2025 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2025 Ford Escape Comparison

The variety of small SUVs available today is stunning. A newcomer to the segment, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 adds to the pool of SUVs that are off-road capable but still practical for daily use. It reflects the growing demand for a small crossover that’s able to travel off the tarmac.

Meanwhile, the 2025 Ford Escape answers another call: refinement and space without a massive monthly payment. The Escape — which has been around for two decades — can handle four sets of golf clubs and five occupants. In short, it’s roomy for people and cargo.

Here’s how these two compact SUVs compare.

2025 Mazda CX-50

Now in its third year, the Mazda CX-50 enjoys a reputation as an off-road capable, rugged addition to Mazda’s lineup. Features like all-wheel drive, black wheel cladding, and 18-inch all-terrain wheels make it more adventurous and capable of going off-road than other Mazda SUVs. A turbo variant significantly raises the power quotient with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when using 93-octane fuel. New this year is a third powertrain option, a fuel-efficient hybrid, with the debut of the 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 starts at $31,720, including destination charge.

Mazda CX-50 Highlights 

Trail-ready: The CX-50’s reputation as a mild off-roader is bolstered with specialized dampers, enhanced ground clearance, and rugged body cladding. Escape drivers can wait for you at the trailhead.

On-road and off: Adventurous when the pavement ends, this SUV enjoys an appealing duality — handling daily commutes and errands with aplomb plus off-road skills. Vehicles good at both, like the Mazda CX-50, are rare.

Standard AWD: Mazda has designed the new CX-50 with standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a dedicated off-road mode. Its i-Activ system actively controls torque distribution and can detect the slightest change in wheel speed to prevent slippage.

Read our Mazda CX-50 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-50 models for sale near you.

2025 Ford Escape

A well-established nameplate, the Ford Escape remains a popular option in the small SUV segment. It offers good value in an attractive package. Initially modeled after a rugged little Explorer, it received a makeover a few years ago, giving it a rounder, more sophisticated look.

Aside from four powertrain options, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that provide a mix of excellent power and fuel economy, the Escape offers ample room for passengers and an impressive amount of space for cargo. Like the CX-50, it can also tow up to 3,500 pounds, allowing for lighter recreational toys or even a small boat.

Available in six trim levels — Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid — pricing for the Escape starts at $29,490, including destination fee.

Ford Escape Highlights

Technology: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the SYNC 4 system allows the driver to handle various tasks using the 12-inch touchscreen available on some models.

Powertrain choices: A 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine putting out 180 hp comes standard, but Ford offers several options. If you want more power, try the 2.0-liter EcoBoost 4-cylinder and get 250 hp. The two hybrid options, conventional and plug-in, provide more power and better fuel economy than the base engine.

Plenty of space: Escape offers abundant space, especially for cargo, where it outshines the Mazda CX-50.

Read our Ford Escape Expert Review or see 2025 Ford Escape models for sale near you.

Similarities

These SUVs are about the same size and come with all the latest safety and infotainment technology.

Conclusion

Both the veteran Ford Escape and relative newcomer Mazda CX-50 have found a bevy of buyers, and each has the kind of practicality and ease of use that drivers of small SUVs desire. The Escape benefits from a lower starting price, the choice of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, and more cargo space. The Mazda CX-50, meanwhile, is ready for enjoyable adventures both on road and off, has all-wheel drive standard, is the fresher of the two models, and now has a hybrid option of its own. This is a close match, and each will be right for specific buyers. Weigh the pros and cons of each and test-drive both to see which pulls your heartstrings.

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-50 vehicles and New 2025 Ford Escape vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

	2025 Mazda CX-50	2025 Ford Escape
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	1.5-liter turbo 3-cylinder
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6,000 rpm	180 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	199 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission	6-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy	24 city/30 highway/27 combined mpg	27 city/34 highway/30 combined
Also Available	2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder; hybrid	2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder/2.5-liter hybrid/PHEV/CVT
Specs
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5 stars	5 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5	5
Wheelbase	110.8 inches	106.7 inches
Overall Length	185.8 inches	180.1 inches
Width	80.8 inches with mirrors	85.6 inches with mirrors
Height	63.5 inches	66.0 inches
Turning Diameter	36.0 feet	37.7 feet
Headroom, Front	39.1 inches	40.0 inches
Headroom, Rear	38.6 inches	39.3 inches
Legroom, Front	41.7 inches	42.4 inches
Legroom, Rear	39.8 inches	40.7 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	55.9 inches	57.6 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	53.6 inches	56.0 inches
Cargo Volume	31.4/56.3 cubic feet	37.5/65.4 cubic feet