagging behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Rear-seat legroom was also slightly less than some rivals, though headroom was commendable.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. However, the front passenger seat offered only four-way manual adjustment. Rear-seat legroom was tight, though the seatbacks were padded for comfort. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest bin and glove compartment providing organization. The CX-30's cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, lacking additional storage solutions.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring an optional 13.2-inch touchscreen that enhanced the cabin's look. The system was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, the system was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient. Despite these minor issues, the overall tech experience was positive.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws, including the absence of a touchscreen display. The center console controls required frequent glances, and the voice-recognition system was not intuitive. The lack of a tuning knob further complicated radio operation. Despite these shortcomings, the system featured Bluetooth, HD Radio, and smartphone integration. The Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose sound system, but the overall user experience was hindered by the interface design.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, the IIHS did not award it a Top Safety Pick due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact protection and standard rear side airbags. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, and Traffic Jam Assist. The safety systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning was overly sensitive in some situations.