Equinox EV vs CX-5
Chevrolet versus Mazda: the Equinox EV and the CX-5 go after the same compact suv buyer. Where they differ, they differ gently, which makes the few meaningful gaps worth a closer look.
At a glance
- Space & Practicality CX-5 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Equinox EV wins
- Space & Practicality3.0
- Space & Practicality3.9
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
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The CX-5 has 17% more cargo space
Among all the differences on this page, 30.8 cu ft against 26.4 cu ft is one of the most meaningful, and it favors the CX-5. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The Equinox EV has a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen
The CX-5 gives up a lot on largest touchscreen: 10.3 in, compared with 17.7 in on the Equinox EV. Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
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The Equinox EV has
The Equinox EV goes bigger with 116.3 in; the CX-5 keeps it to 106.2 in. Pick the one that matches how you’ll use it. A shorter wheelbase can make a car more agile in tight turns and parking lots.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 106.2 in |
Engine & Performance
For engine & performance, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Space & Practicality
CX-5 leads
Look at the space & practicality table and one name keeps coming out on top: the CX-5. The CX-5 takes this one with 17% more cargo space. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage. In short, the CX-5 is the better-equipped car for space & practicality.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Equinox EV: 26.4 cu ft CX-5: 30.8 cu ft The CX-5’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if off-road & towing was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
Equinox EV leads
The CX-5 keeps it close on safety & tech, yet the Equinox EV holds a small lead. The Equinox EV pulls ahead with a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance. The safety & tech verdict goes to the Equinox EV.
Largest touchscreen
Equinox EV: 17.7 in CX-5: 10.3 in The Equinox EV’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Equinox EV | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Battery electric | Gas |
| Engine | Single-motor electric | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | N/A (not specified) | 187 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 186 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Single-speed | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Equinox EV | 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 |
| Electric range | 319 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Equinox EV | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 26.4 cu ft | 30.8 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 57.2 cu ft | 59.3 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Equinox EV | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Equinox EV | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 17.7 in (winner) Biggest touchscreen | 10.3 in Smallest touchscreen |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | No Apple CarPlay / Android Auto (Google built-in) | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Equinox EV | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 190.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in | 106.2 in |
Price
| Spec | Equinox EV | CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,600 | N/A (not specified) |
“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 EV if…
- you want the bigger touchscreen (17.7 in vs 10.3 in)
- you’re loyal to Chevrolet and happy with it
Choose the CX-5 if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (30.8 cu ft vs 26.4 cu ft)
- you already know your way around Mazda’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Equinox EV or the CX-5?
We’d point most buyers to the CX-5. The main exception is if you specifically want a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen, where the Equinox EV has the edge.
Executive Summary
If it were just about the brand, you wouldn’t be here. So let’s talk about the Equinox EV and the CX-5 on their merits. To me, the standout is that the CX-5 offers 17% more cargo space. I’ll admit the Equinox EV has a point with a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen.
Think about your week. Heavy on safety & tech? The Equinox EV. More about space & practicality? The CX-5.
My pick: the CX-5 gets my vote, but the Equinox EV is the right call if what you want most is a bigger 17.7 in touchscreen.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.