2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Mazda CX-50

$40,700 · Crossover

$30,500 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the cavernous 2025 Chevrolet Traverse and the nimble 2025 Mazda CX-50 often comes down to priority: sheer size versus everyday efficiency. A massive $10,200 separates their starting MSRPs, with the Traverse beginning at $40,700 and the CX-50 at $30,500. While the Traverse offers substantially more power, boasting 328 hp, it pays for that muscle with efficiency, achieving only 23 combined MPG compared to the CX-50's superior 28 combined MPG. Interestingly, despite its larger exterior—measuring 204.5 inches long compared to the CX-50's 185.8 inches—the CX-50 paradoxically offers more usable space, featuring 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft behind the third row. This comparison pits a large, powerful hauler against a compact, frugal all-wheel-drive option, demanding buyers define what truly matters most for their daily drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is the clear winner for daily commuting due to its superior 28 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The Chevrolet Traverse provides superior overall space, despite the specific cargo number given, due to its much larger body size (204.5 inches long).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The Traverse's 328 hp and 326 lb-ft of torque offer significantly better acceleration potential than the CX-50's 187 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 offers better efficiency and standard AWD for $10,200 less than the Traverse’s starting price.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You absolutely require the highest output, relying on the 328 hp engine for towing or passing power.
Your family needs the maximum internal passenger volume associated with a vehicle that is 204.5 inches long.
You prefer the slight edge in fuel economy on the highway (27 MPG) despite the lower combined rating.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

Keeping the initial purchase price down is crucial, as the CX-50 saves you $10,200 at the starting line.
You prioritize running costs, benefiting from 5 more MPG combined (28 MPG vs 23 MPG).
All-weather capability is a must-have, as the CX-50 includes standard all-wheel drive versus the FWD base Traverse.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Traverse	Mazda CX-50
Length	204.5"	185.8"
Width	79.6"	75.6"
Height	69.6"	63.5"
Wheelbase	121.0"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	328 hp @ 5500 rpm	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	326 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable 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)	20/27 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	388.0/523.8 mi.	397.5/492.9 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.4 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Sun Sensor	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Infotainment Display	17.7 in	10.3 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	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Front Head Room	42.6 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	44.3 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.3 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	58.7 in.	53.6 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.5 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	62.2 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	58.6 in.	52.1 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 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 Traverse and 2025 Mazda CX-50.

Which vehicle is easier to maneuver and park in tight city environments?

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is much easier to handle, measuring 185.8 inches long and 75.6 inches wide. The larger 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, at 204.5 inches in length, will require more space for parking maneuvers.

Why does the larger Traverse have less listed cargo space than the smaller CX-50?

The specific cargo figure provided (22.9 cu ft for Traverse) likely reflects the space behind the Traverse's third row, whereas the CX-50's 31.4 cu ft figure represents its maximum usable cargo area with seats folded down. The Traverse offers superior overall volume when counting total interior capacity.

Is the power difference between 328 hp (Traverse) and 187 hp (CX-50) noticeable daily?

Yes, the 141 hp difference is substantial; the Traverse feels significantly punchier, especially when merging or carrying a full load. The CX-50 offers adequate power for daily driving but prioritizes fuel economy over rapid acceleration.

How much money will I save annually on fuel by choosing the CX-50?

With the CX-50 achieving 28 combined MPG versus the Traverse's 23 combined MPG, you stand to save considerably over a year, especially considering the CX-50 uses regular unleaded fuel just like the Traverse.

Does the standard AWD on the CX-50 make it inherently better in snow than the FWD Traverse?

Generally, yes, the standard All-Wheel Drive on the CX-50 provides better traction management than the base Front Wheel Drive setup of the Traverse in slippery conditions.

If I frequently drive long highway distances, which transmission setup is superior?

While both use shiftable automatics, the Traverse utilizes an 8-speed unit which might offer better highway cruising RPM management than the CX-50’s 6-speed unit, potentially aiding its slightly better highway rating of 27 MPG.