2026 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$21,600 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Chevrolet Trax and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 often boils down to balancing upfront savings against driving refinement. If saving money is your primary goal, the Trax offers a compelling deal, starting at just $21,600 compared to the CX-30's $25,975—a difference of $4,375. However, that extra cost buys the Mazda an additional 49 horsepower, boasting 186 hp versus the Trax's 137 hp, which contributes to a sportier feel. For daily driving efficiency, the Trax leads with a combined 30 MPG, edging out the CX-30's 27 MPG. Despite the Trax's overall length of 178.6 inches, the Mazda offers slightly less cargo space at 20.2 cu ft versus the Chevy's 25.6 cu ft. Ultimately, budget shoppers will find the Trax the practical choice, while those prioritizing performance metrics lean toward the CX-30.

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 combined fuel economy of 30 MPG and lower initial purchase price of $21,600.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Trax

Families will appreciate the Trax's significantly larger cargo capacity of 25.6 cubic feet, making runs to the store or packing for trips easier.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is the enthusiast's pick, offering substantially more power with 186 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The Trax provides excellent utility for its lower MSRP of $21,600, offering better MPG and cargo space for less money.

Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...

You need maximum utility, as the Trax offers 25.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.
Sticking to a strict budget is paramount, given the Trax’s significantly lower starting MSRP of $21,600.
Fuel stops are a nuisance, as the Trax achieves better efficiency at 30 combined MPG.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prefer more spirited driving, thanks to the CX-30's 186 horsepower output, which is 49 hp more than the Trax.
You regularly encounter adverse weather conditions and desire the stability of standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prioritize responsive handling metrics, despite paying the $4,375 price premium.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Trax	Mazda CX-30
Length	178.6"	173.0"
Width	71.8"	70.7"
Height	61.4"	61.4"
Wheelbase	106.0"	104.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	flex-fuel (FFV)	gas
Horsepower	137 hp @ 5000 rpm	186 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	12	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	6-speed shiftable 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)	28/32 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	369.6/422.4 mi.	304.8/393.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	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
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	52.1 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

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.8 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/60R17	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
Front Suspension Type	Independent	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 Trax and 2026 Mazda CX-30.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-30 worth the extra $4,375 over the 2026 Chevy Trax?

That depends on your priorities. The CX-30 costs $4,375 more but delivers 186 horsepower and standard AWD. If better performance and grip are worth that premium to you, it might be. If not, the Trax offers better MPG and cargo room for less.

Which crossover is better for hauling luggage, the Trax or the CX-30?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is significantly better for hauling luggage. It offers 25.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is substantially more than the 20.2 cubic feet available in the Mazda CX-30.

How much more powerful is the Mazda CX-30 than the Chevy Trax?

The Mazda CX-30 has a noticeable advantage in power, producing 186 lb-ft of torque and 186 horsepower. This is a difference of 49 horsepower compared to the Trax's 137 hp.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

No, based on the provided specifications, both the 2026 Chevrolet Trax and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep running costs lower for both.

Is the FWD Trax adequate if I live somewhere with snow?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which is typically fine for light snow if paired with good winter tires. If you face heavy or consistent snow, the CX-30's standard All-Wheel Drive system will offer better traction assurance.

Which crossover offers better highway fuel economy?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax wins on the highway, rating 32 MPG on the highway cycle compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-30's 31 MPG, making the Trax slightly more economical over long distances.