2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2026 Chevrolet Traverse

$30,500 · Crossover

$40,800 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

When trying to decide between nimble efficiency and outright space and power, buyers often hit a wall. This comparison pits the compact, fuel-sipping 2025 Mazda CX-50 against the larger, muscular 2026 Chevrolet Traverse. The price disparity is significant, with the CX-50 starting at $30,500 compared to the Traverse's $40,800 MSRP, a $10,300 difference. For daily driving efficiency, the Mazda shines, boasting a combined 28 MPG versus the Traverse's 23 MPG. However, the Traverse unleashes substantially more output with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the CX-50's 187 hp. While the Traverse is larger overall (204.5 inches long vs. 185.8 inches for the Mazda), the CX-50 actually offers more usable storage with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, versus the Traverse's 22.9 cubic feet behind the second row. Your priorities—cost savings and efficiency versus size and performance—will dictate the clear winner here.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 wins for commuters due to its superior 28 MPG combined efficiency and lower entry price of $30,500.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse is the better family choice because its much larger overall dimensions (204.5 inches long) imply greater passenger and three-row capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Traverse

Enthusiasts will prefer the Traverse for its significantly higher output, featuring 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 provides excellent value by costing $10,300 less while still delivering a respectable 28 MPG combined.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You prioritize fuel economy, as the CX-50 achieves 5 MPG better combined.
Your budget is firm around $30,500, significantly undercutting the Traverse's starting price.
You value slightly more usable cargo space when loaded, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft versus the Traverse's 22.9 cu ft.

Choose the Chevrolet Traverse if...

You absolutely need maximum power, benefiting from the Traverse's 328 horsepower.
You require a significantly larger vehicle, indicated by the Traverse's nearly 19-inch length advantage.
You frequently carry heavy loads or need robust acceleration, supported by the Traverse's 326 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-50	Chevrolet Traverse
Length	185.8"	204.5"
Width	75.6"	79.6"
Height	63.5"	69.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	121.0"

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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6000 rpm	328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	185 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	326 lb-ft @ 3500 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	8-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)	25/31 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	397.5/492.9 mi.	388.0/523.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	19.4 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	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	17.7 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	8	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
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
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	39.1 in.	42.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	44.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	62.3 in.
Front Hip Room	53.6 in.	58.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Mazda	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	38.6 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	41.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	62.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.1 in.	58.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

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	255/65R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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-50 and 2026 Chevrolet Traverse.

What is the main reason for the Traverse's higher price tag?

The 2026 Chevrolet Traverse commands a $10,300 higher MSRP, likely reflecting its larger size, increased horsepower (328 hp vs. 187 hp), and likely third-row seating capacity not detailed here.

How does the fuel economy compare between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-50 is significantly more efficient, achieving a combined 28 MPG (25 city/31 highway) compared to the Chevrolet Traverse's 23 MPG combined rating.

Is the Mazda CX-50 considered small compared to the Traverse?

Yes, the Traverse is substantially larger; it measures 204.5 inches long and 79.6 inches wide, while the CX-50 is narrower at 75.6 inches and shorter at 185.8 inches.

Which vehicle offers better performance for highway passing?

The Traverse offers vastly superior performance for passing maneuvers due to its massive advantage in output, boasting 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque.

Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?

Yes, based on the provided data, both the 2025 Mazda CX-50 and the 2026 Chevrolet Traverse specify the use of regular unleaded fuel.

Does the smaller CX-50 actually hold more cargo?

Surprisingly, in this specific measurement, the CX-50 has a greater cargo capacity at 31.4 cubic feet compared to the Traverse’s 22.9 cubic feet, suggesting the Traverse prioritizes passenger space over primary cargo volume.