Ford Escape 73·Mazda CX-5 80on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-5 about $4,372 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-5 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $4,372 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Escape counters with better mileage (30 vs 26 mpg combined) and more cargo room (37.5 vs 33.7 cu ft).
Go with the Mazda CX-5 for the better long-term value; consider the Ford Escape if you prioritize better gas mileage and more cargo space.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Ford Escape vs. Mazda CX-5
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Escape versus 2026 Mazda CX-5.
Metric
Ford Escape
Mazda CX-5
MotiveGrid Score
73
80
Cost of Ownership
75
84
Powertrain
64
62
Driver Assistance
16
32
Livability
55
51
Safety
93
100
5-Year Cost to Own
$47,839
$43,467
Depreciation (5-yr)
$17,117
$12,146
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$12,829
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,785
$9,545
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$1,750
Financing (5-yr)
$4,566
$4,512
Registration (5-yr)
$905
$895
Starting Price
$30,350
$29,990
Horsepower
180 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
26 mpg
Cargo volume
37.5 cu ft
33.7 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
1,500 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$30,350
MSRP
$30,350
Mo · 5yr
$797
$47,839 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Gas
2026$29,990
MSRP
$29,990
Mo · 5yr
$724
$43,467 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Mazda CX-5 scores higher overall.
Ford Escape
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-5
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Escape
75
CX-5
84
Winner: CX-5
$4,372 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Escape
64
CX-5
62
Winner: Escape
+2 pts
Good fuel economy▲
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Escape
16
CX-5
32
Winner: CX-5
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Escape
55
CX-5
51
Winner: Escape
+4 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-5 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $4,372 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Escape still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Ford Escape
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-5
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Mazda CX-5
Better safety rating
Highway driver
Mazda CX-5
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-5
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Ford Escape
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$797
$47,839 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$797/mo
Mazda CX-5
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$724
$43,467 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$724/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-5 comes out about $4,372 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
