Mazda CX 30 vs Ford Escape: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Mazda CX 30 vs Ford Escape – As the compact SUV market continues to grow, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and 2023 Ford Escape are two models that are expected to compete for buyers’ attention.

Both vehicles offer plenty of features and amenities, but which one is the better choice? In this in-depth comparison, we will examine the differences between the Ford Escape and Mazda CX-30 in terms of price, performance, dimensions, safety features, and overall value.

What is The Main Difference Between Ford Escape and Mazda CX 30?

While the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Mazda CX-30 share similarities, there are some key differences that set them apart.

The main difference between the two compact SUVs is their driving experience. The Mazda CX-30 is more focused on delivering a sporty driving experience, while the Ford Escape is geared towards practicality and comfort.

Additionally, the Ford Escape is available in a hybrid version, while the Mazda CX-30 only offers traditional gasoline engines.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

When it comes to pricing, both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Ford Escape offer competitive options, catering to different budgets and preferences.

The Mazda CX-30 offers a compelling starting price of $22,950 for the base 2.5 S trim. This pricing is attractive to budget-conscious consumers looking for a stylish and reliable compact SUV.

However, what sets the CX-30 apart is the availability of seven different trim levels, providing a wide range of choices to suit various needs and desires.

Among the trim options, the 2.5 S Select trim stands out as the best value proposition, priced at approximately $25,000.

Despite being a mid-tier trim, it comes packed with an impressive array of standard features, making it an excellent option for buyers seeking a well-equipped vehicle without breaking the bank.

The 2023 Ford Escape enters the market with a starting price of $27,500. It is worth noting that the Escape offers multiple powertrain options, each with its own starting price.

The hybrid variant starts at $32,340, the turbo 4-cylinder model begins at $34,040, and the plug-in hybrid trim comes in at $38,500.

The pricing strategy of the Ford Escape aligns with the standards set by its competitors in the compact SUV class, including popular models like the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Chevy Equinox.

While the starting price may be slightly higher than that of the Mazda CX-30, the Escape compensates with a diverse lineup of powertrain choices, enabling consumers to find the perfect fit for their driving preferences and efficiency requirements.

Ultimately, when considering the pricing aspect, budget-conscious buyers may find the Mazda CX-30 more appealing due to its competitive starting price and value-packed trim options.

On the other hand, consumers willing to invest in a more diverse powertrain lineup and a wider range of available features may be drawn to the Ford Escape.

Read also: Lincoln Corsair vs Ford Escape

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for many buyers when choosing a compact SUV. The non-turbocharged Mazda CX-30 impresses with its commendable fuel economy figures.

The EPA estimates for the base model with front-wheel drive stand at 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 29 mpg combined.

These numbers make the CX-30 an attractive option for daily commuting and long highway trips, as it strikes a balance between city and highway efficiency.

For consumers considering the more powerful turbocharged engine option, it’s essential to be aware of the slight trade-off in fuel efficiency.

The EPA estimates for the turbocharged CX-30 indicate 22 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Despite this reduction in efficiency, the CX-30 Premium model managed to meet its EPA rating of 31 mpg during a 75-mph highway fuel economy test.

The Ford Escape offers a diverse lineup of engine choices, each with varying fuel efficiency ratings.

The turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, with front-wheel drive, is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid option, with EPA estimates of 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined.

Opting for all-wheel drive slightly lowers these figures to 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined.

During a 75-mph highway fuel economy route, an all-wheel-drive model with a turbo three-cylinder achieved an impressive 35 mpg, showcasing its efficiency in real-world driving conditions.

For those seeking even higher efficiency, the plug-in hybrid variant of the Ford Escape stands out.

The Escape PHEV earns EPA fuel economy ratings as high as 44 mpg city and demonstrates impressive fuel efficiency with a 36 MPGe result on the highway fuel economy test.

Dimensions

When it comes to choosing an SUV, understanding the dimensions is crucial, as it directly impacts passenger comfort and cargo space.

Let’s compare the dimensions of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Ford Escape to gain insights into their respective sizes and interior space.

2023 Mazda CX-30 Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

2023 Ford Escape Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

In conclusion, comparing the dimensions of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Ford Escape reveals distinct differences in size and interior space.

The Mazda CX-30 boasts a more compact and agile design, making it suitable for urban driving and tight parking spaces.

On the other hand, the Ford Escape offers a slightly larger footprint, providing more interior space for passengers and cargo.

If you prioritize maneuverability and a more city-friendly size, the Mazda CX-30 may be the preferred choice.

However, for those seeking additional interior space and a bit more room for passengers and luggage, the Ford Escape’s larger dimensions may be more appealing.

Read also: Volkswagen Taos vs Ford Escape

Colors

The color choices for the exterior and interior of a vehicle can significantly impact its overall appearance and personalization options. Let’s explore the available color selections for the Mazda CX-30 and the Ford Escape.

– 2023 Mazda CX-30

Exterior Colors:

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offers a range of sophisticated and vibrant exterior color options to suit various tastes and preferences.

From the sleek Machine Gray Metallic to the eye-catching Soul Red Crystal Metallic, Mazda provides buyers with the opportunity to select a color that reflects their individual style.

• Machine Gray Metallic
• Platinum Quartz Metallic
• Snowflake White Pearl Mica
• Soul Red Crystal Metallic
• Deep Crystal Blue Mica
• Jet Black Mica

Interior Colors:

The interior color choices for the Mazda CX-30 include a stylish White leather option and a classic Black leather option.

Both choices complement the exterior color range, allowing buyers to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look for their SUV’s interior.

– 2023 Ford Escape

Exterior Colors:

The 2023 Ford Escape provides an extensive array of exterior color options, catering to various preferences.

From the striking Cinnabar Red Metallic Premium Colorant to the classic Oxford White, Ford offers a diverse range of colors to suit different tastes.

• Vapor Blue Metallic
• Carbonized Gray Metallic
• Cinnabar Red Metallic Premium Colorant
• Atlas Blue Metallic
• Oxford White
• Agate Black Metallic
• Iconic Silver Metallic
• Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
• Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

Interior Colors:

The Ford Escape’s interior color choices include an elegant Ebony premium cloth option and a versatile Space Gray premium cloth option.

Both selections offer a comfortable and stylish interior environment for passengers.

When selecting the Mazda CX-30 vs Ford Escape, color preferences can play a significant role in the decision-making process.

Mazda’s CX-30 offers a modern and refined color palette for both the exterior and interior, catering to buyers who value sophistication and variety.

On the other hand, Ford’s Escape presents a wide range of exterior colors, including several metallic options, allowing for a bold and expressive look.

Additionally, the interior color options for both models offer premium choices to enhance the overall driving experience.

Safety Features

Ensuring the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians is a top priority for automakers, and both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Ford Escape are equipped with an array of advanced safety features.

Let’s explore the standard and optional safety features offered by each model:

Mazda CX-30 Safety Features:

The Mazda CX-30 comes with an impressive set of standard driver-assistance features to enhance safety on the road. These include:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: This feature detects potential collisions with both vehicles and pedestrians, providing automatic braking to mitigate or prevent accidents.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: The CX-30’s lane-departure warning system alerts the driver when unintentional lane drifting occurs. The lane-keeping assist function helps guide the vehicle back into the correct lane if necessary.

• Standard Adaptive Cruise Control: This system maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front, automatically adjusting the speed to match traffic conditions.

In addition to the standard safety features, the Mazda CX-30 offers optional safety enhancements, such as a head-up display and blind-spot monitoring.

The head-up display projects essential driving information onto the windshield, reducing distractions, while the blind-spot monitoring system alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, promoting safer lane changes.

Ford Escape Safety Features:

Ford takes safety seriously, equipping every Escape model with its Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features as standard. The key safety features offered on the 2023 Ford Escape include:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning with Automated Emergency Braking: This system detects potential frontal collisions and activates automatic emergency braking to reduce the severity of an impact or avoid a collision altogether.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: The Escape’s lane-departure warning alerts the driver when the vehicle veers from its lane unintentionally, and the lane-keeping assist helps steer the vehicle back into the lane.

• Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: The blind-spot monitoring system identifies vehicles in the Escape’s blind spots, while the rear cross-traffic alert warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of parking spaces.

Similar to the Mazda CX-30, the Ford Escape provides access to crash-test results through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Read also: Volkswagen Tiguan vs Ford Escape

Warranty

When purchasing a new vehicle, warranty coverage is an essential consideration, providing peace of mind and protection against unforeseen repair costs.

Let’s compare the warranty offerings for the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Ford Escape.

Mazda CX-30 Warranty:

Specific warranty details for the 2023 Mazda CX-30 have not been released yet. However, based on Mazda’s standard warranty coverage for other vehicles, we can anticipate the following:

• Limited Warranty: Mazda typically offers a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship during the specified period.

• Powertrain Warranty: Mazda’s powertrain warranty typically provides coverage for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. It covers the engine, transmission, and other critical components of the powertrain.

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Mazda does not usually offer complimentary scheduled maintenance with its vehicles.

While Mazda’s warranty coverage is competitive, it may not match the extended powertrain warranties offered by some of its rivals, such as Hyundai and Kia.

Ford Escape Warranty:

The 2023 Ford Escape comes with a standard warranty package, which includes the following coverage:

• Limited Warranty: Ford’s limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, providing protection against defects in materials or workmanship.

• Powertrain Warranty: Ford’s powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles, offering coverage for the engine, transmission, and other vital powertrain components.

• Hybrid Component Warranty: For the Escape hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, Ford offers an extended warranty for the electrified powertrain components. This hybrid component warranty provides coverage for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Similar to Mazda, Ford does not provide complimentary scheduled maintenance with its vehicles.

While Ford’s standard warranty package is competitive, the extended coverage for hybrid components makes the Escape hybrid models particularly attractive for those seeking longer-term protection for the hybrid powertrain.

Specifications

The specifications of a vehicle are essential in understanding its performance capabilities and engineering features.

Both vehicles offer competent powertrains with similar technologies like direct injection and variable valve timing, but there are notable differences in engine size and configuration.

Let’s compare the key specifications of the Mazda CX-30 and the Ford Escape.

2023 Mazda CX-30 Specs:

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is equipped with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder gas engine, providing 191 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

It features a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for enhanced traction and handling.

With variable valve timing and direct injection technology, the CX-30 offers a balance of power and fuel efficiency.

2023 Ford Escape Specs:

The 2023 Ford Escape comes equipped with a 1.5-liter inline 3-cylinder gas engine, delivering 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 190 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.

It features an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for capable performance on various terrains.

The Escape’s engine also incorporates variable valve timing, direct injection, and cylinder deactivation for improved efficiency and power delivery.

Pros and Cons

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Ford Escape are both popular choices in the competitive compact SUV market, each offering distinct advantages and drawbacks.

Mazda CX-30 Pros:

• Upscale Interior Design and Build Quality: The Mazda CX-30 boasts a well-crafted interior with high-quality materials, providing a premium and luxurious feel for both driver and passengers.

• Advanced Safety Features Come Standard: Mazda prioritizes safety, equipping the CX-30 with advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking as standard, enhancing overall safety on the road.

• Poised Handling and Refined Ride Quality: The CX-30 delivers a balanced driving experience, with precise handling and a refined ride, making it enjoyable for both city driving and highway cruising.

• Powerful Optional Turbocharged Engine: For those seeking extra power and performance, the optional turbocharged engine in the CX-30 provides a notable boost in horsepower and torque, catering to spirited driving.

Mazda CX-30 Cons:

• Transmission Can Be Slow to Downshift: Some reviewers have noted that the CX-30’s transmission can be a bit slow to downshift, impacting responsiveness in certain driving situations.

• Significant Rear Blind Spots: The CX-30’s rear design may lead to significant blind spots, requiring extra caution and attention when changing lanes or parking.

Ford Escape Pros:

• Roomy and Comfortable Seating: The Ford Escape offers ample passenger space and comfortable seating, providing a pleasant and accommodating environment for both short commutes and long journeys.

• Smooth Ride Quality: The Escape’s suspension system delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, minimizing road imperfections and ensuring a pleasant driving experience.

• Easy-to-Use Controls: Ford’s intuitive and user-friendly controls make it effortless for drivers to access various functions and features, enhancing convenience and driving enjoyment.

• Available Hybrid Powertrain with High Fuel Efficiency: The Ford Escape’s available hybrid powertrain option offers excellent fuel efficiency, achieving around 40 mpg, making it an environmentally friendly choice for eco-conscious buyers.

Ford Escape Cons:

• Transmission’s Abrupt Shifts: Some reviewers have noted that the Escape’s transmission can exhibit abrupt shifts, potentially affecting the overall driving experience.

• Lackluster Handling: While the Escape provides a comfortable ride, some drivers may find the handling to be less engaging and dynamic compared to other competitors in the segment.

In conclusion, the Mazda CX-30 excels in offering an upscale interior, standard advanced safety features, and a powerful optional turbocharged engine.

However, potential buyers should be aware of the transmission’s downshifting behavior and the presence of significant rear blind spots.

On the other hand, the Ford Escape impresses with its roomy and comfortable seating, smooth ride quality, and available hybrid powertrain with high fuel efficiency.

However, the transmission’s abrupt shifts and less engaging handling may be areas of consideration for some buyers.

Ultimately, choosing between the Mazda CX-30 and the Ford Escape depends on individual preferences and priorities.

Both models provide attractive features, and drivers should carefully evaluate their specific needs and driving preferences to find the best fit for their lifestyle and driving style.

FAQs

Is the Mazda CX-30 the same as Ford Escape?

No, the Mazda CX-30 and Ford Escape are two distinct models from different automakers. While they share similarities, such as their compact SUV design and available advanced features, they have different driving experiences, engine options, and overall design.

What car is the Mazda CX-30 comparable to?

The Mazda CX-30 is often compared to other compact SUVs in its class, such as the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Seltos.

However, it stands out with its premium design and upscale interior, making it a popular choice for buyers looking for a more luxurious driving experience.

Is the Ford Escape the best compact SUV?

The Ford Escape is one of the best compact SUVs on the market, offering a range of advanced features, excellent performance, and a comfortable and spacious interior.

However, whether or not it is the best compact SUV will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Other popular options in the segment include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5.

Is the Ford Escape the same as a Mazda?

No, the Ford Escape and Mazda are two distinct models from different automakers. While they may share similarities in their design and available features, they have different engine options, driving experiences, and overall design.

The Ford Escape is designed and manufactured by Ford, while the Mazda CX-30 is designed and manufactured by Mazda.

Read also: Toyota Highlander vs Kia Sorento

Customer Reviews

Here are some customer reviews comparing the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Mazda CX-30:

• “I test-drive both the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Mazda CX-30 before making my decision, and I ultimately went with the CX-30. While the Escape had a more spacious cargo area, I preferred the fuel efficiency and overall design of the CX-30. The interior felt more premium and upscale, and the handling was smoother and more responsive.” – James K.

• “I’ve owned both Ford and Mazda vehicles in the past, so I was excited to compare the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Mazda CX-30. Ultimately, I went with the Escape because of the range of engine options and the advanced infotainment features. While the CX-30 was impressive, I felt like the Escape offered more in terms of performance and technology.” – Robert S.

• “As someone who prioritizes safety features, I was impressed by both the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Mazda CX-30. However, I ultimately went with the CX-30 because of its available safety features, like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. It gave me peace of mind while driving, especially on long road trips.” – Michael E.

• “I was pleasantly surprised by the interior space and overall comfort of the 2023 Ford Escape. While I was initially drawn to the Mazda CX-30 for its fuel efficiency, I ended up going with the Escape because of the more spacious interior and range of engine options. It’s a great option for families or anyone who needs more cargo space.” – William K.

Overall, it seems that both the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Mazda CX-30 are well-regarded by customers, with each having its own unique strengths and weaknesses.

Ultimately, which one is the better choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Mazda CX-30 vs Ford Escape requires careful consideration of individual preferences and priorities.

The Mazda CX-30 impresses with its affordable pricing, fuel efficiency, and stylish interior, making it an excellent option for urban commuters and small families.

On the other hand, the Ford Escape stands out with its extensive feature list, spacious interior, and advanced safety technology, appealing to those seeking a more comprehensive package.

Ultimately, your decision should be based on your unique needs and lifestyle. Take the time to test drive both models, consider the features that matter most to you, and weigh the pros and cons.

Whichever compact SUV you choose, both the Mazda CX-30 and the Ford Escape represent formidable contenders in the 2023 compact SUV market.

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