2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV vs 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus
On paper, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus wins on 105 more hp, 129 more lb-ft torque, 17.6″ longer. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $15,270 price gap, 175 vs 280 hp, 26 vs 25 MPG.
The Equinox ACTIV leads on $15,270 less. The CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus leads on 105 more hp, 129 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 | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV | 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $35,000 | $50,270 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I4 Turbo | 3.3L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 23 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 18.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,607 lbs | 4,846 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 122.8" |
| Length | 183.2" | 200.8" |
| Width | 74.9" | 78.5" |
| Height | 65.6" | 68.3" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | No published data | 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 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV and 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV starts at $35,000, $15,270 less than the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus at $50,270. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $269/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV is the stronger pick when you want to keep $15,270 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $65/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus is the stronger pick when the extra 105 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV rates 26 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV or 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus produces 280 hp, 105 more than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV at 175 hp. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus also leads in torque at 332 lb-ft vs 203 lb-ft. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus uses a 3.3L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo.
Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV bigger than the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus?
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus is 17.6″ longer at 200.8″ vs 183.2″. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus has a 15.3″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.
Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Equinox trims, Mazda trims, Mazda CX-90 trims
How the Equinox and CX-90 Stack Up
Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV ($35,000) and 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus ($50,270) solve similar problems in different ways. The $15,270 gap adds up to $269/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: Equinox vs CX-90
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus uses a 3.3L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus has 105 more hp (280 vs 175). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus adds 129 more lb-ft of torque (332 vs 203), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV saves roughly $65/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $325.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus is 17.6″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus has a 15.3″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom. The 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus weighs 1,239 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV when you want to keep $15,270 in your pocket and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus when the extra 105 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $269/month more, the 2026 Mazda CX-90 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus 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.