2021 Ford Escape vs 2021 Mazda CX-5: Choosing Versatility

The Ford Escape has been completely redesigned this year and features a host of new technologies that keep it ahead of the pack in its segment. After twenty years on the market, the Escape gets top-of-the-line interior equipment, precise driving dynamics and an all-new hybrid version. Here we compare it to the Mazda CX-5.

State-of-the-art powertrains and a hybrid option for the 2021 Escape

The 2021 Ford Escape offers an impressive choice of powertrains. First, the base versions rely on a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Next, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that unloads 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque takes charge of propelling the higher variants.

There's also the all-new hybrid variant, which combines a mutated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to develop 209 horsepower. This hybrid is equipped with PHEV technology, which means that it can be plugged in and run on 100% electric power. It’s ideal for city trips!

As for the Mazda CX-5, we have two engines. Two four-cylinder gasoline engines that make roughly the same power as the Escape's two gasoline options, and no hybrid option whatsoever.

None of the CX-5’s engines offer the fuel efficiency of the Escape Hybrid, which has a rating of 8.6 L/100 km on the highway and 6.1 L/100 km in the city against 7.9 L/100 km and 8.9 L/100 km for the CX-5 under the same conditions.

Plus, the towing capacity isn't there either. The CX-5 has a maximum towing capacity of 907 kg, which is well below the 1,587 kg offered by the 2021 Escape.

Finally, the two gasoline engines of the Escape come with an eight-speed automatic transmission while there is a more outdated six-speed automatic on the Mazda CX-5.

Inside, the Ford Escape offers up to 1,062 liters of cargo space behind the tailgate with passengers in the rear and up to 1,852 liters with the second row folded down. The Mazda CX-5 offers just 875 liters in the normal configuration and 1,687 liters with the second-row seats folded down.

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