Which SUV Stands Out in 2025: Ford Escape Platinum or Mazda CX-5 Signature?
If you’re searching for the best compact SUV of 2025, two names likely top your list: the 2025 Ford Escape Platinum and the Mazda CX-5 Signature. These high-end trims are more than just commuter vehicles—they’re statements of design, performance, and innovation. Both come packed with premium features, elevated styling, and intelligent safety systems designed to meet the demands of drivers in Lancaster, Palmdale, Antelope Valley,and Mojave.
This article breaks down the critical differences between these two top-tier SUVs. We’ll compare powertrains, technology, safety, interior comfort, and overall value. If you’re weighing which one offers more for your money—or just fits your lifestyle better—you’re in the right place.
If you’re ready to see the Escape Platinum in person, contact or visit Diamond Ford to learn more. Our team is here to help you find the compact SUV that fits your drive—and your life.
How Do the Powertrains and Performance Features Compare?
When it comes to daily drive power and weekend road trip strength, the 2025 Ford Escape Platinum vs Mazda CX-5 Signature comparison is closer than you might think. Both SUVs come loaded with standard all-wheel drive and offer strong performance designed to handle city streets, open highways, and everything in between.
The Power Beneath the Hood
Here’s how each model stacks up when it comes to engine power and tuning:
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| 2025 Ford Escape Platinum | 2.0L EcoBoost® Turbocharged I-4 | 250 hp | 280 lb-ft |
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 Signature | 2.5L SKYACTIV®-G Turbocharged I-4 | 256 hp (with premium fuel) | 320 lb-ft |
The Escape delivers quick throttle response and smooth torque. Its 2.0L EcoBoost engine is tuned for speed and control. In real-world driving, you’ll feel its strength most when passing, merging, or climbing steep grades near Mojave or Palmdale.
The CX-5 Signature has a slightly stronger turbocharged engine—on paper. But it needs premium fuel to reach that full output. With regular fuel, numbers drop. That’s something worth noting if you want great power without a higher gas bill.
All-Wheel Drive as Standard
Both the Escape Platinum and CX-5 Signature come with AWD as standard. This gives you peace of mind when rain hits in Lancaster or when desert dust thickens in Antelope Valley. The systems on each model are smart and adaptive:
- Escape AWD: Helps shift torque to the rear wheels when needed. Ideal for slick roads or light trail use.
- CX-5 AWD: Uses real-time data to help grip the road. Smooth and refined, even on sharp curves.
Drive Modes and Fuel Efficiency
Drive mode settings help match the SUV to your route. The Escape includes selectable drive modes like Normal, Eco, Sport, and Slippery. The CX-5’s Mi-Drive system offers Normal, Sport, and Off-Road.
Fuel economy also matters when comparing compact SUVs. Here’s a quick look:
| Model | EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy) |
| 2025 Ford Escape Platinum | 23 / 31 |
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 Signature | 22 / 27 |
The Escape edges out the CX-5 here, giving drivers in Southern California more range and fewer gas stops.
Top-Tier Trims for Top-Level Driving
It’s worth pointing out that the Escape Platinum sits at the top of the Ford Escape trim levels. This means it combines top-end power with advanced features you won’t find on lower trims. The CX-5 Signature plays a similar role in Mazda’s lineup, but at a higher starting price.
In this 2025 SUV comparison, performance favors the Escape for those who want a strong balance of power, fuel savings, and control—without needing premium fuel to enjoy the drive.
Which SUV Offers More Advanced Technology and Infotainment?
If you’re shopping for the best compact SUV for 2025, tech is likely high on your list. Whether you’re stuck in traffic on the 14 or headed out to Mojave, the right features make every drive smoother.
Both the Escape and CX-5 come packed with tech. But how they use that tech—how easy it is to see, hear, or touch—makes all the difference.
Screen Size and Layout
Let’s start with the display systems:
| Model | Screen Size | System Features |
| Escape Platinum | 13.2″ LCD Touchscreen | Clear layout, fast response, simple menus |
| CX-5 Signature | 10.25″ Center Display | Controlled by knob; more focus on safe use |
The Escape gives you a wide touchscreen with sharp visuals. You can tap, swipe, and zoom like your phone. It’s fast and made for quick use in the city.
The CX-5 system uses a dial to scroll through apps. It’s safer while driving, but takes time to learn. Some drivers may like this; others may prefer direct touch.
Connectivity and Daily Use
These are some of the tools you’ll use most in day-to-day driving:
Escape Platinum:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Voice controls with quick replies
- Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ for smart alerts and maps
CX-5 Signature:
- Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ (wired and wireless)
- 360° View Monitor to help with tight spots
- Active Driving Display for speed and signs in your line of sight
Driving in Busy Areas
Both systems aim to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes up. But how they work in real-world use can vary.
- In Lancaster traffic, the Escape’s larger screen and voice tools make it easy to switch songs, check maps, or take calls.
- The CX-5’s display is a little smaller and the knob takes more steps. However, its head-up display helps you spot changes in speed limits without looking down.
Both SUVs offer a smart blend of tools. Still, in a side-by-side match, the Escape pulls ahead for ease of use and screen size. If you’re comparing the best compact SUV 2025: Escape or CX-5, tech may tip the scales in Ford’s favor.
How Do the Safety Features of the Escape Platinum and CX-5 Signature Measure Up?
When safety matters most, both the Escape and CX-5 rise to the challenge. Each SUV brings a full list of tools made to help keep you and your family safe on the road. Whether you’re heading down the 138 or driving through downtown Lancaster, these features are designed to help you feel more in control.
Standard Safety Tools at a Glance
| SUV Model | Key Safety System |
| Escape Platinum | Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+ |
| CX-5 Signature | Mazda i-Activsense® |
Both systems give you alerts, driver aids, and active features to help avoid risk.
Escape Platinum Features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Blind Spot Info System with Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
- Lane-Keeping System with alert and assist
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
These tools work in sync to help spot things you may miss—like a car in your blind spot or someone crossing at night. Escape Platinum features are built for both fast freeways and tight town streets in places like Mojave and Palmdale.
Mazda CX-5 Signature Safety tools include:
- Smart Brake Support (Front and Rear)
- Driver Attention Alert
- 360° View Monitor with parking alerts
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist
- Adaptive Front-Lighting System for curves at night
These features are also active while you drive. They look out for hazards and help correct your path if needed. The CX-5’s Driver Attention Alert is great for long drives across Antelope Valley, where fatigue can build fast.
Crash Ratings and Peace of Mind
The 2024 CX-5 earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the NHTSA. While the 2025 Escape has not yet been rated, previous models also scored well in government tests. The Escape Platinum adds more tools than lower trims, giving drivers more peace of mind for daily drives and family trips.
If you want a compact SUV with smart, built-in safety, both of these models are strong picks. But if you’re looking for more driver support without adding extra cost, the Escape has a slight edge in ease of use and depth of features.
What Can Drivers Expect from Interior Comfort and Cabin Design?
Comfort matters on every trip—short drives through Lancaster or long weekends out past Mojave. Whether you’re focused on style, space, or smart layout, both the Escape and CX-5 aim to deliver. But they do it in different ways.
Look and Feel
The top Ford Escape trim levels, including the Platinum, offer a clean, high-tech cabin. Touchpoints are soft. Finishes are modern. The layout is easy to use, with controls placed where they make sense.
In the Mazda CX-5 Signature, you’ll find upscale touches like Caturra Brown Nappa leather and real layered wood trim. It feels more like a luxury car inside. If style is your top need, Mazda might get your vote.
Comfort for Every Seat
Both SUVs seat five. But seat feel and space vary.
| Area | Escape Platinum | CX-5 Signature |
| Front Seats | Plush, heated, roomy | Heated, refined leather |
| Rear Seats | Roomy with easy fold | Sculpted, less legroom |
| Cargo | Flexible space with fold-flat row | Smaller with raised floor |
In the Escape, the rear seat splits 60/40 and folds flat. That helps with larger items—great for a day trip to Antelope Valley or a move across Palmdale. It’s easy to flip down seats with one hand, too.
Smart Use of Space
Escape’s cabin is built for tech and gear. USB ports are easy to reach. Storage is well-placed. The space feels open, and the tall roof helps with headroom.
The CX-5 is more closed in. Its layout leans toward looks over size. Rear seat passengers may notice less leg and knee room on longer drives.
Which Interior Works Best for You?
If you love sleek design and refined finishes, the Mazda CX-5 is hard to beat. But if you want more room, better use of space, and smart cabin tools, the Escape makes a strong case. For buyers looking at all the Ford Escape trim levels, the Platinum offers the best blend of style and function for daily life in Southern California.
Which SUV Offers Better Value for the Price in 2025?
When choosing your next SUV, price matters—but so does what you get for it. In this 2025 SUV comparison, both the Escape Platinum and CX-5 Signature offer premium features. Still, one gives you more for less.
Starting Prices
Let’s look at what you’ll spend before any add-ons or savings:
| Model | Starting MSRP |
| Ford Escape Platinum | $35,310 |
| Mazda CX-5 Signature | $40,800 |
That’s a difference of over $4,000. For many drivers in Lancaster, Palmdale, or Mojave, that’s real savings.
Standard Features That Count
Both SUVs include all-wheel drive, leather seats, and advanced safety tools. But the Escape Platinum also comes with:
- A larger 13.2″ touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+
- Power liftgate
In the CX-5 Signature, many of the same features are included, but at a higher cost. You’ll find a more upscale finish and features like:
- Caturra Brown Nappa leather
- 360° View Monitor
- Active Driving Display
It’s refined, but you pay more for looks and less for extra tech.
Ownership Costs and Coverage
Both SUVs come with solid warranty plans:
| Coverage Type | Ford Escape | Mazda CX-5 |
| Basic | 3 years / 36,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Costs beyond warranty—like gas and upkeep—also favor the Escape. With better fuel economy and a lower base price, it helps stretch your dollar further.
Available Incentives
At Diamond Ford, drivers near Lancaster and Antelope Valley may qualify for:
- Ford lease and finance deals
- Loyalty or trade-in bonuses
- Regional offers that change each month
Ask the team at Diamond Ford about what’s available now. They’ll help you get the most for your trade and drive away with more value.
In this match-up, the Escape gives you strong features, smart design, and a better price—all without cutting corners. For drivers comparing options in 2025, it’s a value that’s hard to ignore.
Which SUV is more spacious?
The Ford Escape Platinum offers more cargo space and second-row legroom than the Mazda CX-5 Signature.
Which SUV is more fuel-efficient: 2025 Escape Platinum or CX-5 Signature?
The 2025 Escape Platinum is more fuel-efficient with an EPA-estimated 23 city / 31 highway MPG, compared to the CX-5 Signature’s 22 city / 27 highway MPG.
Which is better for long-distance travel?
The Escape Platinum is better suited for long-distance travel due to its superior fuel economy and more spacious cabin.
What engines power the 2025 Escape Platinum and CX-5 Signature?
The 2025 Escape Platinum uses a 2.0L EcoBoost I-4 engine. The CX-5 Signature features a 2.5L SKYACTIV®-G turbocharged engine.
Why the 2025 Ford Escape Platinum Could Be the Right Choice for You
The 2025 Ford Escape Platinum brings together smart design, strong value, and everyday comfort. It offers all-wheel drive, a fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, and a tech-filled cabin—at a price lower than the CX-5 Signature. For drivers in Lancaster, Palmdale, Antelope Valley, and Mojave, that’s a hard mix to beat.
If you want a roomy, well-equipped SUV that’s easy to drive and great on gas, the Escape checks every box. Whether you’re commuting on Highway 14, heading out to the Mojave Desert, or just running errands around town, the Escape Platinum is built to make your drive easier. Our team at Diamond Ford is here to help you compare features, schedule a test drive, or talk about financing options. We invite you to browse our wide selection of new Ford vehicles—including the full line of Ford Escape trim levels—right here on our site.
If you’re still comparing vehicles, don’t miss our other helpful guides. Whether you’re looking for more space, more power, or more features, you can explore how Ford trucks stack up or see which models offer the best fit for your lifestyle. Be sure to check out detailed insights like truck trim guide, Ford seating options, and feature comparison breakdown to help make your next decision even easier.
Have questions or want to schedule a test drive? Contact Diamond Ford—we’re here to help every step of the way. Call us, visit our showroom, or reach out online to learn more about our latest offers and inventory.
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