CX-5 GT or 2013 Escape SEL?

[BranCKY3]

I highly prefer the design of the CX-5 to that of the Escape (which IMO is already starting to look outdated). I don't regret my decision to buy a CX-5, especially after sitting in an Escape afterwards - not a fan of the Escape's cockpit.

 

[watermelon]

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 th:e other.

done a bit of searching, there are no recalls yet for the cx-5.

these are the following 2013 ford escape recalls
Make: FORD Model: ESCAPE
Model Year: 2013
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Report Receipt Date: SEP 04, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V431000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,146
Summary:
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through August 31, 2012, equipped with 1.6L engines. The cylinder head cup plug (freeze plug) may become dislodged resulting in significant loss of engine coolant.
Consequence:
As leaking engine coolant evaporates on the hot engine, the glycol may ignite causing an engine compartment fire.
Remedy:
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will seal the existing plug and add a secondary plug cover, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 11, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.
Notes:
Ford's recall campaign number is 12S39. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.


Make: FORD Model: ESCAPE
Model Year: 2013
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Report Receipt Date: JUL 18, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V336000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 9,320
Summary:
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Escape vehicles manufactured from October 5, 2011, through July 11, 2012, and equipped with a 1.6L engine. These vehicles have an engine compartment fuel line which may split, resulting in a leak.
Consequence:
If this leak occurs in the presence of an ignition source, there is an increased risk of a fire and/or personal injury.
Remedy:
Ford will notify and instruct owners to stop driving their vehicles and contact a Ford or Lincoln dealer to arrange pick-up of their vehicle. Customers will be provided with a rental vehicle if needed. The dealer will replace the engine compartment fuel line, free charge. The recall began on August 10, 2012. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.



Make: FORD Model: ESCAPE
Model Year: 2013
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Report Receipt Date: JUL 06, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V319000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STRUCTURE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8,266
Summary:
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 8, 2012 THROUGH JUNE 7, 2012. DUE TO MIS-POSITIONED CARPET PADDING THE CENTER CONSOLE TRIM PANEL MAY BE PUSHED OUTBOARD OF THE INTENDED POSITION, REDUCING CLEARANCE RELATIVE TO THE PEDAL PACKAGE.
Consequence:
THE REDUCED CLEARANCE MAY RESULT IN THE DRIVERS FOOT CONTACTING THE SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRANSFERRING THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CARPET PADDING AND LEFT-SIDE CONSOLE TRIM PANEL REPLACED WITH A NEW PANEL, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.




Make: FORD Model: ESCAPE
Model Year: 2013
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY Report Receipt Date: JUL 06, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V319000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICEDALS AND LINKAGES
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8,266
Summary:
FORD IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2013 ESCAPE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 8, 2012 THROUGH JUNE 7, 2012. DUE TO MIS-POSITIONED CARPET PADDING THE CENTER CONSOLE TRIM PANEL MAY BE PUSHED OUTBOARD OF THE INTENDED POSITION, REDUCING CLEARANCE RELATIVE TO THE PEDAL PACKAGE.
Consequence:
THE REDUCED CLEARANCE MAY RESULT IN THE DRIVERS FOOT CONTACTING THE SIDE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE TRANSFERRING THE FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, INCREASING STOPPING DISTANCES AND THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy:
FORD WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE CARPET PADDING AND LEFT-SIDE CONSOLE TRIM PANEL REPLACED WITH A NEW PANEL, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 20, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.

 

[watermelon]

those are recalls, but when i checked service bulletins, there were zero for the cx-5 and 2 for the escape 2013 model

then i checked complaints logged with the nhsta, there were about 6 different cx-5 complaints and 21 different Escape complaints. \these complaints have the same credibility as any complaints logged in any internet forum, so take them with a grain of salt since none of them have anything to verify them.

there was one notable complaint about the cx-5 that said they had foot on the gas while parking, the brakes suddenly got hard, while the steering got hard, and the car accelerated by itself. the guy crashed. but to me, that sounds like a -pedal misapplication accident where the guy thinks hes braking but hes pressing the gas. the gas and pedal systems are completely seperate. maybe the guy had super fat feet and was hitting both pedals without knowing it, i bet that happened.

coincidentally there were complaints about the pedals being too close together come to think of it.


anyways, the 2013 escape had jumped out into a solid lead of recalls, complaints and service bulletins by large margin.

I am thoroughly happy i chose the cx-5.

for the OP, on whether to choose a cx-5 or escape, let me just say that a very good reason to not go with the cx-5, is if you are unhappy with the 2.0 or upcoming 2.5 power output.

for the cx-5, all that means is you wont have off the line starting power if your an aggressive driver and want to always pass everyone off the line, and also you won't have strong passing power at high highway speeds (the domain of horsepower), but really, the cx-5 does have enough power for everyday and spirited driving, no complaints here.

ford escape? up to you!

 

[gova]

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.

I'd be really shocked if you got majority of responses as: "Buy an Escape" on Mazda forum.

 

[CX-SV]

Yes and research on a car-buying decision like this should go beyond listening to fanbois on internet forums.

 

[Bclar]

I Purchased the CX-5 GT back in June and now have 5800 miles on it. Other than a oil change the car has not been back to the dealer. Over the years I have had three Mazdas, A van-MPV a Miata and now the CX-5. None of them has mechanical issues and reflected great engineering. I am aware that the ford product has now had three recalls. None for the CX-5. The mileage on the CX-5 is what has been advertised. In my case, my GT, AWD gets 25 in the city and 31 on the road. Other than some different kind of noises when starting up the cold engine, I am thrilled with the car. The noises are probably very typical of a 4 cylinder and the Skyactive engeenering. No big deal...the AWD gets great miles per gallon and that is what I wanted.

Buy the CX-5. Be prepared for a waiting list.

Bob C

 

[MazdaDriverNJ]

LOL you realize you are posting this question on a Mazda forum, right?
I will echo the previous posts: get the Mazda. It is a Japanese car, and Escape has already had 2 recalls on this model.
2 reasons that stand out for me in your dilemma: cost (CX-5 a few thousand less), and MPG (Mazda's better).

I was also chosing between RAV4, Rogue, Escape, and CX-5 - got the CX-5 and i am pretty happy with it. My 2 cents.

 

[MikeM.]

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.

The Mazda is a far better thought out vehicle in terms of fit/finish and function. It's the first vehicle to use ultra-high tensile steel and 61% of the steel used in it's construction is high tensile steel making for a stronger but lighter chassis and occupant cage. While the 2013 Escape has not been crash test rated by the IIHS, the 2012 Escape fared much worse than the 2013 CX-5. Both the 2013 Escape and CX-5 have been crash tested by the NHTSA and the CX-5 comes out on top with better side crash protection for the driver. Nobody plans on crashing their vehicle but, accidents happen - which one would you rather be driving? Also, the CX-5 has better handling than the Escape and therefore is better suited to avoiding accidents in the first place.

With gas around $4/gallon the excellent real world fuel economy is one thing that should not be omitted. It's not just about saving money but less trips to the gas station is also nice.

 

[CX-SV]

While the 2013 Escape has not been crash test rated by the IIHS, the 2012 Escape fared much worse than the 2013 CX-5.

.

. The 2012 Escape is not applicable at all, old and dated design and different vehicle.
. The 2013 Escape has been crash-tested by IIHS and also is a "Top Safety Pick"

 

[MikeM.]

. The 2012 Escape is not applicable at all, old and dated design and different vehicle.
. The 2013 Escape has been crash-tested by IIHS and also is a "Top Safety Pick"

I see that the IIHS has released crash test data on the 2013 Escape. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.

If you look at the actual crash test data you will see that, although both the CX-5 and the Escape received the same "good" rating in all categories, the passenger compartment of the CX-5 deformed less overall and had lower g-force transmitted to the occupants on average compared to the 2013 Escape. In a crash with more force than administered in the standardized testing, this could be the difference between life and death.

I think the extensive use of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel in the CX-5 really paid off, not only in driving dynamics and efficiency but also in creating a stronger passenger compartment. However, I hope I never have to test this theory in the real world ;-)

 

[V8toilet]

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.

I looked at the stats and you're correct. The Escape was slightly quicker than the CX5 to 60 mph

Here are the stats from C&D,

......................................Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD.........Ford Escape SEL $WD

0-30 MPH.......................3.1 sec...............................................2.8 sec
0-60 MPH.......................9.4 sec...............................................9.1 sec
0-100 MPH.....................30.8 sec.............................................31.4 sec
0-110 MPH.....................43.2 sec.............................................46.7 sec
1/4-MILE @ MPH...........17.3 sec @ 82 MPH............................16.9 sec @ 81 MPH
ROLLING START,
5-60 MPH......................9.8 sec...............................................9.9 sec
TOP GEAR 30-50 MPH..4.8 sec...............................................4.8 sec
TOP GEAR 50-70 MPH..6.6 sec...............................................6.5 sec
C/D 200 MILE TRIP........26 mpg...............................................21 mpg
Weight...........................3486 pounds.......................................3716 pounds........difference of 230 pounds.

 

[CX-SV]

Yes ^ that's what I read. And after driving both back to back the turbo felt quicker which is no surprise.

 

[CCR76]

Weight...........................3486 pounds.......................................3716 pounds........difference of 230 pounds.

That's 230 pounds of extra road-hugging weight!

(Does anybody else remember Hugh Downs celebrating the Ford LTD's extra 'road-hugging weight' in a TV commercial many years ago? I was like 12 years old and even then it made me snort my lemonade through my nose when I heard it)

 

[CX-SV]

Ford car commercials on TV do have a long history of being incredibly bad.

 

[Smiley81]

Ford car commercials on TV do have a long history of being incredibly bad.

except for the one with Curt Schilling coming to Boston to "end an 86 year curse."

 

[MazdaDriverNJ]

Ford car commercials on TV do have a long history of being incredibly bad.

Oh no, I liked the one with Ford Explorer I think, or maybe Edge, where the woman says that she gets comments on the 20" wheels "I guess the 20s it's a good thing" It was just cute. Didn't make me want to buy Ford though

 

[CX-SV]

Oh no, I liked the one with Ford Explorer I think, or maybe Edge, where the woman says that she gets comments on the 20" wheels "I guess the 20s it's a good thing" It was just cute. Didn't make me want to buy Ford though

I remember that one, I've seen worse not that it mattered.

 

[Evan55]

nothing is worse than the camry commercial out right now with the annoying "real world" drivers who say its "grounded to the ground"

 

[CX-SV]

Personally I prefer car commercials with large hamsters.

 

[JF1444]

Like the OP, I too had narrowed down my search between the CX-5 and the Ford Escape and could not decide. I really liked both and have gone back and forth between the 2 for the past couple of weeks. Had excellent offers from both dealers too so price wasn't really the issue. Liked the way both drove and handled with an edge to the Escape since it had a more powerful 1.6T engine. I found acceleration better on the Ford.

In the end, I decided to go with the Cx-5 instead of the Escape solely based on reliability. Too many recalls after just a few months and some rather serious quirks and problems with the Escape. Only time will tell if I made the right choice!

Will be ordering the Cx5 in Metropolitan Grey today!