Ford Escape vs Mazda CX 9: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Ford Escape vs Mazda CX 9 – As the crossover market continues to grow, automakers are introducing new models to compete with customers. Two of the latest offerings are the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 Mazda CX 9.

Both are stylish and packed with features, but which one is the best for you? In this in-depth article, we will compare the two vehicles and help you decide which one to buy.

What is The Main Difference Between Ford Escape and Mazda CX 9?

Ford Escape vs Mazda CX 9
Ford Escape vs Mazda CX 9

The main difference between the Ford Escape and Mazda CX 9 is their size. The Ford Escape is a compact SUV, while the Mazda CX 9 is a midsize SUV.

This means that the Mazda CX 9 is larger and has more interior space than the Ford Escape. However, the Ford Escape is more agile and easier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

When it comes to pricing, the 2023 Ford Escape has a starting price of around $27,500, while the 2023 Mazda CX 9 starts at around $41,500. This makes the Ford Escape a more affordable option, especially for those who are on a tight budget.

If you are looking for a family SUV, the Mazda CX 9 is the better option due to its larger size and extra cargo space. However, if you are looking for a more agile and maneuverable SUV, the Ford Escape is the way to go.

Read also: Volkswagen Tiguan vs Mazda CX 9

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2023 Ford Escape comes with three engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine, a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, and a hybrid powertrain.

The 1.5-liter engine produces 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.0-liter engine produces 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque.

The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 200 horsepower.

On the other hand, the 2023 Mazda CX 9 comes with a single engine option: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

In terms of performance, both the Ford Escape and Mazda CX 9 offer a smooth and comfortable ride. However, the Mazda CX 9’s larger engine provides more power and better acceleration than the Ford Escape’s engines.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2023 Ford Escape is known for its impressive fuel economy, especially when equipped with a hybrid powertrain.

The hybrid model gets an estimated 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter engines get an estimated 28-30 mpg in the city and 33-34 mpg on the highway.

The 2023 Mazda CX 9, on the other hand, has a lower fuel economy due to its larger engine. It gets an estimated 22-24 mpg in the city and 28-27 mpg on the highway.

Read also: Audi Q3 vs Mazda CX 9

Exterior Dimensions

As mentioned earlier, the Ford Escape is a compact SUV, while the Mazda CX 9 is a midsize SUV. The Ford Escape has a length of 180.5 inches, a width of 74.1 inches, and a height of 66.1 inches.

The Mazda CX 9, on the other hand, has a length of 199.4 inches, a width of 77.5 inches, and a height of 72.4 inches.

The Mazda CX 9’s larger size means it has a more commanding presence on the road, but it may be more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.

Interior and Comfort

The 2023 Ford Escape’s interior is modern and sleek, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly infotainment system.

It can seat up to five passengers comfortably, but its smaller size means that the rear seats may be a bit cramped for taller passengers.

The 2023 Mazda CX 9’s interior is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for up to seven passengers.

It has a luxurious feel, with high-quality materials and advanced technology features. However, the third-row seats may be a bit tight for adult passengers.

Infotainment

Both the Ford Escape and Mazda CX 9 come with advanced infotainment systems. The Ford Escape features an 8-inch touchscreen display with Ford’s SYNC 3 system, which includes features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The Mazda CX 9 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen display with Mazda’s Connect infotainment system, which also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Read also: Volkswagen Taos vs Ford Escape

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2023 Ford Escape and Mazda CX 9 both come with a wide range of safety and driver-assistance features.

The Ford Escape comes with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.

The Mazda CX 9 comes with i-Activsense, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Ford equivalent to the Mazda CX-9?

The Ford equivalent to the Mazda CX-9 is the Ford Explorer, which is also a midsize SUV.

What Mazda is the same as Ford Escape?

There is no Mazda equivalent to Ford Escape, as the Escape is a compact SUV and Mazda does not currently offer a vehicle in that category.

Which is better Ford Edge or Mazda CX-9?

The Ford Edge and Mazda CX-9 are both midsize SUVs, but they have different strengths. The Ford Edge is known for its athletic handling and sporty performance, while the Mazda CX-9 is known for its spacious and luxurious interior. Ultimately, the better choice will depend on the buyer’s priorities and needs.

Is the Mazda CX-9 a Ford Edge?

No, the Mazda CX-9 is not a Ford Edge. While they are both midsize SUVs, they are made by different manufacturers and have different features and capabilities.

Customer Reviews on the Compare 2023 Ford Escape vs Mazda CX 9

After researching and test-driving both the 2023 Ford Escape and Mazda CX 9, customers have shared their opinions on which SUV is the better choice for their needs. Here are some of the reviews:

Positive Reviews for the 2023 Ford Escape:

  • “I absolutely love my 2023 Ford Escape! It’s the perfect size for my family and I, and it handles so smoothly on the road. The infotainment system is easy to use, and the safety features give me peace of mind while driving.” – Anthony K.
  • “The 2023 Ford Escape is such a great value for its price. It’s affordable, but it still feels luxurious and well-made. I love how it looks, and I’m impressed by how fuel-efficient it is.” – Steven G.
  • “I’m so glad I chose the 2023 Ford Escape over other compact SUVs. It’s a joy to drive, and the interior is surprisingly spacious. I also appreciate the cargo space, which makes it easy to take everything I need on road trips.” – Paul S.

Positive Reviews for the 2023 Mazda CX 9:

  • “The 2023 Mazda CX 9 is truly a luxury SUV. The interior is so comfortable and high-quality, and the technology features are top-notch. I also appreciate how powerful the engine is, which makes merging onto highways and passing other cars a breeze.” – Andrew S.
  • “As a family of six, we needed an SUV that could comfortably seat everyone. The 2023 Mazda CX 9 has exceeded our expectations in terms of space and comfort. Even our teenage kids appreciate the third-row seats, which are surprisingly roomy.” – Kevin D.
  • “The Mazda CX 9 has such a sleek and stylish design, and it drives like a dream. I love how smooth and quiet it is on the road. It also has plenty of cargo space, which is great for family vacations.” – George A.

Overall, customers seem to be happy with both the 2023 Ford Escape and Mazda CX 9. While the Ford Escape is praised for its affordability and agility, the Mazda CX 9 is loved for its luxury and spaciousness.

Ultimately, it will come down to personal preferences and needs when deciding which SUV to purchase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2023 Ford Escape vs Mazda CX 9 are both impressive SUVs with their own unique strengths.

The Ford Escape is a more affordable and agile option, while the Mazda CX 9 offers more space and power. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your needs and preferences.

If you prioritize agility and affordability, the Ford Escape may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize space and power, the Mazda CX 9 may be the way to go.