2020 Ford Escape vs Mazda CX-30

What's the difference?

Aussies are now favouring SUVs much more than sedans and hatchbacks, and no segment is more bountiful than for mainstream mid-sizers.

With cars such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 finding success by combining practicality, tech and a high-seating position, for small families looking to haul the kids and some gear over long distances, Ford’s Escape should also be in contention.

However, sales of the Escape have slowly decreased this year (possibly due to a new-generation model around the corner), but is the soon-to-be-superseded model lacking any crucial ingredients that will keep it off your consideration list?

We’ve got the Ford Escape ST-Line to find out if it has what it takes to hang with the best in the mid-size SUV segment.

Mazda, it seems, is embarking on a spot of social climbing.

After years of affordable, well-engineered and highly popular alternatives to Toyota, Japan's smallest big carmaker has set its sights higher, starting with last year's redesigned Mazda3. Costing about 10 per cent more than the Toyota Corolla equivalent, it's moved up to Volkswagen Golf territory, prioritising design, advanced technologies, luxury finishes and a high specification over being number one.

Invariably, the Mazda3-based CX-30 is a manifestation of this mindset. The ‘0' denotes a raised SUV, aimed at singles, couples and small families seeking a practical compact wagon with one eye on adventure.

Perfect, then, for our Urban Review. Here we look at the range-topping G25 Astina AWD.