2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV vs 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition
$9,910 less and 5 mpg better vs 90 more hp and 148 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $9,910 price gap, 137 vs 227 hp, 30 vs 25 MPG.
The Trax ACTIV leads on $9,910 less, 5 MPG better. The CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition leads on 90 more hp, 148 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.
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.
| Spec | 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV | 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $24,500 | $34,410 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.2L I3 flex-fuel Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 137 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 32 | 30 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 12.7 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 3,527 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 104.4" |
| Length | 178.6" | 173.0" |
| Width | 71.8" | 70.7" |
| Height | 61.7" | 61.4" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/100k | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV and 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV starts at $24,500, $9,910 less than the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition at $34,410. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $175/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 $9,910 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 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition 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 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV rates 30 combined MPG, 5 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV or 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition produces 227 hp, 90 more than the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV at 137 hp. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition 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 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV, AWD on the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition.
Is the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV bigger than the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition?
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 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition 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
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 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition ($34,410) solve similar problems in different ways. The $9,910 gap adds up to $175/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 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition has 90 more hp (227 vs 137). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition adds 148 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 162), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition 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 $9,910 in your pocket and the 2025 Chevrolet Trax ACTIV covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition when the extra 90 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $175/month more, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition 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.