Fuel efficiency face-off: equinox vs cx-5: which suv offers more bang for your buck?
What To Know
- While the Equinox has a slight advantage in fuel economy, the CX-5’s more efficient engine makes up for it in real-world driving.
- Both SUVs offer a good value for the money, but the CX-5’s more refined interior, more advanced features, and better handling give it a slight edge in overall value.
- The CX-5, on the other hand, offers a more premium experience with a more refined interior, more advanced features, and better handling.
The Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-5 are two of the most popular compact SUVs on the market. Both vehicles offer a spacious interior, impressive fuel economy, and a host of advanced features. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Chevrolet Equinox vs Mazda CX-5 head-to-head to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design:
The Chevrolet Equinox boasts a rugged exterior with sharp lines and bold accents. The Mazda CX-5, on the other hand, exudes sophistication with its sleek silhouette and flowing curves. Both SUVs have a commanding presence on the road, but the CX-5’s more refined design gives it an edge in curb appeal.
Interior Comfort and Convenience:
Inside, the Chevrolet Equinox offers a spacious cabin with plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are comfortable, and the controls are easy to reach. The Mazda CX-5’s interior is equally spacious but features a more premium feel with high-quality materials and a well-thought-out layout. The CX-5 also offers more advanced infotainment features, including a larger touchscreen and a more intuitive navigation system.
Performance and Handling:
The Chevrolet Equinox comes with a choice of two engines: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Both engines provide adequate power for daily driving, but the 2.0-liter engine delivers more punch for highway passing and towing. The Mazda CX-5 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that offers a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. The CX-5 also has a more responsive suspension and sharper handling, making it more enjoyable to drive on twisty roads.
Fuel Economy:
The Chevrolet Equinox with the 1.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter engine returns 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The Mazda CX-5 with the 2.5-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. While the Equinox has a slight advantage in fuel economy, the CX-5’s more efficient engine makes up for it in real-world driving.
Safety Features:
Both the Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-5 have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features include airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a rearview camera. The CX-5 offers a wider range of advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Price and Value:
The Chevrolet Equinox has a starting price of $25,800, while the Mazda CX-5 starts at $26,250. Both SUVs offer a good value for the money, but the CX-5’s more refined interior, more advanced features, and better handling give it a slight edge in overall value.
Final Verdict:
The Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-5 are both excellent compact SUVs with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Equinox is a more affordable option with a spacious interior and good fuel economy. The CX-5, on the other hand, offers a more premium experience with a more refined interior, more advanced features, and better handling. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What You Need to Know
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Chevrolet Equinox has a slightly more spacious interior than the Mazda CX-5.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Chevrolet Equinox with the 1.5-liter engine has slightly better fuel economy than the Mazda CX-5.
Q: Which SUV has more advanced safety features?
A: The Mazda CX-5 offers a wider range of advanced safety features than the Chevrolet Equinox.
Q: Which SUV has a better warranty?
A: Both the Chevrolet Equinox and Mazda CX-5 come with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable?
A: The Mazda CX-5 has a slightly better reliability rating than the Chevrolet Equinox according to Consumer Reports.
