The 2018 Ford Escape and the Mazda CX-5 are two remarkable options in the crossover SUV class. They share capable performance, practical interior layouts, and an array of features, but there are some differences to consider when choosing between them.
Drivers in Newport, Cincinnati, and Covington can explore the key differences between the 2018 Ford Escape and the Mazda CX-5 with our comprehensive comparison.
Performance
Both the Escape and the Mazda CX-5 offer an inline-four as the base engine, though there are more powerful upgrades for the Escape. A 179-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbo-four and a 245-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo-four are on the offer, giving you more fuel efficiency, capability, and performance to tailor the Escape to your needs.
Front-wheel drive is standard for both, with the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive. The turbo-four options for the Escape use shift paddles to adjust the driving experience, and the simulated torque vectoring system clamps the front brakes individually to improve cornering and limit body roll. Otherwise, both vehicles ride well and maintain their surefootedness on slick roads with the optional all-wheel drive.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Ford Escape and the Mazda CX-5 share comfortable, supportive seats with durable cloth upholstery and leather upholstery upgrades. Passengers in either vehicle will enjoy long drives in the contoured seating, though the Escape offers more space to stretch out. Compared to its rivals, the Mazda CX-5 has a cramped rear seat that limits the capacity to two passengers and isn't comfortable for taller adults.
Behind the rear seat, the Escape has 34 cubic feet of space, which expands to 68 cubic feet. The Mazda CX-5 has one of the smallest cargo holds in the class, with a maximum cargo capacity of 60 cubic feet. It also lacks additional features for cargo loading, such as the two-position load floor and gesture-controlled tailgate of the Escape.
Technology
The Escape offers an 8-inch touchscreen SYNC® 3 infotainment system, complete with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ smartphone integration, which gives you plenty of entertainment possibilities for long drives. A 390-watt Sony premium sound system with 12 speakers, satellite radio, and HD Radio™ are also available, expanding the options for media and on-the-go information. The Mazda CX-5 has an available 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though it's more menu-intensive and lacks the ease-of-use of the SYNC® 3 system. Smartphone integration is not offered by the Mazda CX-5.
Advanced safety features like Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Park Assist are available for both vehicles, which use sensors and camera systems to help you stay aware of your surroundings on the road and alert you to a potential crash. The 2018 Ford Escape has the Teen Driver system, however, which allows you to set parameters for the speed, sound volume, and other functions when a young driver is using the vehicle. The Mazda CX-5 has no equivalent system.
Test Drive the Escape at Fuller Ford
Because they have so many similarities, we hope that this comparison helped you decide between the Ford Escape and the Mazda CX-5. Although both are worthy vehicles, we think the Escape has more to offer all-around, with its spacious cabin, unique safety features, and variety of engine options. Come see for yourself!
Drivers in Newport, Cincinnati, and Covington can learn more about the 2018 Ford Escape by visiting Fuller Ford. Call or stop by our dealership to schedule your test drive!