2025 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Mazda CX-50
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a budget-friendly urban runabout and a more premium, capable compact SUV often comes down to balancing upfront cost versus long-term utility and driving fun. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax starts sharply at just $20,500, making it a compelling entry point, while the 2026 Mazda CX-50 commands $29,900—a significant $9,400 premium. This price gap is reflected in the power delivery; the CX-50 boasts 187 horsepower, easily outpacing the Trax's 137 hp. However, the Trax offers better fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined compared to the CX-50's 26 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Trax is smaller overall, measuring 178.6 inches long versus the CX-50's 185.8 inches. If maximizing miles per gallon and saving thousands at the dealer are top priorities, the Trax excels; but if AWD capability and superior cargo space (31.4 cu ft vs. 25.6 cu ft) are needed, the CX-50 justifies its higher price tag.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and lower purchase price of $20,500.
2026 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50 is better for families because it offers significantly more cargo capacity at 31.4 cubic feet and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Mazda CX-50
Enthusiasts will favor the CX-50, which delivers 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Trax's 137 hp.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The Trax provides undeniable value by undercutting the CX-50's MSRP by $9,400 while still delivering a reliable crossover experience.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- You need the lowest possible purchase price, as the Trax MSRP starts at just $20,500.
- Fuel efficiency is paramount, given the Trax's 30 MPG combined rating versus the CX-50's 26 MPG.
- You primarily drive in urban environments where the smaller dimensions (178.6 inches long) aid maneuverability.
Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...
- You require confident traction in poor weather due to the CX-50's standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You frequently haul gear, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space.
- You desire quicker acceleration, thanks to the CX-50 producing 50 more horsepower (187 hp).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Mazda CX-50 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 185.8" |
| Width | 71.8" | 75.6" |
| Height | 61.4" | 63.5" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Solid 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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | flex-fuel (FFV) | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 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 | 6-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) | 28/32 MPG | 24/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 381.6/477.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 15.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 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 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 in. | 53.6 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 |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | 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 Trax and 2026 Mazda CX-50.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Trax too underpowered compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-50?
Yes, the Trax produces 137 horsepower, significantly less than the CX-50's 187 horsepower, meaning the Mazda will feel much quicker during highway merging or passing maneuvers.
How much difference does the $9,400 price difference really make?
The $9,400 difference means the Trax costs nearly 32% less than the CX-50 initially. This saves substantial monthly payments and insurance costs, making the Trax a far more accessible option.
Which crossover offers better utility for weekend trips?
The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is superior for utility, boasting 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the Trax’s 25.6 cubic feet.
Is the CX-50's AWD worth the worse fuel economy?
The CX-50 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which aids traction but lowers the combined MPG to 26. If you live where AWD is essential, this trade-off might be necessary despite the Trax getting 30 MPG combined.
Are both vehicles easy to park given their size differences?
The Trax is physically smaller, measuring 178.6 inches long, making it easier to fit into tight parallel parking spots than the longer 185.8-inch CX-50.
Do I need premium fuel for either crossover?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Trax and the 2026 CX-50 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs lower regardless of your choice.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool