Compare the2023 Ford EdgeVS 2023 Mazda CX-5

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Ford Edge have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Mazda CX-5 doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The Ford Edge has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The CX-5 doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Edge has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Compared to metal, the Edge’s plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Mazda CX-5 has a metal gas tank.

Both the Edge and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available front and rear parking sensors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Edge is safer than the Mazda CX-5:

	Edge	CX-5
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	22.4%	23%
Neck Stress	229 lbs.	274 lbs.
Neck Compression	21 lbs.	23 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.5 inches
Neck Injury Risk	35.2%	37%
Neck Stress	197 lbs.	205 lbs.
Neck Compression	44 lbs.	86 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	145/201 lbs.	449/262 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Edge is safer than the Mazda CX-5:

	Edge	CX-5
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	103	208
Spine Acceleration	41 G’s	65 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	257	449
Hip Force	425 lbs.	435 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Edge is 1.4% to 1.9% less likely to roll over than the CX-5.

Warranty

There are almost 6 times as many Ford dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Edge’s warranty.

Reliability

The Edge has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Edge has a standard 175-amp alternator. The CX-5’s standard 100-amp alternator and largest (GT Reserve/Signature) 150-amp alternator aren’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated lower.

Engine

The Edge’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 63 more horsepower (250 vs. 187) and 94 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 186) than the CX-5’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Edge ST’s standard 2.7 turbo V6 produces 79 more horsepower (335 vs. 256) and 60 lbs.-ft. more torque (380 vs. 320) than the CX-5’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Ford Edge turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Mazda CX-5 4 cyl.:

	Edge	CX-5
Zero to 30 MPH	2.4 sec	2.6 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.8 sec	7.9 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	20 sec	23.6 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	7.6 sec	8.4 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.6 sec	3.8 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	4.8 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.3 sec	16.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91 MPH	85 MPH
Top Speed	130 MPH	124 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Edge’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Edge has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-5 (18.5 vs. 15.3 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Edge has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Ford Edge as a “Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle” (PZEV). The Mazda CX-5 is only certified to “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV) standards.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Edge, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-5.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Edge’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-5:

	Edge	CX-5	CX-5 Turbo
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	11.7 inches	12.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	11.9 inches	11.9 inches
Opt Rear Rotors	13.6 inches

The Edge ST’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-5 are solid, not vented.

The Edge stops much shorter than the CX-5:

	Edge	CX-5
70 to 0 MPH	175 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	108 feet	136 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	137 feet	144 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Edge has larger standard tires than the CX-5 (245/60R18 vs. 225/65R17). The Edge ST’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-5 (265/40R21 vs. 225/65R17).

The Edge SE/SEL’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-5’s standard 65 series tires. The Edge ST’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the CX-5 Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Edge SE/SEL has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the CX-5. The Edge ST’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels on the CX-5 Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo.

Suspension and Handling

The Edge has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CX-5’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Edge’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The CX-5 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Edge’s wheelbase is 6 inches longer than on the CX-5 (112.2 inches vs. 106.2 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Edge is 2 inches wider in the front and 1.9 inches wider in the rear than on the CX-5.

The Edge ST handles at .83 G’s, while the CX-5 Turbo Signature pulls only .78 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Edge ST executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the CX-5 (26 seconds @ .7 average G’s vs. 28.5 seconds @ .58 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Edge has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-5 (8 vs. 7.6 inches), allowing the Edge to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Edge ST’s minimum ground clearance is .3 inch higher than on the CX-5 Carbon/Premium/Turbo (8.2 vs. 7.9 inches).

Chassis

The front grille of the Edge uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Edge ST uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the Edge Titanium is quieter than the CX-5 Turbo Signature:

	Edge	CX-5
At idle	37 dB	38 dB
Full-Throttle	68 dB	76 dB
70 MPH Cruising	65 dB	67 dB

Passenger Space

The Edge has 10.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-5 (113.9 vs. 103.6).

The Edge has .5 inches more front headroom, 1.6 inches more front legroom, .7 inches more front hip room, 3.2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.3 inches more rear headroom, 1 inch more rear legroom, 2.2 inches more rear hip room and 5.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-5.

Cargo Capacity

The Edge has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-5 with its rear seat up (39.2 vs. 30.8 cubic feet). The Edge has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-5 with its rear seat folded (73.4 vs. 59.3 cubic feet).

The Edge’s cargo area is larger than the CX-5’s in every dimension:

	Edge	CX-5
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	41.7”/74.8”	38”
Max Width	63.3”	57”
Min Width	45.3”	41.3”
Height	34.5”	32.4”

A standard locking glovebox and optional locking center console (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Edge. The CX-5 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Edge’s available liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Mazda CX-5 is limited to 2000 pounds. The Edge offers up to a 3500 lbs. towing capacity.

The Edge ST can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Edge can be unhitched and driven around locally. The CX-5 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Optional Trailer Sway Control on the Edge (except SE) uses the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The Edge uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The CX-5 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The Edge has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The CX-5 doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

Ergonomics

The Edge Titanium/ST’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The power windows standard on both the Edge and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Edge is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

On a hot day the Edge’s driver can lower the front windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-5 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Edge’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The CX-5’s power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Edge SEL/ST-Line/ST/Titanium’s standard rear view mirror and optional side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The CX-5 offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Edge has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CX-5 Select/Preferred/Carbon Edition/Premium/Turbo.

Both the Edge and the CX-5 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Edge has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-5 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The Edge (except SE) offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Edge Titanium/ST’s optional Active Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the Edge is less expensive to operate than the CX-5 because typical repairs cost much less on the Edge than the CX-5, including $221 less for a starter and $123 less for fuel injection.

Recommendations

The Ford Edge has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

	Edge	CX-5
Consumer Reports® Recommends	TRUE	TRUE
Car Book “Best Bet”	TRUE	FALSE

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