Equinox vs CX-5
Same class, different makers. The Equinox (Chevrolet) and the CX-5 (Mazda) are built for the same kind of buyer. The honest headline: the Equinox and the CX-5 are evenly matched in most of the areas we compared.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.3
- Engine & Performance0.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The CX-5 has 12 hp more power
The CX-5 is slightly stronger on total system output. The gap, 187 hp versus 175 hp, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Equinox has 17 lb-ft more torque
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Equinox: 203 lb-ft against 186 lb-ft. The Equinox’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 106.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The engine & performance section is split: the Equinox has 17 lb-ft more torque, while the CX-5 counters with 12 hp more power. On engine & performance, each car makes a fair case, so let your priorities decide.
Total system output
Equinox: 175 hp CX-5: 187 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Equinox: 203 lb-ft CX-5: 186 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On space & practicality, both deliver about the same. Don’t let space & practicality decide this one; look at the other sections instead.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On off-road & towing, the Equinox and the CX-5 are effectively level. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 175 hp | 187 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft (winner) | 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | N/A (not specified) | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 30 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 30.8 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 59.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.3 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 106.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Equinox if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (203 lb-ft vs 186 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Chevrolet and happy with it
Choose the CX-5 if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (187 hp vs 175 hp)
- you’re comfortable with how Mazda does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Equinox or the CX-5?
Neither wins outright. Choose the Equinox if pulling power matters most, or the CX-5 if performance does.
Executive Summary
The Equinox versus the CX-5 is a matchup I find genuinely interesting, because Chevrolet and Mazda made different bets. I keep coming back to one thing: the Equinox gets 17 lb-ft more torque. The CX-5 isn’t without merit: 12 hp more power is a real advantage.
Choose by what you’d use most: pulling power leads to the Equinox, performance leads to the CX-5.
My pick: both are fair choices, with the Equinox leaning toward pulling power and the CX-5 toward performance.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.