2020 Ford Escape vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Ford Escape presented itself as an attractive compact crossover, borrowing design elements from the outgoing Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks, with headlights inspired by the Ford GT supercar. Its curvaceous design marked a departure from the more upright rear end of its predecessor, which came at the cost of some cargo space. Despite this, the Escape remained one of the best-looking small SUVs, trailing only behind the Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Cherokee. Inside, the Escape boasted a modern cabin with a digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, maintaining a balance between futuristic design and practical control placement.

In contrast, the 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in executing a premium feel, with captivating style and continual product improvements. The model year saw enhancements in standard equipment, cabin appearance, and noise reduction. The CX-5's design, rooted in Mazda's "Kodo" styling, remained appealing and distinctive. Inside, the Signature trim offered a luxurious experience with Nappa leather upholstery and real wood accents, although the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast against the predominantly black interior. Mazda's commitment to premium quality was evident, making the CX-5 a strong contender in the compact SUV segment.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of powertrains, including a new three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, standard in the S, SE, and SEL trims. The lineup also included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium trim. Additionally, the Escape featured hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with the hybrid setup generating 198 horsepower. The Escape's driving dynamics were enhanced by direct steering and responsive brakes, providing an athletic feel. The hybrid variant was the most fuel-efficient, achieving 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city with FWD.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GT Turbo and Signature trims featured a turbocharged version, offering 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium fuel. The CX-5's driving experience was engaging, thanks to G-Vectoring Control Plus technology, although excessive body motions in corners detracted from its sporty appeal. The turbocharged engine was less fuel-efficient, averaging 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. Despite this, the CX-5 remained a delight in typical driving situations, with responsive steering and brakes.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleek design resulted in reduced cargo space compared to its predecessor, offering 974 litres behind the second row and up to 1,852 litres with the rear seats folded. This was less than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the Escape prioritized passenger space, providing ample headroom and legroom for second-row passengers. The front seats offered commanding positions with good visibility, and the cabin featured numerous storage solutions, including deep water-bottle holders and multiple compartments.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5, while stylish and upscale, had a more cramped interior compared to segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5's focus on an upscale cabin and standard equipment aimed to offset this limitation. The interior featured classy gauges and metallic accents, with heated front seats standard across all trims. The Signature trim added luxury with Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Cargo space measured 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the seats folded. The CX-5's front seats were comfortable, though rear legroom was limited.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim featured a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, while the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim included a head-up display, though its flip-up screen design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers. The Sync system allowed for multitasking, enhancing the user experience.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system, inspired by luxury brands, featured a 7-inch touchscreen in the GX trim, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The GT trim added a 10-speaker Bose sound system and navigation, while the Signature trim included a surround-view camera. Interaction with Mazda Connect was possible through the touchscreen, centre console controls, or voice recognition, though the latter was less reliable. The system required customization for optimal use, with steering controls recommended for ease of operation.

The 2020 Ford Escape came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. It earned a "Good" rating from the IIHS in all testing phases. The standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard ADAS features like smart city brake support, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high marks in individual testing parameters.