Ford Edge Compared to Mazda CX-5: Which SUV Suits You Best?
The Ford Edge vs. Mazda CX-5 matchup was once a longstanding rivalry between new compact crossovers. While you can still compare the two, Ford discontinued the Edge after the 2024 model year, leaving the Mazda CX-5 as the clear choice for drivers seeking a new, modern sport-ute as their daily driving companion. That being said, let's see how the last version of the Edge (2024) compares to the redesigned 2026 Mazda CX-5 – and in some cases the previous iteration from the Edge's final year – to help you decide which automobile can best serve you. Dive into the details with the Gunther Motor Company below.
Ford Edge vs. Mazda CX-5 Specs: Engine Output & Efficiency
Let's start with powertrains. The 2024 Ford Edge offered two engines: a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an available 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6. The 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine across its lineup, though the previous version from 2024 also offered an available turbocharged version that had more comparable output to the standard Edge engine. Admittedly, the now-defunct Ford Edge delivered more horsepower and torque than the Mazda CX-5, but, as you'll soon see, that's about all it had going for it.
For starters, all that extra oomph made the Edge less efficient. The 2024 Edge delivered up to an EPA-estimated 21/28/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with its standard powertrain. Meanwhile, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 returns an EPA-estimated 24/30/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)2 across the board.
Ford Edge vs. Mazda CX-5 Comparison: Interior Comfort & Features
Settling into your next SUV should provide a comfortable and connected driving experience. Both models boast some similar standard equipment, such as cloth upholstery and Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity.
However, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has clear advantages. For example, you start with an eight-speaker audio system, an eight-way manual driver's seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector. Standard features for the 2024 Edge included a six-speaker sound system and a four-way manual driver's seat, while a leather steering wheel came later in its lineup.
While both models boast premium available appointments, like 12-speaker sound systems, panoramic glass roofs, and wireless device charging, the Edge lacks certain amenities you can find within the Mazda CX-5 roster, like a ventilated front row and heated rear seats. Plus, your touchscreen tops out at 12 inches for a 2024 Edge – the 2026 Mazda CX-5 gives you a 12.9-inch display, with a 15.6-inch screen available in its trim list.
Ford Edge Versus Mazda CX-5: Exterior & Interior Dimensions
Though there used to be a sizable gap in dimensions between the Edge and CX-5, the 2026 Mazda SUV was redesigned with an elongated frame, providing more comparable measurements to those of its competitor. For instance, the 2024 Edge rides on a 112.2-inch wheelbase, stretching 188.8 inches in overall length. By comparison, the 2026 Mazda CX-5 has a 110.8-inch wheelbase and 184.6-inch length.
Both vehicles seat five with similar interior passenger space. The Edge does still provide a bit more maximum cargo room, but we think it's negligible, especially when you consider other benefits the Mazda CX-5 provides – just wait until you see how third-party auto experts rate both SUVs in the next section.
Ford Edge vs. Mazda CX-5 Reliability: What Do Experts Say?
When it comes to reliability and safety ratings, third-party experts heavily favor the Mazda CX-5 over the 2024 Ford Edge in general, no matter if you're comparing the Ford SUV to the latest Mazda CX-5 or the edition of the same model year. See for yourself in the chart below.
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| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2024 Mazda CX-5 | 2024 Ford Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car & Driver Editor's Choice: Compact SUVs | Y3 | Y4 | N4 |
| IIHS: Top Safety Pick | Not yet rated5 | Y5 | N5 |
| NHTSA: Safety Rating | Not yet rated6 | 5 / 56 | 5 / 56 |
| J.D. Power: Quality & Reliability | 82 / 100; "Great"7 | 82 / 100; "Great"7 | 82 / 100; "Great"7 |
| J.D. Power: Resale Value | 84 / 100; "Great"7 | 84 / 100; "Great"7 | 73 / 100; "Average"7 |
| RepairPal: Reliability Score | 4.5 / 58 | 4.5 / 58 | 3.5 / 59 |
| RepairPal: Reliability Segment Placing (Out of 26) | 1st8 | 1st8 | 11th9 |
Ford Edge or Mazda CX-5: Who Wins?
The Ford Edge was a capable SUV while it lasted, and you can likely still find pre-owned iterations for sale. However, the Mazda CX-5 is still going strong with modern automotive tech and creature comforts, having just entered a new generation. This, along with other perks, positions the 2026 Mazda CX-5 as the clear choice for South Florida drivers, in our opinion.
If you're looking for a new SUV you can rely on for years to come, turn to our South Florida dealership – Gunther Mazda in Fort Lauderdale – for your 2026 Mazda CX-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger: the Ford Edge or the Mazda CX-5?
The 2024 Ford Edge is slightly longer, wider, and taller than the 2026 Mazda CX-5, though the gap has significantly decreased since the Mazda SUV received expanded measurements for its new generation.
Which has more cargo space: the Mazda CX-5 or the Ford Edge?
The 2024 Ford Edge delivers a bit more overall cargo space, but the Mazda CX-5 provides more agile dimensions for city driving while maintaining a cargo hold that's plenty spacious for your weekend adventures.
Which is better: the Mazda CX-5 or the Ford Edge?
With the higher praise across third-party experts, modern innovations, and a more efficient powertrain, we've crowned the Mazda SUV as the winner over its discontinued competitor in our Ford Edge vs. Mazda CX-5. If you came to the same conclusion, pay our South Florida Mazda dealership a visit to explore the 2026 Mazda CX-5 in person.
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Continue Your Vehicle Research:
| Mazda CX-9 vs. Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Tucson vs. Mazda CX-5 | Volvo XC60 vs. XC90 |
| Volvo XC90 vs. BMW X5 | Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90 | Kia Telluride vs. Ford Explorer |
1EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
2EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
3Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-suvs/compact
4Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a46550349/2024-editors-choice/
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov
7Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/
8Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/mazda/cx-5
9Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/ford/edge
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