2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox presented itself as an attractive crossover, even if it didn't boast the futuristic design of a Kia Sportage or the rugged appearance of a Toyota RAV4. Its restrained bodywork was complemented by a chunky front end, which made the grille appear smaller and more refined compared to the aggressive front fascias common in the industry. The gold Bowtie emblem, while a bit garish against certain paint colours like Radiant Red Tintcoat, looked appealing on others such as Blue Glow Metallic and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims in Canada, and standard on the RS and Premier.

Inside, the Equinox Premier test vehicle featured handsome two-tone leather upholstery, with heated front seats standard across all trims in Canada. The interior, though practical and user-friendly, appeared somewhat dated with its small touchscreen and basic driver-information display. Despite the abundance of plastic buttons, the Equinox was easy to navigate, with a traditional PRNDL shift lever and spacious cupholders. The optional Confidence and Convenience II package added features like lumbar adjustments, ventilated front seats, and an HD surround-view camera, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 retained its appealing design from the second-generation model introduced in 2017, with minor updates for 2024. The Suna trim, exclusive to the U.S., featured Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats with black artificial suede inserts. Mazda improved the fuel economy of the base engine, added wireless charging, and introduced wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to several trims. The CX-5 lineup included versions with a base 187-hp engine and a 256-hp turbocharged engine, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD.

Mazda's attention to detail was evident in the CX-5's interior, which featured upgraded materials and technology over the years. The SUV offered a comfortable and upscale experience at a mainstream price, with the Suna trim in Canada priced at $47,026. The CX-5's interior was snug but comfortable for four adults, with supportive rear seats and thoughtful features like rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest with cupholders. The cabin's design and quality elevated the CX-5 above many of its competitors, offering a premium feel without the luxury price tag.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled to deliver the desired power above 50 km/h. The Equinox's six-speed automatic transmission, though older, contributed to the powertrain's noise due to its longer gear holds. AWD was available across all trims, but required manual engagement via a button on the centre console. The Equinox's braking system was upgraded to an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth and predictable braking. The suspension was well-tuned, offering a comfortable ride and precise steering.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The powertrain was more rewarding with a gradual acceleration approach, allowing the torque to build. However, the CX-5's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's suspension was re-tuned for a smoother ride, and the frame was stiffened for responsive handling. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced cornering and minimized body motions, providing a sophisticated driving experience. The CX-5 was quiet on the highway and offered lively handling in the city, with the ability to tackle off-road trails thanks to its 20 cm ground clearance.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox offered 847 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,809 litres with the seats folded down. While not the largest in its class, it surpassed the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester. Passenger space was ample, with good headroom and legroom for a six-foot-tall driver and rear passengers. The interior featured higher-quality plastic components, with plenty of storage options and a nearly silent power liftgate. A panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, though smaller in interior space, provided a comfortable experience for four adults. The rear seats offered good support and a proper sitting position, with soft front seatback material for added comfort. The CX-5's cabin design and quality were impressive, rivaling luxury-branded vehicles. The cargo area offered 871 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded down. While storage space was good, the cupholders were somewhat awkward to use.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox featured a simple yet effective infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier. While not as flashy as some competitors, the system was easy to use, with quick response times and good voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims, along with Bluetooth connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad, and a Bose seven-speaker audio system was available on the RS and Premier trims.

Mazda's approach to technology in the 2024 CX-5 focused on minimizing driver distraction, with traditional switchgear for key functions. The 10.25-inch display allowed touchscreen operation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless connectivity available on several trims. The infotainment system was navigated using a large knob and surrounding buttons on the centre console. Mazda Connected Services offered remote engine starting and other features, while a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system was standard in the Suna trim.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came equipped with a suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were optional on all trims except Premier. The Equinox received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 included a comprehensive set of ADAS features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 had previously earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.