2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

$28,770 · Crossover

$23,000 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a slightly smaller, more efficient city cruiser and a more powerful, premium-feeling ride is tough when the budgets differ by nearly $5,800. We’re pitting the budget-conscious 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer (starting at $23,000) against the 2025 Mazda CX-5 ($28,770). The Trailblazer pulls ahead in efficiency, boasting a combined 30 MPG compared to the CX-5’s 25 MPG, making its lower running costs appealing for daily driving. However, the CX-5 offers significantly more grunt, putting down 187 horsepower versus the Trailblazer's 137 hp, which you'll certainly feel when merging onto the highway. Dimensionally, the CX-5 is also the larger vehicle at 180.1 inches long, offering 30.8 cu ft of cargo space, overshadowing the Trailblazer’s 25.3 cu ft. While the Trailblazer uses a standard FWD setup, the CX-5 includes standard All-Wheel Drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2026 Trailblazer is the better commuter due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating and lower entry price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 CX-5 offers a more spacious 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity and comes standard with All-Wheel Drive for added security.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

With 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, the CX-5 provides substantially more performance than the Trailblazer's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer offers lower initial cost at $23,000 and better fuel economy, despite giving up standard AWD.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You prioritize power, needing the 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque from its engine.
You require more interior space, as its 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity beats the competitor.
You prefer the assurance of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.

Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...

Sticking to a tight budget is crucial, as the MSRP is $5,770 less at $23,000.
Maximizing fuel economy is key, achieving 30 combined MPG versus the CX-5's 25 MPG.
You plan to use E85 occasionally, as the Trailblazer supports flex-fuel capability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Chevrolet Trailblazer
Length	180.1"	174.1"
Width	72.6"	71.2"
Height	66.1"	64.2"
Wheelbase	106.2"	104.0"

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	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 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	✓	✓

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	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/29 MPG	30/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	396.0/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.3 gal.	13.2 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	✓	—
Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	11.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	4
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	—	✓

Power Feature

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

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.	55.4 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	52.3 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
Passenger Seat Folding Capability	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	39.0 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	39.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	53.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 in.	50.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

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	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent

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 Trailblazer.

Which vehicle is significantly cheaper to purchase?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the significantly cheaper option, listing at an MSRP of $23,000, which is $5,770 less than the 2025 Mazda CX-5’s starting price of $28,770.

How does the cargo space compare between the two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-5 provides more storage utility with 30.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Trailblazer trails slightly, offering 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Is the fuel economy difference noticeable for daily driving?

Yes, the Trailblazer is noticeably more efficient, achieving 30 combined MPG (30 City/31 Highway) using regular unleaded, while the CX-5 is rated at 25 combined MPG (23 City/29 Highway).

Which car will feel faster on the highway?

The CX-5 will definitely feel faster, boasting 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Trailblazer produces only 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque.

Do I have to pay extra for AWD on the better value car?

The better overall value, the Trailblazer, comes standard with Front Wheel Drive. The CX-5 includes All Wheel Drive as a standard feature, which contributes to its higher base price.

Are these two vehicles similar in size?

No, the CX-5 is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 180.1 inches in length compared to the Trailblazer’s 174.1 inches, and it is also slightly wider and taller.