2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2025 Mazda CX-5: A Comprehensive Comparison

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 are two prominent contenders in the highly competitive compact SUV market. Both models have undergone updates and enhancements to better appeal to modern consumers. The Equinox stands out with its improved technology, redesigned exterior, and versatile trims like the all-new ACTIV, which caters to drivers who enjoy both urban and outdoor adventures. In this detailed comparison, we’ll explore how the 2025 Equinox and the CX-5 stack up in terms of performance, efficiency, features, and interior space, highlighting where the Equinox has made significant strides.

Chevrolet Equinox 2025: Key Improvements

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox brings a fresh, bolder look with bodylines inspired by Chevrolet’s truck lineup, enhanced with modern tech features and advanced safety systems. It introduces new trims, including the off-road-inspired ACTIV, which provides a rugged appearance with all-terrain tires and unique design elements. The Equinox also boasts significant interior upgrades, such as an 11-inch driver information center and a larger 11.3-inch infotainment screen, offering a tech-focused, user-friendly driving experience. These enhancements are part of Chevrolet’s strategy to keep the Equinox competitive in a crowded market.

Performance and Torque Comparison

The performance of a vehicle is a crucial factor for many buyers, and in this category, both the Equinox and CX-5 offer respectable but different driving experiences.

• 2025 Chevrolet Equinox: Equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 175 horsepower, the Equinox focuses on balanced performance and efficiency. It’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in front-wheel-drive configurations, or an 8-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive (AWD), which is standard on the ACTIV and RS trims. The Equinox’s turbo engine delivers adequate torque, providing a responsive feel for everyday driving and light towing capabilities up to 1,500 pounds.
• 2025 Mazda CX-5: The base engine for the CX-5 is a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Mazda’s slightly higher torque rating gives it a more robust acceleration feel compared to the Equinox, particularly when merging onto highways or overtaking.

Overall, while the CX-5 offers marginally higher torque, the Equinox’s turbocharged setup provides a smoother, more efficient drive, particularly in stop-and-go urban environments.

Efficiency: Equinox Takes the Lead

Fuel efficiency is a key factor for many buyers in the compact SUV segment, and here the Equinox outperforms the CX-5. Thanks to its smaller, turbocharged engine and efficient CVT, the Equinox achieves better fuel consumption figures, making it more economical over time, especially for city driving.

• 2025 Chevrolet Equinox: With a focus on efficiency, the Equinox’s turbo engine delivers a balanced mix of power and fuel economy, offering lower consumption rates compared to the Mazda CX-5, which is known to consume more fuel, particularly in city conditions due to its larger engine.
• 2025 Mazda CX-5: The CX-5’s 2.5-liter engine, while offering slightly more torque, is less efficient, with higher fuel consumption, making the Equinox a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Features and Technology: Equinox Brings More Tech

Both the Equinox and CX-5 are equipped with modern tech and safety features, but the Equinox’s latest updates bring an edge, particularly with its tech-focused interior and advanced driver assistance systems.

• Chevrolet Equinox 2025: The Equinox sets itself apart with an 11-inch driver information center and an 11.3-inch infotainment screen, both larger than what the CX-5 offers. This screen serves as the main hub for navigation, media, and connected services, with available Google built-in for enhanced functionality. The Equinox also includes a suite of standard safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, and Lane Keep Assist, alongside additional options such as Rear Cross Traffic Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control, giving it a comprehensive safety advantage.
• Mazda CX-5 2025: The CX-5 also comes equipped with a good array of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, its infotainment screen and tech features are not as large or as integrated as those found in the Equinox, making the Chevrolet a better choice for tech-savvy drivers.

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity: Equinox Offers More Room

Interior space is a crucial consideration for compact SUV buyers, especially those who frequently travel with passengers or need ample cargo room. The Equinox edges out the CX-5 in several key areas, providing a roomier experience overall.

The Equinox provides slightly more room for both front and rear passengers, with additional shoulder room in the front and rear, making it more comfortable for wider passengers. Rear legroom and headroom are also marginally better, ensuring passengers in the back seats enjoy a bit more space. The cargo area of the Equinox is also notably larger, offering 1,798 liters with the seats folded, compared to the CX-5’s 1,679 liters, making it a better choice for those needing more cargo flexibility.

Conclusion: Equinox Holds the Advantage

While the 2025 Mazda CX-5 remains a strong contender in the compact SUV category with its engaging driving dynamics and premium feel, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has made significant improvements that give it an edge in several key areas. With a more efficient turbo engine, a tech-focused and spacious interior, advanced safety features, and greater cargo capacity, the Equinox positions itself as the more versatile and modern choice for today’s SUV buyers. For those looking for a compact SUV that delivers on technology, comfort, and efficiency, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox stands out as a compelling option.