2026 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$21,600 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Chevrolet Trax and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the $8,300 MSRP gap, starting the Trax at $21,600 versus the CX-50’s $29,900. This price difference underpins most trade-offs, particularly in performance and utility. The CX-50 delivers substantially more power, boasting 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Trax's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft. Conversely, the Trax is notably more economical, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating versus the CX-50’s 26 MPG combined, translating to a 4 MPG advantage for the Chevrolet. In terms of physical footprint, the CX-50 is larger, offering 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is 5.8 cubic feet more than the Trax’s 25.6 cu ft. Furthermore, the CX-50 includes standard All-Wheel Drive, while the Trax is Front Wheel Drive only.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The Trax wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined against the CX-50's 26 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 is the better choice for families by providing 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the Trax's 25.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-50 due to its higher output of 187 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The Trax presents superior value by offering basic crossover utility for $8,300 less than the starting price of the CX-50.

Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...

Budget consciousness is paramount, given the $21,600 MSRP.
Maximizing fuel economy is a priority, as the Trax achieves 32 MPG highway.
Front-Wheel Drive operation is sufficient for your driving needs.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

All-Wheel Drive is a necessary feature for handling varied road conditions.
Maximum hauling capacity is needed, with 31.4 cu ft available.
Performance metrics, specifically 187 hp, are desired over efficiency.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Trax	Mazda CX-50
Length	178.6"	185.8"
Width	71.8"	75.6"
Height	61.4"	63.5"
Wheelbase	106.0"	110.8"

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	187 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	185 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	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

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	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	369.6/422.4 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	15.9 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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	52.1 in.	53.6 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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Chevrolet	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.8 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

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	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 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-50.

What is the primary trade-off when choosing the less expensive 2026 Chevrolet Trax?

The primary trade-off is performance and drive type. The Trax produces 50 fewer horsepower (137 hp vs. 187 hp) and is limited to Front Wheel Drive, unlike the CX-50 which features standard AWD.

How much more cargo space does the 2026 Mazda CX-50 offer?

The CX-50 offers significantly more utility with 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Trax’s 25.6 cubic feet. This 5.8 cu ft difference is crucial for larger families or equipment hauling.

Is the higher price of the CX-50 justified by fuel savings?

No, the CX-50 costs $8,300 more upfront and is less efficient, achieving 26 MPG combined compared to the Trax's 30 MPG combined. Buyers will spend more overall by choosing the CX-50.

Do both crossovers use the same type of automatic transmission?

Yes, based on specifications, both the 2026 Chevrolet Trax and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 utilize a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Which vehicle is physically larger?

The Mazda CX-50 is the larger vehicle across all dimensions; it is 7.2 inches longer (185.8 in vs 178.6 in) and wider (75.6 in vs 71.8 in) than the Trax.