Compare the2026 Ford Escape FHEVVS 2026 Mazda CX-5

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Ford Escape FHEV achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mazda CX-5 has not been tested.

Both the Escape FHEV and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all-wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 5 times as many Ford dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Escape FHEV’s warranty.

The Escape FHEV has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

The battery on the Escape FHEV is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the Escape FHEV’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The CX-5’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Escape FHEV first among compact suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The CX-5 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 32 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Ford higher than Mazda.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Ford vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ford 3 places higher in reliability than Mazda.

The Escape FHEV’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 5 more horsepower (192 vs. 187) than the CX-5’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

On the EPA test cycle the Escape FHEV gets better fuel mileage than the CX-5 (42 city/36 hwy vs. 24 city/30 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the Escape FHEV’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Escape FHEV has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Escape FHEV has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Escape FHEV’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-5’s standard 65 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Escape FHEV has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-5.

The Escape FHEV has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CX-5’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Ford Escape FHEV may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 200 to 350 pounds less than the Mazda CX-5.

The Escape FHEV is 4.5 inches shorter than the CX-5, making the Escape FHEV easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Escape FHEV uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Escape FHEV has .3 inches more front headroom, .7 inches more front legroom, .9 inches more rear hip room and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-5.

The Escape FHEV has a larger cargo volume than the CX-5 with its rear seat up (34.4 vs. 33.7 cubic feet).

An optional locking center console keeps your small valuables safer in the Escape FHEV. The CX-5 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The Escape FHEV can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Escape FHEV can be unhitched and driven around locally. The CX-5 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Escape FHEV uses the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The power windows standard on both the Escape FHEV and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Escape FHEV is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Escape FHEV’s available exterior PIN entry system. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

The Escape FHEV’s standard Intelligent Access allow you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CX-5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

Both the Escape FHEV and the CX-5 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Escape FHEV offers optional rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-5 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to traditional radio, the Ford Escape FHEV’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-5 Premium.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Ford Escape FHEV, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Ford Escape outsold the Mazda CX-5 by 3052 units during 2025.