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| 6-speed / 9-speed | Transmissions | 6-speed |
| 63.9 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 59.6 |
| 3,500 | Max Towing Capacity (lbs) | 2,000 |
Which is better in the comparison between the 2020 Chevy Equinox vs 2020 Mazda CX-5? These challengers come from very different backgrounds, yet share space in the small crossover SUV automotive segment.
Since 1911, Chevrolet has been an established American brand. From their speedy beginning in Detroit, MI, Chevrolet has stood the test of time as one of the premier auto manufacturers in the United States. Whether or not you’ve ever driven a Chevy, the familiar blue bowtie and names like “Corvette” and “Suburban” are ingrained in our culture. As the manufacturer continues to evolve and grow with Americans, trends are turning away from modest sedans and coupes and focusing more on SUVs and trucks. It is this constant evolution that has made Chevy one of America’s ultimate brands.
Mazda, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the American motor scene. While the company itself was founded in 1920 as a Japanese cork manufacturer, they found quick success in 1931 with the release of a motorized tricycle truck known as the “Mazda-go.” Innovation has been a key element of Mazda’s success. The first vehicles from the manufacturer hit US soil in 1967, and by 1982, had sold over 1 million vehicles in the States. Today, Mazda’s cars and SUVs regularly appear on “Best of” and receive top accolades based on their price, durability, and stunning appearance and features.
But what happens when we compare the 2020 Chevy Equinox and the 2020 Mazda CX-5? Both vehicles have received high praise from experts, critics, and the general population. Both reign supreme in the small crossover SUV market, but how do you determine which of these wildly popular vehicles is the best option for your garage? The answer: a side by side comparison.
The basis for any comparison starts with the engine. After all, no engine, no SUV. The Equinox features a standard 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 engine, which offers 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, though all-wheel drive is optional on all but the most basic trim. Another option on the higher LT and Premier trims is a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged inline-4. This engine provides 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
In Mazda’s corner, there are fewer options, but plenty of power. All CX-5 trims include a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, but they differ in available power. Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring trims provide 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque on a standard front-wheel drive platform, though all-wheel drive can be optioned. The Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims include the same engine, only turbocharged to offer 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. These two top trims also include standard all-wheel drive.
Now that we’ve examined the engines, it’s time to see what these two SUVs can do with that power. Both the Chevy Equinox and Mazda CX-5 provide adequate and comfortable seating for up to five. With all seats in place, the Equinox provides 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to an impressive 63.9 cubic feet with the seats stowed. The CX-5 includes 30.9 cubic feet of cargo room, which expands to 59.6 cubic feet when you lower all portions of the 40/20/40 split rear seat.
With the standard 1.5L engine, the 2020 Chevy Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly outfitted. This engine also includes an admirable fuel economy for the segment, with 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway on FWD models, and 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway on AWD models.
As an obviously more powerful engine, it’s no surprise to learn that Equinox models equipped with the 2.0L engine can tow over double the weight, with a maximum capacity of 3,500 pounds. This engine includes a 9-speed automatic transmission, as well. While there’s a slight drop in fuel economy, the 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway on FWD models is nothing to sniff at. AWD models maintain this economy at 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
The standard 2020 Mazda CX-5 engine includes a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and receives a fuel economy of about 25 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The turbocharged version takes a dip in fuel economy, to 22 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
For plenty of drivers, the features inside the vehicle are just as important as what’s under the hood.
The 2020 Chevy Equinox is offered in four trim levels, from the base L, LS, LT, and the top-tier Premier trim. The L trim is technically a special order option but proves that the Equinox is designed to provide plenty of comfort and convenience to its drivers. Standard features include keyless entry and push-button start, along with a 7-inch infotainment screen. The vehicle is granted four USB ports for a variety of devices and includes connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth. Safety features include a rearview camera, automatic high beams, lane departure alert, and forward-collision warning that can both detect pedestrians and provide automatic braking as needed.
The LS trim will be the basic trim available to most drivers, and while it includes many of the same features, it offers a variety of optional packages that are not available on the L. The Convenience package, for example, adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat. AWD is available as an option on the LS, as well.
The LT trim opens the door to the Equinox’s more powerful engine option and adds a slew of interior features. The information display, headlights, and sound system are all upgraded, and privacy rear glass and the power-adjustable driver’s seat are added as standard.
Moving up to the Premier trim includes the hands-free power liftgate that is optional on LT, along with leather seats, fog lights, roof rails, memory seat settings, and heated front seats. It also comes equipped with additional safety features, such as an upgraded rearview camera, blind spot alerts, audible rear parking aids, and a rear cross-traffic warning.
The 2020 Mazda CX-5 has earned a street reputation as a “low-budget luxury vehicle,” but only the features can determine whether that claim is true or not. The CX-5 is offered in five trims: the Sport, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Reserve, and Signature.
The Sport trim starts out strong, matching the Equinox with its push-button start, remote keyless entry, and electronic parking brake. Also included is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that has AM, FM, and HD radio. Bluetooth is standard, along with two USB ports. Standard safety features include automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure alerts, and the Advanced Smart City Brake Support, which mitigates forward-facing collisions with automatic braking.
The Touring trim adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with a host of other convenience items. The driver’s seat becomes power-adjustable, and the front seats are both heated. Faux leather upholstery is featured throughout, with dual-zone climate control in the front and air conditioning vents in the rear. Two USB ports are added to the rear seats, as well.
The Grand Touring CX-5 includes leather upholstery, a power sunroof, an impressive ten-speaker Bose sound system, a power rear liftgate, and heated side mirrors and front headlamps automatically adapt to improve visibility. The Grand Touring Reserve then adds a head-up display, heated steering wheels, heated rear seats, and front seats that are both heated and ventilated. The Signature trim adds all of the premium features, such as wood and real Nappa leather, a navigation system, and includes parking sensors in both the front and rear, as well as a birds-eye 360-degree camera.
Raceway Chevrolet in Bethlehem, PA, strives to be the premier Chevy dealership in Bethlehem, PA, by providing the level of attention to details our customers require. Whether you’re in the market for a brand-new Chevy Equinox or another family-friendly road trip-approved SUV, the team at Raceway is happy to help you meet all of your requirements, including budget. Our finance team is skilled at finding special deals on new, used, and Certified Pre-Owned inventory to make sure you drive away completely satisfied.
Our goal is to make sure the customer always “finishes first.” We want you to feel comfortable with the Chevy you choose, so we offer a 3-Day Buy Back Guarantee. If you don’t love your new vehicle in 3 days or 300 miles, we’ll buy it back. We also offer service features that aren’t available at many other dealerships, including a lifetime powertrain warranty, free tires for life, and complimentary shuttle and loaner services when you bring in your car for maintenance.
If you’re ready to make Chevy a member of your family, stop by Raceway Chevrolet to discover which one will best suit your life, budget, and driving style.
*Images, fuel economy, and other stats, may reflect higher trim levels, options, or features that may result in a higher cost from the starting MSRP.
MSRP excludes tax, license, registration, additional options, and possible destination charges. Dealers set own prices.
