2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select vs 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line
$605 less vs 3 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $605 price gap, 187 vs 180 hp, 25 vs 28 MPG.
The CX-5 2.5 S Select leads on $605 less. The Escape ST-Line leads on 3 MPG better. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select | 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $31,990 | $32,595 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 1.5L I3 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft | 199 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 23 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.3 gal | 15.7 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,550/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,856 lbs | No published data |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 106.7" |
| Length | 184.6" | 181.2" |
| Width | 73.2" | 74.1" |
| Height | 66.7" | 66.0" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select and 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select starts at $31,990, $605 less than the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line at $32,595. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $11/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select is the stronger pick when you want to keep $605 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line?
The 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $180/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select or 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line?
The 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line rates 28 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select or 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select produces 187 hp, 7 more than the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line at 180 hp. The 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line also leads in torque at 199 lb-ft vs 186 lb-ft. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line uses a 1.5L I3 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select bigger than the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line?
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select is 3.4″ longer at 184.6″ vs 181.2″. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select has a 4.1″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Mazda trims, Mazda CX-5 trims, Ford trims, Ford Escape trims
How the CX-5 and Escape Stack Up
Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select ($31,990) and 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line ($32,595) solve similar problems in different ways. The $605 gap is about $11/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Powertrain: CX-5 vs Escape
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line uses a 1.5L I3 Turbo. The 7 hp difference (187 vs 180) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line saves roughly $180/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $900. The 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line costs more upfront but recovers some of that gap through lower running costs. At $180/year in savings, it takes about 3.4 years to close the $605 sticker difference.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select when you want to keep $605 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S Select covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Ford Escape ST-Line when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $180/year less on fuel. At $11/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mazda or Ford or any dealership.