2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Chevrolet Trax
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax often boils down to whether performance matters more than immediate savings. The Trax offers significant upfront savings, starting at $21,600 compared to the CX-30's $25,195, a difference of $3,595. However, the CX-30 brings substantial power to the table, delivering 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Trax's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. While the Trax nudges ahead slightly in fuel economy, achieving 30 combined MPG, the Mazda offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the Trax's Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Additionally, for practicality, the Trax provides a larger 25.6 cu ft of cargo space, noticeably surpassing the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft, making this a tight choice between premium driving dynamics and budget-conscious utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax wins for commuters due to its slightly better 30 combined MPG and lower entry price, which means less money spent daily.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
Families will appreciate the Trax's larger 25.6 cu ft cargo capacity, offering 5.4 cubic feet more space than the CX-30 for gear and groceries.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is the enthusiast's pick because it offers significantly more power with 191 hp compared to the Trax's 137 hp.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The Chevrolet Trax provides superior foundational value by being $3,595 cheaper while still offering excellent efficiency.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You prioritize dynamic driving, benefiting from 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the year-round traction benefits of standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, with a length of 173.0 inches for easier city maneuvering.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Your budget is tight, as the starting MSRP is $3,595 less than the competition.
- You need maximum hauling space, as 25.6 cu ft beats the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
- You are fine with FWD in exchange for slightly better fuel efficiency at 30 combined MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-30 | Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.0" | 178.6" |
| Width | 70.7" | 71.8" |
| Height | 61.7" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 104.4" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | flex-fuel (FFV) |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6000 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable 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 | 28/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 330.2/419.1 mi. | 369.6/422.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.7 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | โ | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 52.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.3 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 45.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/65R16 | 225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | โ | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | โ | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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 | โ | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Chevrolet Trax.
Is the power difference between the CX-30 and Trax significant for highway merging?
Yes, the 54 hp gap is noticeable; the CX-30 has 191 hp versus the Trax's 137 hp, meaning the Mazda will feel much more responsive when accelerating onto faster roadways.
Which crossover offers more space for luggage or strollers?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is the clear winner for cargo, offering 25.6 cu ft, which is substantially more than the 2025 Mazda CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
Does the standard AWD on the Mazda offer a major benefit over the Trax's FWD?
The Mazda CX-30's standard AWD is beneficial for drivers in snow or slippery conditions where extra traction is needed; the Trax is limited to Front-Wheel Drive.
How much more expensive is the Mazda CX-30 to purchase initially?
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 starts at $25,195, making it $3,595 more expensive than the base 2026 Chevrolet Trax at $21,600.
Are the fuel economy ratings very different between these two models?
They are very close; the Trax achieves 30 combined MPG, edging out the CX-30's 29 combined MPG, both running on regular unleaded fuel.
How do the overall dimensions compare for parking?
The CX-30 is slightly smaller overall, measuring 173.0 inches long, while the Trax is 178.6 inches long; both vehicles are very similarly sized at just over 71 inches wide.
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