CX-5 GT or 2013 Escape SEL?

[eilaw]

We've been offered two pretty good deals on the 2013 CX-5 and 2013 Escape SEL.

The Mazda is a GT with the Tech pack The SEL has the 301A, Nav, Parking, and Tech packs.

The Mazda comes out to be a few thousand cheaper and the bells and whistles are about comparable. Each has features the other doesn't so it's a trade off.

I have test driven both and find they're both very similar, so it's really hard to make a decision right now. With the Ford employee pricing ending in a week, we need to decide soon.

My main priority is reliability and I have some concerns of that with the Escape. Our family buys cars the old fashioned way, that is we keep them for a long term rather than switching every few years. We also intend to keep the car for a long time simply because we can't afford to upgrade often.

We're also a small family, with a three year old and another joining us in a few months.

I've been reading and researching, and I hope some of you might have some insight on choosing one over the other.

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

Get the Mazda

It has SKYACTIVE and the most effective 6 Speed automatic (Never before have I seen a Manual and Automatic have virtually the same MPG)

 

[under200]

Another thing to consider since you keep them long (me too) is the resale value. Historically Japanese vehicles hold their value much better when you plan to trade in. An example, my 06 Corolla depreciated only 40% when I went to trade it in. Traded in American cars I owned in the past after the same period and they lost 60+%.
In the end I think the Mazda will hold more value over the Ford.

 

[Gio26NJ]

We are also a small family me, my wife and a soon to be 3 year old. Go for the CX-5 GT, I have it and very happy with it. You will not be disappointed in my opinion. Good luck.

 

[Macksma]

A few thousand cheaper should make the decision that much easier for two comparable automobiles that you like. [whisper]go with the Mazda[/whisper]

 

[CX-SV]

I drove both (and have Z-plan Ford pricing available to me, never ends). I did a back-to-back driving review that day. The Escape 1.6L turbo is a bit quicker and the gas mileage is significantly lower than CX-5, for me the price difference (due to Ford discounts available to me) was a non-issue.

You mentioned that "main priority is reliability ", that being the case your best bet is the Mazda. Most recent example of all-new Ford product release was the 2011 Explorer and that was not good. Overall between the 2 brands Mazda does better than Ford from a reliability standpoint no matter what major data source you refer to.

IMO, both the Escape 1.6L/2.0L turbos and the CX-5 are my top favorites in this class and I would be happy with either vehicle, even though you can see I selected the CX-5 GT.

 

[Buger]

We've been offered two pretty good deals on the 2013 CX-5 and 2013 Escape SEL.

The Mazda is a GT with the Tech pack The SEL has the 301A, Nav, Parking, and Tech packs.

The Mazda comes out to be a few thousand cheaper and the bells and whistles are about comparable. Each has features the other doesn't so it's a trade off.

I have test driven both and find they're both very similar, so it's really hard to make a decision right now. With the Ford employee pricing ending in a week, we need to decide soon.

My main priority is reliability and I have some concerns of that with the Escape. Our family buys cars the old fashioned way, that is we keep them for a long term rather than switching every few years. We also intend to keep the car for a long time simply because we can't afford to upgrade often.

We're also a small family, with a three year old and another joining us in a few months.

I've been reading and researching, and I hope some of you might have some insight on choosing one over the other.

If your main priority is reliability, I would think you want the CX-5. Regardless of the brand reliability (which favors Mazda), the reliability of a non-turbo will be better than one with a turbo. Having kids usually means that money is another priority and the Mazda seems to win out in this respect also (initial cost, fuel costs, repair costs, resale value, etc)

 

[Bcdad182]

Mazda of course!

If you go to a Ford forum they will tell you get the Mazda (NOT!)

We all have our biases! (shrug)

If reliability is your goal, note: Ford has just issued two recalls on the 2013 models and recently issued another on the older Escapes.

 

[Mithan]

Another thing you can consider is gas mileage. Over the life of the vehicle, the extra mileage will add up to a lot of money, more if prices raise significantly.

 

[Evan55]

The cx-5 is a little bigger. I like the new escape but the backseat is too small

Sync is pretty great though, voice commands for calling people, hands free, etc.

its a tough call

 

[splassoc]

Funny that you should ask this question I have a CX-5 Touring with the tech package and was looking to see if Ford was using the same platform for the new Escape, which I didn't find any evidence to support it, but upon further research the 2013 Escape already has a few recalls on it. It doesn't boast too much confidence in my opinion. I love my CX-5.

 

[thegrapeguy]

Does the Escape have the handy 40/20/40 seat split in the back? Mazda GT does and I love the space between the 2 back seats. I carry my 3 and 5 year old and still have room to put Daddy's toys inbetween like skis, 2x4's etc...

 

[MikeM.]

I have test driven both and find they're both very similar, so it's really hard to make a decision right now.

You are the first person I've heard that says there is not much difference between the way they drive.

Did you try them both on a bumpy road?

 

[Evan55]

a couple of the comparos said that they both drive very sporty and similarly

 

[CX-SV]

a couple of the comparos said that they both drive very sporty and similarly

Agreed, I've driven both back-to-back (CX-5 and Escape 1.6L turbo) and posted my mini-review that day. Difference in ride quality were minimal, Escape had a bit more road noise probably from choice of tires (Escape had 18's, CX-5 on 19's).

 

[eilaw]

Thanks for the thoughtful responses everybody. I posted a message over at an Escape forum and had a good response there too. We've decided to hold off purchase until next year's model.

We'll make our choice then based on what you guys, and the Escape owners, say after a year of wear and tear.

 

[CX-SV]

Speaking of the 2013 Escape, I saw the first 2.5L (the old leftover engine) fwd 2013 Escape yesterday. Even the rental car companies around here have the turbo engine versions of the Escape.

 

[V8toilet]

The Escape is something like 300 lbs heavier than CX5. I haven't driven the Escape but I would think the Mazda is just more chuckable and lighter on its feet feeling than the Escape no? Car and Driver testing also shows the Mazda being slightly quicker than the Escape 1.6 turbo.

 

[CX-SV]

The Escape is something like 300 lbs heavier than CX5. I haven't driven the Escape but I would think the Mazda is just more chuckable and lighter on its feet feeling than the Escape no? Car and Driver testing also shows the Mazda being slightly quicker than the Escape 1.6 turbo.

I've driven both Escape 1.6L and Cx-5 and posted mini review here. C&D testing showed 1.6L was a bit quicker, I agree. Gas mileage was not close.

 

[CCR76]

A golf bag will fit sideways in the back of the CX-5, but not in the Escape.