2026 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$28,600 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox bursts onto the scene with a commanding presence, offering robust passenger space that makes its 183.2-inch length immediately apparent, while the 2026 Mazda CX-30 captivates with its taut, athletic stance and standard All-Wheel Drive. The power gap is deceptively small; the CX-30 edges out the Equinox with 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Chevy's 184 lb-ft, despite the Equinox boasting 175 hp to the Mazda's slightly higher rating. Efficiency is a tie on paper, both achieving 27 MPG combined, though the CX-30 hits an impressive 31 MPG highway. The Equinox offers significantly more hauling capability with 29.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft. Price is a key factor, as the Equinox starts at a higher $28,600 MSRP versus the CX-30's appealing $25,975 entry point, setting the stage for a compelling fight between utility and agility.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30’s standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly better 31 MPG highway make it marginally superior for varied commuting conditions.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox clearly dominates family hauling with a massive 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30’s smaller frame and use of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission hint at a more engaging and responsive driving dynamic.

💰 Best Value

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 offers standard AWD and better highway efficiency for a significantly lower MSRP of $25,975.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

You prioritize maximum utility, benefiting from the Equinox's substantial 29.8 cu ft cargo volume.
You prefer a slightly larger vehicle footprint, evident in its 183.2-inch length.
You are satisfied with a front-wheel-drive setup optimized for relaxed daily driving.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

All-Wheel Drive capability is a non-negotiable requirement for your driving environment.
You seek the lowest entry price point, starting at $25,975.
Maximizing highway fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG highway, is important.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Equinox	Mazda CX-30
Length	183.2"	173.0"
Width	74.9"	70.7"
Height	65.6"	61.4"
Wheelbase	107.5"	104.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	175 hp @ 5600 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Chevrolet	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/28 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	384.8/414.4 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Infotainment Display	11.3 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.2 in.	54.6 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	Chevrolet	Mazda
Rear Head Room	39.2 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.9 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.8 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	51.7 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	16 x 6.5 in

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ unlimited mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and 2026 Mazda CX-30.

How does the cargo space compare between the 2026 Equinox and the 2026 CX-30?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers significantly more space for gear, boasting 29.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Conversely, the smaller 2026 Mazda CX-30 provides 20.2 cubic feet, favoring maneuverability over maximum hauling potential.

Is the performance difference between these two crossovers noticeable?

While the power numbers are close, the Mazda CX-30 edges out the Equinox slightly, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Chevy's 184 lb-ft. Furthermore, the Mazda uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, which driving enthusiasts often prefer over the Equinox’s continuously variable transmission.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for highway commutes?

Both achieve 27 MPG combined, but the 2026 Mazda CX-30 pulls ahead on the open road with an advertised 31 MPG highway rating, beating the Equinox's 28 MPG highway rating.

What is the primary distinction in drivetrain options?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with front-wheel drive, whereas the 2026 Mazda CX-30 includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment across its lineup.

Is there a large MSRP difference between the 2026 models?

Yes, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 presents a lower starting price at $25,975, undercutting the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox which begins at $28,600.

How do their physical sizes compare?

The Chevrolet Equinox is the larger vehicle, measuring 183.2 inches long, while the Mazda CX-30 is more compact at 173.0 inches in length, offering easier parking in tight urban settings.