Ford Escape vs Mazda CX-50
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Mazda CX-50
Overview
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Active | 2.5 S Select |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $30,350 | $29,900 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | $12,380 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $23,296 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $26,380 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 15 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| City MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 24 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.8 gal | 15.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 187 hp (best) |
| Torque | 199 lb-ft (best) | 185 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 1.5 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I3 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 65.4 cu ft (best) | 56.3 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Curb weight | 3,273 lbs (best) | 3,741 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 8.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.7 in | 110.8 in (best) |
| Length | 180.1 in | 185.8 in (best) |
| Width | 74.1 in | 75.6 in (best) |
| Height | 66 in (best) | 63.5 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford EscapeActive | Mazda CX-502.5 S Select |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 2 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Escape | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Active $30,350 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 S Select $29,900 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Active $31,750 MSRP | 2.5 S Preferred $32,400 MSRP |
| 3 | ST-Line $31,195 MSRP | 2.5 S Meridian Edition $33,150 MSRP |
| 4 | ST-Line $32,595 MSRP | Hybrid Preferred $34,750 MSRP |
| 5 | ST-Line Select $33,890 MSRP | 2.5 S Premium $34,900 MSRP |
| 6 | ST-Line Select $35,015 MSRP | 2.5 Turbo $37,900 MSRP |
| 7 | Plug-In Hybrid $35,400 MSRP | Hybrid Premium $38,150 MSRP |
| 8 | Platinum $36,215 MSRP | 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition $40,400 MSRP |
| 9 | ST-Line Elite $37,210 MSRP | Hybrid Premium Plus $40,450 MSRP |
| 10 | Platinum $37,940 MSRP | 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus $42,900 MSRP |
| 11 | ST-Line Elite $38,935 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Ford Escape15 for sale
See all
Used2023 Ford Escape
Active
Iconic Silver Metallic•Ebony28,848 mi$23,483Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2023 Ford Escape
Active
Iconic Silver Metallic•Ebony20,025 mi$23,483Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2023 Ford Escape
Active
Agate Black•Ebony29,876 mi$23,483Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2024 Ford Escape
ST-Line
Vapor Blue Metallic•Ebony w/Red Stitching24,445 mi$24,270Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2017 Ford Escape
Titanium
White Gold•Charcoal Black107,648 mi$12,380Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Used2025 Ford Escape
Platinum
Agate Black Metallic•Ebony32,710 mi$26,380Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Ford Escape vs Mazda CX-50 FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Mazda CX-50?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Mazda CX-50 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Mazda CX-50?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 starts lower at $29,900. Live Ford Escape listings start at $12,380.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Mazda CX-50?
- The 2026 Mazda CX-50 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (29,900).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Mazda CX-50?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (40).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Mazda CX-50?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (37).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Ford Escape or 2026 Mazda CX-50?
- The 2026 Ford Escape leads on horsepower in this comparison (250).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Ford Escape vs 2026 Mazda CX-50?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Escape (5/5 NHTSA overall); Mazda CX-50 (5/5 NHTSA overall).