2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 thrills with its standard 187 hp engine and engaging handling, leaning into driver involvement with its 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Conversely, the radically redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Equinox champions efficiency and space, offering 27 MPG combined, slightly eclipsing the CX-5's 25 MPG combined rating. While the Equinox is physically larger at 183.2 inches long compared to the CX-5's 180.1 inches, the Mazda wins on pure power delivery, boasting 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Chevy's 184 lb-ft, despite the Equinox starting $170 cheaper at $28,600 MSRP. Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the CX-5's dynamic focus, whereas practicality seekers might appreciate the Equinox's FWD setup and marginally better highway fuel economy of 28 MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the better choice for daily commuting due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers more secure handling for families due to its standard All-Wheel Drive system compared to the Equinox's Front Wheel Drive.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 delivers a more spirited drive with 187 hp and a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission for better driver engagement.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers better efficiency for a slightly lower starting MSRP of $28,600.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You prioritize peak power output, as the CX-5 offers 187 hp versus the Equinox's 175 hp.
- You live in an area requiring confident traction, given the CX-5 includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer the tactile feedback of a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- Maximizing fuel economy is critical, evidenced by the Equinox achieving 27 MPG combined.
- You require a slightly larger exterior footprint, with the Equinox measuring 183.2 inches in length.
- You prefer the lowest entry price point, as the Equinox starts at $28,600 MSRP.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-5 | Chevrolet Equinox |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 183.2" |
| Width | 72.6" | 74.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 65.6" |
| Wheelbase | 106.2" | 107.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 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 | 187 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 26/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/443.7 mi. | 384.8/414.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 11.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
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 | 39.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 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 | 39.0 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 55.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.3 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 | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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-5 and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.
Which crossover is more powerful: the 2025 CX-5 or the 2026 Equinox?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 holds a noticeable performance edge, delivering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox trails slightly with 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
How does the fuel efficiency compare between these two AWD and FWD models?
The FWD 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is the MPG champion, achieving 27 MPG combined (26 city/28 highway). The AWD 2025 Mazda CX-5 is rated slightly lower at 25 MPG combined (23 city/29 highway).
Is the 2026 Equinox significantly larger inside than the 2025 CX-5?
The Equinox is marginally larger externally, measuring 183.2 inches long compared to the CX-5's 180.1 inches. However, the CX-5 offers slightly better cargo space at 30.8 cubic feet versus the Equinox's 29.8 cubic feet.
What is the main difference in transmission types offered?
The Mazda CX-5 utilizes a more driver-focused 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. In contrast, the Chevrolet Equinox employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, engineered primarily for smoothness and efficiency.
Which vehicle offers better value considering the MSRP and output?
Value is subjective, but the Equinox costs $28,600 and produces 175 hp, while the CX-5 costs $28,770 for 187 hp. If horsepower per dollar is the metric, the CX-5 is compelling, but the Equinox wins on sheer lowest initial cost.
Does the drive type significantly impact performance expectations?
Yes, the standard AWD on the CX-5 is designed for better grip and cornering stability. The standard FWD on the Equinox is typically lighter and helps contribute to its higher combined MPG rating.
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