I drove a company 2014 Escape SE with just 1000 miles on it and I have to say it wasn't bad overall. The smaller turbo engine feels good and is silent with less NVH (noise vehicle harshness) than the 2.5 in my CX5 but the CX5 engine is still noticeably stronger. Its somewhere between the Mazda 2.0 and 2.5 but closer to the 2.5 (I have owned both). I did notice some questionable fit and finish and ergonomic issues with the interior but overall my first impression was it looked decent for the price. There's definitely more flash to the futuristic looking Fords interior. The Fords seats offer less support than my CX5, which I think might be an issue on longer drives. Getting back into my Touring CX5 though brought to my attention that my CX5 interior also has some Fit and finish issues and it feels somewhat sparse and even dare I say a little cheap/dated but for 2014 its about par for the class. I think the 2016 interior refresh though might have fixed that. Overwhelmingly the most noticeable difference (Mazda I hope you're reading this) is how hushed the Escape's cabin is by comparison to my CX5. Now to be fare my CX5 has worn (49,400 miles) tires and the Escape is new but still the difference is rather huge. Even my base model regular cab V6 Ford F-150 is much quieter. My CX5 has tons of engine, road, and wind noise where the Escape is luxury quiet by comparison. The handling of the escape wasn't as sharp as the CX5 and the ride was slightly more supple but it still felt like it handled well with decent steering feel and little body lean. I think If Mazda could get the CX5 to match the Ford Escape in NVH with the upgraded interior that it might possibly have the best small SUV on the market.
Mazda, are you listening? You got everything right except for the ridiculous NVH levels.
Mazda, are you listening? You got everything right except for the ridiculous NVH levels.