2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT

$4,625 less vs 10.2″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $4,625 price gap, 186 vs 175 hp, 27 vs 26 MPG.

The short answer

The CX-30 2.5 S leads on $4,625 less. The Equinox LT leads on 10.2″ longer. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$4,625
Price Gap
11 HP
HP Diff
1 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S
Starts at $25,975
VS
Higher price
2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT
Starts at $30,600

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
2.5L I4
vs
1.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
186 hp
vs
175 hp
Torque
186 lb-ft
vs
203 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
27 MPG combined
vs
26 MPG combined
Curb Weight
3,395 lbs
vs
3,583 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$25,975CX-30 2.5 S
$30,600Equinox LT
Engine
2.5L I4CX-30 2.5 S
1.5L I4 TurboEquinox LT
Horsepower
186 hpCX-30 2.5 S
175 hpEquinox LT
Torque
186 lb-ftCX-30 2.5 S
203 lb-ftEquinox LT
Transmission
6-speed shiftable automaticCX-30 2.5 S
8-speed shiftable automaticEquinox LT
City MPG
24CX-30 2.5 S
25Equinox LT
Highway MPG
31CX-30 2.5 S
29Equinox LT
Combined MPG
27CX-30 2.5 S
26Equinox LT
Fuel Tank
12.7 galCX-30 2.5 S
15.6 galEquinox LT
Curb Weight
3,395 lbsCX-30 2.5 S
3,583 lbsEquinox LT
Wheelbase
104.4"CX-30 2.5 S
107.5"Equinox LT
Length
173.0"CX-30 2.5 S
183.2"Equinox LT
Width
70.7"CX-30 2.5 S
74.9"Equinox LT
Height
61.4"CX-30 2.5 S
65.6"Equinox LT
Corrosion
5yr/unlimitedCX-30 2.5 S
6yr/100kEquinox LT
Roadside Assistance
3yr/36kCX-30 2.5 S
5yr/60kEquinox LT

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.

Spec2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT
Pricing
MSRP$25,975$30,600
Powertrain
Engine2.5L I41.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower186 hp175 hp
Torque186 lb-ft203 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed shiftable automatic8-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2425
Highway MPG3129
Combined MPG2726
Fuel Tank12.7 gal15.6 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)No published data$1,700/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,395 lbs3,583 lbs
Wheelbase104.4"107.5"
Length173.0"183.2"
Width70.7"74.9"
Height61.4"65.6"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 starsNo published data
IIHS AwardTSP+No published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited6yr/100k
Roadside Assistance3yr/36k5yr/60k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S starts at $25,975, $4,625 less than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT at $30,600. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $82/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,625 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $59/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Who should choose the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT is the stronger pick when you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S or 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S rates 27 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S or 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S produces 186 hp, 11 more than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT at 175 hp. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT also leads in torque at 203 lb-ft vs 186 lb-ft. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S bigger than the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT is 10.2″ longer at 183.2″ vs 173.0″. The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT has a 3.1″ 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: Mazda trims, Mazda CX-30 trims, Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Equinox trims

Official sources

The CX-30–Equinox Decision

Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the CX-30 and Equinox compare. The $4,625 gap adds up to $82/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

What Powers Each Vehicle

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT uses a 1.5L I4 Turbo. The 11 hp difference (186 vs 175) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.

The Ownership Math

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S saves roughly $59/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $295.

Living With the CX-30 vs the Equinox

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT is 10.2″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.

The Decision

Choose the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S when you want to keep $4,625 in your pocket and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT when you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo. At $82/month more, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT 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 Mazda or Chevrolet or any dealership.

Keep Exploring