Compare the2026 Ford EscapeVS 2026 Mazda CX-70

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Ford Escape achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mazda CX-70 has not been tested.

Both the Escape and the CX-70 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Escape is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Escape is safer than the Mazda CX-70:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 5 times as many Ford dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Escape’s warranty.

The Escape has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Escape’s reliability 12 points higher than the CX-70.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Escape first among compact suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The CX-70 was rated second in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. With 32 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Ford higher than Mazda.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Ford vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Ford 3 places higher in reliability than Mazda.

As tested in Car and Driver the Ford Escape turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Mazda CX-70:

On the EPA test cycle the Escape gets better mileage than the CX-70 running its gasoline engine:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the Escape 1.5 Turbo’s fuel efficiency. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The Escape has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

The Escape stops much shorter than the CX-70:

The Escape AWD handles at .87 G’s, while the CX-70 PHEV SC Plus pulls only .82 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Escape’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the CX-70’s (37.2 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The Ford Escape may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1450 to 1650 pounds less than the Mazda CX-70.

The Escape is 1 foot, 8.7 inches shorter than the CX-70, making the Escape easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Escape uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-70 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Escape has .3 inches more front headroom, .7 inches more front legroom and 1.3 inches more rear legroom than the CX-70.

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Escape easier. The Escape’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28.1 inches, while the CX-70’s liftover is 31.2 inches.

An optional locking center console keeps your small valuables safer in the Escape. The CX-70 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Escape’s available exterior PIN entry system. The CX-70 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

Compared to traditional radio, the Ford Escape’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-70 Premium.

The Escape is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-70 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

The Ford Escape outsold the Mazda CX-70 by over 10 to one during 2025.