2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Chevrolet Trax

$28,770 · Crossover

$21,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant initial disparity between the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax is the $7,170 MSRP gap, positioning the Trax at a lower entry point of $21,600 versus the CX-5's $28,770. This price difference is coupled with notable performance metrics; the CX-5 delivers 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Trax's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. Conversely, the Trax offers superior operational economy, achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the CX-5's 25 combined MPG, a 5 MPG advantage. Furthermore, the Trax features standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD), while the CX-5 includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across the board. Dimensionally, the CX-5 is longer at 180.1 inches and taller at 66.1 inches, contributing to its larger 30.8 cu ft cargo capacity, which exceeds the Trax's 25.6 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax wins for commuters due to its superior 30 combined MPG rating compared to the CX-5's 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 is better suited for families due to its larger 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Trax's 25.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 appeals more to enthusiasts with its substantially higher output of 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The Chevrolet Trax provides better entry-level value with an MSRP that is $7,170 less than the CX-5.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

You require standard All-Wheel Drive capability for varied traction needs.
You prioritize higher engine output, specifically 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
You need maximum utility from the available 30.8 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low is paramount, starting at just $21,600.
Maximizing fuel efficiency with a 30 combined MPG rating is a key concern.
Front-Wheel Drive configuration is sufficient for your driving environment.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-5	Chevrolet Trax
Length	180.1"	178.6"
Width	72.6"	71.8"
Height	66.1"	61.4"
Wheelbase	106.2"	106.0"

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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
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	flex-fuel (FFV)
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	6-speed shiftable 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	28/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.9/443.7 mi.	369.6/422.4 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	8.0 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	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months

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.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	52.1 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

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	39.0 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.6 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.8 in.	54.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.3 in.	45.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Steel
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

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

What is the primary trade-off when choosing the cheaper Chevrolet Trax over the Mazda CX-5?

The primary trade-off involves power and capability; the Trax produces 50 fewer horsepower (137 hp vs. 187 hp) and utilizes Front Wheel Drive instead of the CX-5's standard All-Wheel Drive.

How much more cargo room does the CX-5 offer?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers 5.2 cubic feet more cargo space than the 2026 Chevrolet Trax (30.8 cu ft vs. 25.6 cu ft). This difference equates to substantial extra capacity for luggage or groceries.

Which vehicle provides better running costs based on fuel economy?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is the clear winner for running costs, achieving 30 combined MPG against the CX-5’s 25 combined MPG. This 5 MPG advantage will result in fewer stops at the pump over the course of a year.

Is the CX-5 significantly larger than the Trax?

Yes, the CX-5 is dimensionally larger, measuring 180.1 inches in length compared to the Trax's 178.6 inches, and it is also 4.7 inches taller (66.1 inches vs. 61.4 inches).

Do both crossovers use similar transmissions?

Both vehicles utilize a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting similar foundational shifting logic, though the powertrain performance behind them is very different.