Ford Escape 73·Mazda CX-50 86on the MotiveGrid Score·Mazda CX-50 about $5,152 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the cheaper one to own — roughly $5,152 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Ford Escape counters with better mileage (30 vs 27 mpg combined) and more cargo room (37.5 vs 31.4 cu ft).
Go with the Mazda CX-50 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-50
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Ford Escape versus 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Metric
Ford Escape
Mazda CX-50
MotiveGrid Score
73
86
Cost of Ownership
75
90
Powertrain
64
67
Driver Assistance
16
32
Livability
55
60
Safety
93
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$47,839
$42,687
Depreciation (5-yr)
$17,117
$11,631
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$11,225
$12,187
Insurance (5-yr)
$9,785
$9,535
Maintenance (5-yr)
$2,490
$1,790
Tires (5-yr)
$1,750
$2,150
Financing (5-yr)
$4,566
$4,499
Registration (5-yr)
$905
$895
Starting Price
$30,350
$29,900
Horsepower
180 hp
187 hp
MPG (combined)
30 mpg
27 mpg
Cargo volume
37.5 cu ft
31.4 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
2,000 lbs
2,000 lbs
Drivetrain
FWD
AWD
Gas
2026$30,350
MSRP
$30,350
Mo · 5yr
$797
$47,839 / 5 years
Best on balance
Gas
2026$29,900
MSRP
$29,900
Mo · 5yr
$711
$42,687 / 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-50 scores higher overall.
Ford Escape
0
/ 100
Mazda CX-50
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Escape
75
CX-50
90
Winner: CX-50
$5,152 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Escape
64
CX-50
67
Winner: CX-50
+3 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Escape
16
CX-50
32
Winner: CX-50
+16 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Escape
55
CX-50
60
Winner: CX-50
+5 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Mazda CX-50 is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $5,152 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Ford Escape still wins if your priority is best on balance.
Daily commuter
Ford Escape
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Mazda CX-50
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Ford Escape
More cargo room
Highway driver
Mazda CX-50
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Mazda CX-50
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-50
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$711
$42,687 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$711/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Mazda CX-50 comes out about $5,152 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.
