2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV vs 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium

$10,840 less and 5 mpg better vs 90 more hp and 148 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $10,840 price gap, 137 vs 227 hp, 30 vs 25 MPG.

The short answer

The Trax ACTIV leads on $10,840 less, 5 MPG better. The CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium leads on 90 more hp, 148 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$10,840
Price Gap
90 HP
HP Diff
5 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV
Starts at $24,500
VS
Higher price
2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Starts at $35,340

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo
vs
2.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
137 hp
vs
227 hp
Torque
162 lb-ft
vs
310 lb-ft
Drivetrain
FWD
vs
AWD
Fuel Economy
30 MPG combined
vs
25 MPG combined

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$24,500Trax ACTIV
$35,340CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Engine
1.2L I3 flex-fuel TurboTrax ACTIV
2.5L I4 TurboCX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Horsepower
137 hpTrax ACTIV
227 hpCX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Torque
162 lb-ftTrax ACTIV
310 lb-ftCX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Drivetrain
FWDTrax ACTIV
AWDCX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
City MPG
28Trax ACTIV
22CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Highway MPG
32Trax ACTIV
30CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Combined MPG
30Trax ACTIV
25CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Fuel Tank
13.2 galTrax ACTIV
12.7 galCX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Wheelbase
106.0"Trax ACTIV
104.4"CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Length
178.6"Trax ACTIV
173.0"CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Width
71.8"Trax ACTIV
70.7"CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Height
61.7"Trax ACTIV
62.2"CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
NHTSA Overall
4/5 starsTrax ACTIV
5/5 starsCX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Corrosion
6yr/100kTrax ACTIV
5yr/unlimitedCX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Roadside Assistance
5yr/60kTrax ACTIV
3yr/36kCX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium
Pricing
MSRP$24,500$35,340
Powertrain
Engine1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo2.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower137 hp227 hp
Torque162 lb-ft310 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainFWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2822
Highway MPG3230
Combined MPG3025
Fuel Tank13.2 gal12.7 gal
Dimensions
Curb WeightNo published data3,527 lbs
Wheelbase106.0"104.4"
Length178.6"173.0"
Width71.8"70.7"
Height61.7"62.2"
Safety
NHTSA Overall4/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardNo published dataTSP+
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion6yr/100k5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV and 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV starts at $24,500, $10,840 less than the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium at $35,340. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $191/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV is the stronger pick when you want to keep $10,840 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $280/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium is the stronger pick when the extra 90 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV or 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV rates 30 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV or 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium produces 227 hp, 90 more than the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV at 137 hp. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium also leads in torque at 310 lb-ft vs 162 lb-ft. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV, AWD on the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium.

Is the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV bigger than the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV is 5.6″ longer at 178.6″ vs 173.0″. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV has a 1.6″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

Do the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV and 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium have the same drivetrain?

No. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium comes with AWD, while the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.

How do the warranties compare?

Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.

Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Trax trims, Mazda trims, Mazda CX-30 trims

Official sources

How the Trax and CX-30 Stack Up

Two compact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV ($24,500) and 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium ($35,340) solve similar problems in different ways. The $10,840 gap adds up to $191/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Trax vs CX-30

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV runs a 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo; the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium has 90 more hp (227 vs 137). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium adds 148 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 162), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium comes with AWD; the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV saves roughly $280/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,400. The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV when you want to keep $10,840 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium when the extra 90 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $191/month more, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or Mazda or any dealership.

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