In the past, every Mazda was created with some sort of Ford platform, and if you look at these two new editions into the small crossover category from Ford and Mazda, you could swear they are cut from the same cloth, but not true. The two automakers officially parted ways and Mazda had to go off on their own to create a brand new platform to host their new model vehicles on. The Mazda CX-5 is created around this new platform. The question is, how will it do in comparison to its fraternal twin looking rival the Ford Escape?
Both the 2013 Ford Escape and 2013 Mazda CX-5 debuted at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show that was held this past November. No matter which vehicle you were looking at, the representatives went out of their way to point out that while they may be in the same class, and look extremely similar to one another, they are completely separate in their overall design and engineering. They were also serious about pointing out that Ford and Mazda are in no way involved in creating the other automaker’s vehicle. It’s hard to see that when they look so much alike and are targeted to the same class of drivers.
Most obviously is the exterior design of the Escape and CX-5. If you look closer though you will notice that the Ford Escape is 1.2 inches shorter, and you can’t tell, but it also has a 0.4 inch shorter wheelbase. They are both the same width, although the Escape is a full inch slimmer in the front and rear tracks to offer significantly better handling.
Looking past the exterior, the 2013 Ford Escape has more power options with three four cylinder engines to choose from, while the 2013 Mazda CX-5 has only the Skyactiv four cylinder, which is fine if that is the engine you are in love with. For other features, both models seem to be pretty well matched up, with a big difference of Ford offering more standard options that you will have to pay extra for if you want them in the Mazda.
Source Autoblog