2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The most significant quantifiable difference between the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the CX-30 starting at $25,195 compared to the Equinox's $28,600, a $3,405 premium for the Chevy. Performance metrics favor the Mazda, as the CX-30 delivers 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Equinox's 175 hp and 184 lb-ft. Fuel economy slightly favors the CX-30 at 29 MPG combined, though its highway rating is 33 MPG versus the Equinox's 28 MPG. Dimensionally, the Equinox is substantially larger, measuring 183.2 inches in length compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches, which translates directly into its larger 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. Finally, drivetrain differences see the CX-30 include standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) while the Equinox utilizes Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) in its base configuration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy and standard AWD capability.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox offers substantially more utility with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 offers greater power output with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque paired with a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 provides higher base horsepower and better fuel economy while carrying a $3,405 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prioritize maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 29 MPG.
- You require standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) traction from the base model.
- You seek the lowest initial cost of entry at $25,195.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Maximum storage is required, benefiting from the 29.8 cu ft cargo volume.
- You prefer a larger exterior footprint, as the Equinox is 183.2 inches long.
- You are comfortable with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-30 | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.0" | 183.2" |
| Width | 70.7" | 74.9" |
| Height | 61.7" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 104.4" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/33 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 330.2/419.1 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 gal. | 14.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 11.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 54.2 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 | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/65R16 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
What is the primary powertrain difference between the 2025 CX-30 and 2026 Equinox?
The Mazda CX-30 is equipped with a 191 hp engine mated to a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with standard AWD. Conversely, the Chevrolet Equinox produces 175 hp and utilizes a Continuously Variable-speed Automatic Transmission with standard FWD.
How much more cargo space does the Equinox offer over the CX-30?
The 2026 Equinox provides 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is significantly larger than the 20.2 cubic feet offered by the 2025 Mazda CX-30, representing a substantial difference for buyers prioritizing hauling capability.
Is the base price difference significant for these two crossovers?
Yes, the MSRP gap is notable; the CX-30 starts at $25,195, while the Equinox begins at $28,600, resulting in a $3,405 price advantage for the Mazda.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy?
The Mazda CX-30 is marginally more efficient overall, achieving 29 MPG combined compared to the Equinox's 27 MPG combined. The CX-30 also shows a 5 MPG advantage on the highway (33 MPG vs 28 MPG).
Are the dimensions of these two crossovers comparable?
No, the Equinox is substantially larger; it is 183.2 inches long and 65.6 inches tall. The CX-30 is the more compact option, measuring 173.0 inches in length and 61.7 inches in height.
Do either of these vehicles use premium fuel?
Based on the provided specifications, neither vehicle requires premium fuel, as both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox are listed to operate on regular unleaded fuel.
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