2023 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2023 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-5, despite its age, continued to be a strong contender in the compact crossover SUV market. It was known for its stylish design and high-quality materials, giving it the appearance and feel of a small luxury SUV. The CX-5 offered a turbocharged engine option that delivered impressive power, and it boasted a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Mazda's decision to transition the CX-5 to the CX-50 was part of a broader marketing strategy, similar to what Infiniti did with its G37 models. The CX-5 was praised for its quality, refinement, and sophistication across all its versions, from the base GX to the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Signature.

In contrast, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was an attractive crossover with a restrained design, featuring a chunky front end that made the grille appear smaller. It offered a variety of paint colours, including the new Radiant Red Tintcoat, Blue Glow Metallic, and Harvest Brown Metallic. The Equinox was available in four trim levels, with AWD as an option on the LS and LT trims and standard on the RS and Premier trims. The interior of the Equinox was practical and approachable, with a focus on simplicity. While it lacked the flashiness of some competitors, it provided a comfortable and spacious cabin with features like heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on higher trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base model featured a Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. It had a fuel economy rating of 9.0 L/100 km in combined driving. The more powerful 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivered 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular fuel. This engine also came with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with a fuel economy rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's turbocharged engine provided a thrilling driving experience, with responsive handling and a firm, connected ride quality.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While it handled low-speed acceleration well, it struggled at higher speeds. The Equinox used a six-speed automatic transmission, which contributed to its powertrain noise. AWD was available but required manual activation. The Equinox featured an electronically assisted brake-by-wire system, providing smooth braking, and its suspension handled bumps and potholes effectively. The steering was tight and accurate, making the Equinox enjoyable to drive in most situations.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 offered improved front seat comfort and support, with height-adjustable seats for both the driver and front passenger. Higher trims included power-adjustable seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the CX-5's interior space was limited, with smaller storage areas, a cramped back seat, and a cargo capacity of 871 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox provided ample passenger space, with good headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its cargo area measured 847 litres behind the rear seats and 1,809 litres with the seats folded down. The Equinox's interior featured higher-quality plastic components, cup holders for every passenger, and a power liftgate on the Premier trim. A panoramic sunroof was available on all trims except the base LS.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5's Mazda Connect infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch display with sophisticated graphics but was criticized for its awkward physical controls and lack of a helpful voice recognition system. The system required memorization and focus, making it distracting to use while driving. However, it offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bose premium audio system on upper trims.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox's infotainment system was simple yet effective, with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch screen on the Premier trim. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system was easy to use, with customizable icons and hard buttons for quick access. The Premier trim included a wireless charging pad and a Wi-Fi hotspot with an OnStar subscription.

The 2023 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, with standard i-Activsense driver assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. It received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick ranking from the IIHS. However, it lacked a warning system for driving without headlights at night.

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and lane-keeping assistance. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but scored poorly in some IIHS crash tests, including a Poor rating in the moderate overlap front crash test.