A compact SUV is the perfect amount of vehicle for many shoppers. Most models have two rows of seats and easily seat four adults or five in a pinch. They have more cargo space than most midsize sedans and give you the height to see around traffic in a world where everyone else also seems to be driving an SUV.
But they’re not all interchangeable. Each has its own personality.
The Chevrolet Equinox is among the best-sellers in the class, and the 2025 model marks an all-new version. The Mazda CX-50, meanwhile, combines Mazda’s penchant for sporty handling with more off-road capability than most rivals.
Let’s see how these two stack up.
2025 Mazda CX-50
Mazda has long made a sporty-feeling compact SUV, the CX-5. A couple of years ago, it took the unusual step of introducing a second — the more rugged CX-50. The CX-50 looks a bit brawnier than the CX-5 and is better equipped for mud and snow, but it keeps the precise handling for which Mazda is known. An optional turbocharged engine makes it more powerful than most compact SUVs outside the luxury classes. New this year, Mazda is introducing the CX-50 Hybrid. Pricing starts at $31,720
Mazda CX-50 Highlights
Sporty handling: Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control system brakes each wheel independently to keep the car flat in turns. If that sounds like something out of a sports car, that’s the point – it makes the CX-50 feel more athletic than the Equinox.
Standard all-wheel drive (AWD): The term sport utility vehicle may make you imagine grippy all-wheel drive, but not every car in the class offers it. Mazda makes it standard on the CX-50. Chevrolet charges $1,600 on each trim to add it to the Equinox.
Available Traffic Jam Assist: Mazda’s Traffic Jam Assist feature can take on some of the stress of driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic. You have to keep your hands on the steering wheel, but it will steer, brake, and accelerate to hold your place in traffic up to 40 mph.
Read our Mazda CX-50 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-50 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. Chevrolet also sells the all-electric Equinox EV. Pricing starts at $29,995.
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 heated steering wheel: You’ll appreciate these two welcome features on 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 a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in front-wheel-drive (FWD) models.
Read our Chevrolet Equinox Expert Review or see 2025 Chevrolet Equinox for sale near you
Similarities
Rugged good looks, ample tech, and active safety features.
Conclusion
The 2025 Chevy Equinox has said goodbye to the dowdy looks of its former self while also seriously upping its tech game. That, along with its lower price point, will assuredly keep it a popular choice among compact SUVs.
The Mazda CX-50 sacrifices some cargo space compared to the Equinox, but we think it has more to offer in general. It comes standard with all-wheel drive, which costs extra on the Chevy, and has a more powerful standard engine. Plus, buyers have the option of an even more potent turbo engine or fuel-efficient hybrid. In our experience behind the wheel, we find the Mazda simply more exciting to drive.
New 2025 MAZDA CX-50 Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (15613)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,920 |
$30,997 |
|||
$33,270 |
$31,989 |
|||
$35,620 |
$34,209 |
|||
$39,120 |
$37,887 |
|||
$42,420 |
$41,007 |
|||
$42,920 |
$41,568 |
|||
$44,920 |
$43,621 |
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-50 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-50 | 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 |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | continuously variable automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/31 highway/28 combined mpg | 26 city/28 highway/27 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder; gas-electric hybrid | AWD, 8-speed automatic transmission; all electric |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | TBD |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 107.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 185.8 inches | 183.2 inches |
| Width | 72.9 inches | 74.9 inches |
| Height | 63.5 inches | 65.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 36.0 feet | 37.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.1 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.6 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 39.8 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.9 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 55.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 31.4/56.3 cubic feet | 29.8/63.5 cubic feet |
