New 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Ford Escape in Dover, OH

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape are two options you will likely come across if you are shopping for a new compact SUV. Both offer comfort, useful space, and modern features that fit daily driving, but they deliver a different overall experience.

The Mazda CX-5 is known for its more refined interior, smooth handling, and upscale feel that stand out in the crossover SUV segment. The Ford Escape leans more toward practicality and flexibility, with a focus on simple, easy-to-use design.

For drivers in Dover, Canton, and New Philadelphia searching for a small SUV near me, this comparison will help break down what each model offers so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle best.

Trims & Starting MSRPs: 2026 Mazda CX-5 Vs Ford Escape Near New Philadelphia

When it comes to pricing and trim options, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape give shoppers a range of choices, but they structure their lineups a bit differently. The CX-5 starts at $29,990* with five trims available, offering a focused lineup that keeps things simple while still covering a wide range of features and upgrades.

The Ford Escape starts at $28,231 with employee pricing and offers six trims, giving shoppers a slightly broader selection at a lower entry price point. Both SUVs provide multiple ways to build the right new compact SUV, depending on budget and feature preferences for a 2026 SUV for sale search.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Trims

2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S: Highlights include a 12.9" center touchscreen and cloth-trimmed seats.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S Select: Highlights include leatherette-trimmed seats and a frameless auto-dimming mirror.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S Preferred: Highlights include a power rear liftgate and 19" machine-cut wheels.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S Premium: Highlights include leather-trimmed seats and a power panoramic moonroof.

2026 MAZDA CX-5 2.5 S Premium Plus: Highlights include a 15.6" center touchscreen and a 360° View Monitor.

2026 Ford Escape Trims

2026 Ford Escape Active®: Highlights include available all-wheel drive and a 6-way manual driver seat.

2026 Ford Escape ST-Line®: Highlights include an 8-way power driver seat with red stitching and 18" Rock Metallic-painted aluminum wheels.

2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Select®: Highlights include standard all-wheel drive, heated front-row seats, and a heated steering wheel.

2026 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite®: Highlights include a 13.2" center display and Ford Co-Pilot® Assist+ with Adaptive Cruise Control.

2026 Ford Escape Platinum™: Highlights include standard all-wheel drive and a 13.2" center display.

2026 Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid®: Highlights include a 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 hybrid engine and a 13.2" center display.

Design & Space: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Ford Escape Near Canton

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape both seat five and offer practical everyday space, but they take different paths when it comes to design. The CX-5 leans into a more premium, driver-focused feel, while the Escape focuses on flexibility and convenience features.

Style and Interior Feel

The Mazda CX-5 is made with a more refined, upscale approach. Its exterior has an evocative silhouette that gives it a sense of motion, even when parked. Inside, available premium materials like two-tone or Sport Tan leather and ambient lighting help create a more comfortable and elevated cabin experience.

The Ford Escape takes a more functional design approach with a simple, open layout. It offers an available LED light bar for a modern touch and focuses on everyday usability.

Space and Practicality

The CX-5 offers up to 66.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, giving you strong flexibility for road trips, gear, or daily errands. It also includes a programmable power rear liftgate for added convenience.

The Escape provides up to 65.4 cubic feet of available cargo space behind the front row and also includes a power liftgate for easier loading.

Comfort and Features

The CX-5 adds extra comfort-focused details like ambient lighting and a panoramic moonroof with tilt function, helping enhance the overall driving experience.

The Escape offers a panoramic Vista Roof® with power shade for an open-air feel while driving.

Performance: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Ford Escape in Dover

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape offer a strong mix of efficiency and everyday capability, but they take different approaches to performance. The CX-5 focuses on a more connected driving experience with standard AWD and a balanced powertrain, while the Escape gives drivers more engine and hybrid options to choose from.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Performance Highlights

SKYACTIV®-G 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine

187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque

6-speed automatic transmission

Standard i-ACTIV AWD®

Mi-Drive with Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes

EPA-estimated 24 MPG city / 30 MPG highway / 26 MPG combined

2026 Ford Escape Performance Highlights

Standard 1.5L engine with 180 horsepower

Available 2.0L EcoBoost engine with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque

Two available hybrid powertrain options

Selectable drive modes including Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Normal

AWD 1.5L EcoBoost models rated at up to 26 MPG city / 32 MPG highway / 28 MPG combined

AWD 2.0L EcoBoost models rated at up to 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway / 26 MPG combined

Tech Highlights: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Ford Escape Near New Philadelphia

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape offer modern technology features, but they feel a little different once you are behind the wheel. The CX-5 has a cleaner layout with larger screens and more built-in features throughout the cabin. The Escape focuses more on simple, everyday usability and straightforward controls.

2026 Mazda CX-5 Tech Highlights

15.6-inch center touchscreen display

10.25-inch Digital Gauge Cluster

Google Built-in®

Mazda Connected Services

MyMazda App with remote access features

Apple CarPlay®

Android Auto™

Available Bose® Sound System

2026 Ford Escape Tech Highlights

13.20-inch center display

Wireless charging pad

Apple CarPlay®

Android Auto™

Ford Co-Pilot360® Technology

Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®

Safety: 2026 Mazda CX-5 vs Ford Escape Near Canton

The 2026 Mazda CX-5 and Ford Escape come with advanced driver-assist technology designed to help support confidence on the road. The CX-5 focuses on creating a more connected and aware driving experience through its i-Activsense® safety systems, while the Escape offers a wide range of standard and available features through Ford Co-Pilot350®.

The CX-5 also benefits from Mazda’s strong reputation for safety, helping give Ohio drivers added peace of mind during everyday driving.

i-ACTIVSENSE®

Blind Spot Monitoring

Road Keep Assist

Head-on Traffic Avoidance

Vehicle Exit Warning

Parking Sensors

Smart Brake Support - Rear Crossing

Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking

Blind Spot Assist

Reverse Brake Assist

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering

Ford Co-Pilot®

Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking

Bling Spot Assist

Reverse Braking Assist

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane Centering

Stop by Dover Mazda to Test Drive the 2026 Mazda CX-5 Today!

If you are ready to see the 2026 Mazda CX-5 up close, stop by Dover Mazda, located at 135 West Broadway Street, Dover, OH 44622. Our team helps Dover, Canton, and New Philadelphia drivers explore everything from our newest SUV models to quality pre-owned options.

You can also save time before your visit by getting pre-approved online or valuing your trade-in from home. When you are ready, schedule a test drive or give us a call at (330) 343-7781, and we will help you take the next step!

* Excludes tax, title, license, registration and insurance; advertised price includes $398 dealer doc fee.

May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)

DISCLAIMERS:

*MSRP excludes taxes, title, license fees and $1,495 destination charge (Alaska $1,540). Vehicle shown may be priced higher. Actual dealer price will vary. See dealer for complete details.

Employee Pricing is available at participating dealers. Employee Starting At Price is for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. See dealer for details.

Please remember to properly secure all cargo.

Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and weight distribution.

MPG based on EPA estimates for 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S models, 24 city/30 highway/26 combined MPG. Actual results will vary.

Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard. Your results may vary.

Actual fuel economy may vary.?

Don’t drive while distracted. Some features may require cellular or Wi-Fi service; some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in motion. To use features with Google built-in, a data connection is required via Mazda Connected Services (MCS) or a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Messages and data rates may apply. Certain Google actions and functionality may require account linking. Google, Google Play, Google Maps and Gemini are trademarks of Google LLC.
Connected services are subject to change at any time without notice. Mazda Connected Services is provided during a 1-year trial period; monthly subscription fees apply thereafter. Use of MyMazda App and compatible phone are required. Connected services require cellular or Wi-Fi service. Data fees may apply. Never drive while distracted or while using a hand-held device. Please see your Owner’s Manual for important feature details and related privacy information.

Connected services are subject to change at any time without notice. Mazda Connected Services is provided during a 1-year trial period; monthly subscription fees apply thereafter. Use of MyMazda App and compatible phone are required. Connected services require cellular or Wi-Fi service. Data fees may apply. Never drive while distracted or while using a hand-held device. Please see your Owner’s Manual for important feature details and related privacy information.

Requires compatible phone and standard text and data rates apply. Third-party interface providers are solely responsible for their product functionality and third-party terms and privacy statements apply. Don’t drive while distracted or while using a hand-held device. Google and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC. Apple CarPlay, iPhone and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc.

Qi wireless charging may not be compatible with all mobile phones.

Feature availability varies by model.

Always check your mirrors. Be aware of the traffic around you. There are limitations to the range and detection of the system. Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.