Compact SUVs are among today’s most popular vehicles, and it’s easy to see why. They offer room for five passengers, enhanced ride height that makes it easier to get in and out of and see above traffic, and oodles of practicality, all in a vehicle that’s small enough to slide through traffic and park in a garage. Among the raft of compact SUVs available, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 and 2025 Chevrolet Equinox are two alluring choices.
Here’s how Mazda’s and Chevy’s popular compact SUVs compare.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The Mazda CX-5 has long been known as the athlete among the compact SUV class, and this popular model continues to flaunt its varsity jacket. Even with its base 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the CX-5 is plenty of fun. Opt for the turbocharged version of that engine with up to 256 hp, and that CX-5 becomes downright quick. And the verve goes beyond potent acceleration. The 2025 Mazda CX-5’s driving manners benefit from precise steering, sporty but not jarring suspension, and a certain finesse that is hard to find outside luxury cars. And, of course, it’s all wrapped in a versatile SUV body. With the reintroduction of the S trim, the 2025 Mazda CX-5’s starting price is also attractive: $29,990, including destination fee.
Mazda CX-5 Highlights
Standard AWD: Mazda is among the few automakers that sell every SUV with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). This is a significant benefit in enhancing traction on slick roads and enabling better grip in all driving conditions. In the Equinox, you have to pay $2,000 extra to get all-wheel drive.
Premium interior: For the past several years, Mazda’s interiors have felt a cut above others, and that’s definitely the case in the CX-5. The cabin benefits from excellent build quality and materials that look and feel like they could be in a luxury car.
Turbo engine: Where the Equinox only offers one gasoline powertrain, the Mazda can be had with a potent turbocharged engine that gives the CX-5 significantly more pep to its step. If you’re one to take the long and twisty road home, we recommend the turbo CX-5.
Read our Mazda CX-5 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-5 for sale near you
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is all-new, and its redesign gives this popular compact SUV a bolder, more rugged design compared to the previous generation. The all-new Chevy Equinox also gets a tech-focused cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Pricing starts at $29,995, including destination fee.
Chevrolet Equinox Highlights
Dual digital displays: We won’t be surprised if you let out an audible “wow” when stepping into the 2025 Equinox. We did after being welcomed by both an 11-inch digital driver display and an 11.3-inch touchscreen. They are standard and inject the Equinox with a big dose of tech.
Heated front seats and steering wheel: These are two welcome features that you’ll appreciate every cold morning. Even better – and unlike with rivals — these come standard in the 2025 Equinox.
All-wheel drive: Choosing this option not only gives you more all-weather assurance, but it also endows the Equinox with more torque and an 8-speed automatic transmission versus the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in front-wheel-drive models.
Read our Chevrolet Equinox Expert Review or see 2025 Chevrolet Equinox for sale near you
Similarities
Both of these compact SUVs offer seating for five, stylish looks, and the latest tech and active safety features.
Conclusion
With its revamp for 2025, the Chevrolet Equinox easily eclipses its former self. It has more rugged looks and a far fancier infotainment system than the Mazda.
For its part, the Mazda CX-5 is more powerful, more fun to drive, offers a potent turbo engine, and comes standard with all-wheel drive.
New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$30,190 |
$28,955 |
|||
$31,520 |
$29,928 |
|||
$32,870 |
$32,113 |
|||
$34,220 |
$32,940 |
|||
$36,820 |
$35,789 |
|||
$38,620 |
$37,415 |
|||
$39,420 |
$38,146 |
|||
$42,220 |
$41,248 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 MAZDA CX-5 vehicles and New 2025 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Mazda CX-5 | 2025 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 203 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic with AWD | continuously variable automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg | 26 city/28 highway/27 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder | AWD; 8-speed automatic transmission; all-electric |
| Specs | ||
| Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Safety Rating | 5-Star | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 106.2 inches | 107.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 180.1 inches | 183.2 inches |
| Width | 72.6 inches | 74.9 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 65.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 37.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.7 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.0 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.0 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.6 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.1 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 54.8 inches | 55.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 29.1/59.3 cubic feet | 29.8/63.5 cubic feet |
