2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Mazda CX-30
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference lies in size, with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox measuring 183.2 inches long compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 173.0 inches, giving the Equinox superior cargo volume at 29.8 cu ft versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. However, the CX-30 offers a slight power advantage, producing 186 lb-ft of torque to the Equinox's 184 lb-ft, despite having 186 hp against the Equinox's 175 hp. Cost analysis favors the Mazda, priced at $25,975, which is $2,625 less than the Equinox's $28,600 MSRP. Both models achieve a shared 27 MPG combined rating, though the CX-30 exhibits a better highway rating of 31 MPG compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG. Furthermore, the CX-30 includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard, contrasting with the Equinox's standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration, impacting overall traction capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mazda CX-30
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 offers better highway fuel economy at 31 MPG and includes standard AWD, beneficial for varied driving conditions.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox provides substantially more usable space with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 generates slightly higher peak torque (186 lb-ft vs. 184 lb-ft) and uses a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 undercuts the Equinox's MSRP by $2,625 while delivering slightly more horsepower and standard AWD.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Cargo capacity is the top priority, as the Equinox offers 29.8 cu ft versus the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
- A larger overall exterior footprint (183.2 inches long) is desired for a more commanding presence.
- The driver prefers the efficiency profile of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with FWD.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- Achieving the lowest initial purchase price is critical, with an MSRP of $25,975.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is required, as it comes standard on the CX-30, unlike the Equinox's FWD setup.
- Maximizing highway efficiency is preferred, boasting 31 MPG highway against the Equinox's 28 MPG highway.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 173.0" |
| Width | 74.9" | 70.7" |
| Height | 65.6" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 104.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 186 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 304.8/393.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 12.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.2 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.8 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.7 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 215/65R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2026 Mazda CX-30.
How does the difference in standard drivetrain affect handling between the Equinox and the CX-30?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which typically favors fuel efficiency. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard, offering superior traction in low-grip scenarios but potentially impacting base efficiency.
Is the difference in horsepower significant enough to impact acceleration performance?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 has a small advantage with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Equinox's 175 hp and 184 lb-ft. This 11 hp difference suggests the CX-30 will likely feel marginally quicker off the line.
Which crossover offers better practicality for hauling luggage or supplies?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is clearly superior in storage, providing 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 trails considerably, offering only 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Considering fuel costs, how close are these two vehicles?
Both vehicles are rated at 27 MPG combined, indicating similar lifetime fuel expenditures based on average usage. The CX-30 edges out the Equinox slightly on the highway rating (31 MPG vs. 28 MPG).
What is the price gap between the base models?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 starts at $25,975, making it $2,625 less expensive than the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, which has an MSRP of $28,600.
Do the transmissions differ in operational feel?
Yes, the Equinox utilizes a Continuously Variable Automatic Transmission (CVT), known for smooth, gearless acceleration. The CX-30 employs a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, which enthusiasts often prefer for more predictable gear changes.
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