Which is right for you and your loved ones, the 2024 Ford Escape or the 2024 Mazda CX-5? Our comparison guide is here to help you figure out which small SUV is the best fit!
Key Takeaways
- Both crossovers treat you to rich interior and supportive seating, but the Escape delivers the smoothest ride!
- Although the CX-5 delivers an impressive range of modern tech features, the Escape’s easy-to-use infotainment and reliable safety systems give it the edge.
- For the quickest ride, check out the Mazda CX-5 and its sporty Turbo Signature engine!
- The Escape’s available hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains offer major savings at the pump!
Is the 2024 Ford Escape Comfortable?
When it comes to everyday comfort, Escape is the best choice! Thanks to its comfort-tuned suspension, this small crossover sails over the occasional bump in the road. Inside, five roomy seats offer long-term comfort, with generous cushioning and supportive contours. And the Escape’s six trim models offer a wide range of upscale features, from leather upholstery to heated front seats.
Since the Mazda CX-5 is tuned more for performance than comfort, it can feel pretty stiff by comparison. Inside, though, Mazda’s small crossover treats you to roomy seating and a wealth of available upgrades. As you climb the trim levels, the CX-5 adds more and more features, including luxury features like heated and ventilated front seats.
What Technology Is Seen From the 2024 Ford Escape?
With a user-friendly infotainment system and a world-class list of safety aids, the Escape’s tech lineup is very impressive. Every trim model includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and easy access to your smartphone’s voice controls. And the standard list of safety aids — including blind-spot warning and forward collision mitigation — help you navigate dangerous highways. Moving up the Escape’s trim models means bigger and better things, like a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10-speaker B&O premium sound system!
Even if Mazda’s infotainment system involves a learning curve, it comes standard with an impressive setup. Every model features a 10.25-inch central touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. However, the wireless versions of this smartphone technology are only available on more expensive trim models. Like the Escape, the CX-5 comes standard with safety aids (such as blind-spot warning) and is available with a range of upgrades (including a 10-speaker Bose audio system).
Does the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Come With All Wheel Drive?
Not only does the Mazda CX-5 come standard with sporty all-wheel drive, but its suspension tuning adds more athleticism to your daily drive. This crossover is also available with the most powerful engine option, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 256 horses and 320 pound-feet (when running on 93 octane fuel).
Choose from two Mazda CX-5 engines, depending on trim model:
- 2.5L four-cylinder engine (184 horsepower, 186 lb-ft of torque)
- 2.5 Turbo and 2.5 Turbo Signature: 2.5L four-cylinder engine (227 hp, 310 lb-ft or 256 hp and 320 lb-ft running on 93 octane)
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
If the Escape doesn’t supply the most power, it certainly delivers the longest list of engine options. And that’s good news for drivers who prioritize fuel economy over power, since the Escape is available with either a classic hybrid or a plug-in hybrid powertrain! For drivers who crave maximum speed, however, there’s the turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Its 250 horsepower will have you jumping off the line with ease!
Choose from four Escape powertrain options, depending on trim model:
- Turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (180 horsepower, 199 lb-ft of torque)
- Turbo 2.0L four-cylinder (250 hp, 280 lb-ft)
- 2.5L hybrid four-cylinder (192 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- 2.5L plug-in hybrid four-cylinder (210 hp, 155 lb-ft)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Continuously variable transmission (hybrid and PHEV powertrains)
- Front-wheel drive
- Optional all-wheel drive
Is the 2024 Ford Escape Fuel Efficient?
Thanks to a variety of thrifty engine options, the Escape is the best choice for commuters. With its exclusive plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Escape PHEV trim model delivers the highest EPA ratings, earning 40 mpg combined in hybrid mode. This Escape can also travel up to 37 miles on electricity alone, boosting ratings to 105 MPGe!
Then there’s the Escape’s optional hybrid powertrain. Although it doesn’t have any EV capacity, it helps you save at the pump, with EPA ratings of up to 39 mpg combined (42 city/36 highway).
The Mazda CX-5’s thriftiest powertrain, the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, earns its best EPA ratings: 28 mpg combined (26 city/31 highway) Even compared to the Escape’s base engine — which earns up to 30 mpg combined (27 city/34 highway) — it can’t quite compete.
Is the 2024 Ford Escape Worth Buying?
While the 2024 Mazda CX-5 is a sporty option, the 2024 Ford Escape is our first choice overall. Drive home in Ford’s compact SUV for world-class ride comfort, easy-to-use infotainment, and incredible fuel economy!