2026 Chevy Equinox
The Equinox starts at $28,800 in FWD. Both have Google Built-In. But the CX-5 starts at $29,990 with AWD already included, a 12.9-inch screen, and more cargo. Here is the full comparison.
Equinox advantages shown as plain data. CX-5 wins are marked. Both vehicles earn their entries honestly.
| 2026 Mazda CX-5 | 2026 Chevrolet Equinox | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (FWD) | $29,990 AWD included | $28,800 LT FWD Equinox leads on base price |
| Starting MSRP (with AWD) | $29,990 AWD standard WIN | $30,800 LT AWD AWD adds $2,000 |
| All-Wheel Drive | Standard every trim no upcharge WIN | Optional adds $2,000 on all trims |
| Horsepower | 187 HP 2.5L SKYACTIV-G WIN | 175 HP 1.5L turbocharged |
| Fuel Economy (AWD, Combined) | 26 MPG | 26 MPG (AWD tie) |
| Standard Infotainment Screen | 12.9" Google Built-In (up to 15.6") WIN | 11.3" Google Built-In |
| Google Built-In Native | Standard every trim WIN | Standard every trim |
| Cargo Space (Seats Up) | 33.7 cu ft WIN | 29.8 cu ft |
| Cargo Space (Seats Folded) | 66.5 cu ft WIN | 63.5 cu ft |
| Interior Material Quality | Best-in-class compact SUV WIN | Spacious harder materials on LT trim |
| IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | Awarded 2026 WIN | Not rated as of time of writing |
| Basic Warranty | 3yr / 36,000 mi | 3yr / 36,000 mi (tie) |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5yr / 60,000 mi | 5yr / 60,000 mi (tie) |
| Towing (AWD) | Not rated for significant towing | Up to 2,000 lb AWD / 800 lb FWD |
Every 2026 CX-5 from the base 2.5 S at $29,990 to the Premium Plus at $38,990 ships with i-ACTIV AWD at no extra cost. You pick the trim you want and AWD is already included. The Equinox starts every trim in FWD. AWD is available on all three trims but requires a $2,000 upgrade on each one.
That means an AWD Equinox LT costs $30,800 $810 more than the AWD CX-5. For Goldsboro and Wayne County buyers comparing properly equipped vehicles with AWD, the CX-5 starts below the Equinox and arrives with a larger screen, more power, and more cargo room.
- CX-5: i-ACTIV AWD standard on all 5 trims at $0 upcharge
- Equinox: AWD available on all 3 trims at $2,000 per trim
- AWD LT Equinox: $30,800 vs CX-5 base AWD: $29,990
- CX-5 AWD monitors 27 data points per second proactively
This is one category where credit goes to both vehicles: the 2026 CX-5 and the 2026 Equinox both ship with Google Built-In standard on every trim. Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play are natively integrated in both not phone mirroring. For Goldsboro commuters navigating US-70 toward Kinston or US-117 toward Wilson, both systems work hands-free out of the box.
Where the CX-5 pulls ahead is screen size. The CX-5 ships with a 12.9-inch display standard, stepping up to 15.6 inches on the Premium Plus. The Equinox ships with an 11.3-inch screen standard with no larger option. For buyers who spend a lot of time using navigation and media on the road, 1.6 extra inches is visible at a glance.
- CX-5: 12.9" Google Built-In standard, 15.6" on Premium Plus
- Equinox: 11.3" Google Built-In standard on all trims
- Both: wireless CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Assistant
- Both: native Google Maps without phone connection required
The 2026 Equinox LT starts at $28,800. The 2026 CX-5 starts at $29,990. That is a $1,190 difference in FWD-to-AWD pricing but the comparison is not apples-to-apples. The Equinox base price is for FWD. The CX-5 base price includes AWD as standard equipment.
When you add AWD to the Equinox LT ($2,000), the price rises to $30,800 $810 more than the CX-5 base with AWD. In a straight AWD-equipped comparison, the CX-5 actually costs less and arrives with more horsepower, a larger screen, and more cargo space. The Equinox only wins the base price round if you specifically want FWD.
- Equinox LT FWD: $28,800 $1,190 less than CX-5 base
- Equinox LT AWD: $30,800 $810 more than CX-5 with AWD
- CX-5 base: $29,990 with AWD, 12.9" screen, 187 HP
- FWD Equinox: 27 MPG combined vs CX-5 AWD: 26 MPG
The 2026 CX-5 delivers 33.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats 3.9 more than the Equinox's 29.8. With seats folded, the CX-5 reaches 66.5 cubic feet vs 63.5 for the Equinox. That gap shows up on hardware runs in Goldsboro, gear hauls for the Crystal Coast, or sporting equipment trips on US-117.
Interior quality is also a clear CX-5 advantage. Reviewers consistently rate it the most refined compact SUV interior soft-touch materials throughout, tight panel gaps, and an upscale feel that feels above its price. The Equinox is well-designed and spacious its 40 inches of rear legroom is genuine but uses harder surfaces on the LT trim that make the interior feel less premium.
- CX-5: 33.7 cu ft seats up / 66.5 cu ft folded class leading
- Equinox: 29.8 cu ft seats up / 63.5 cu ft folded
- CX-5: best-in-class interior material quality
- Equinox: spacious cabin 40 in rear legroom harder surfaces
Both the CX-5 and Equinox ship Google Built-In as standard on every trim. Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Play Store are integrated natively in both vehicles. This is a genuine win for buyers in both camps no phone required for navigation.
Both vehicles include a comprehensive standard safety suite on every trim. The CX-5 holds a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. The Equinox includes Chevy Safety Assist with six standard features including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Neither requires a higher trim to get the safety basics.
Both vehicles return 26 MPG combined with AWD. Neither has a meaningful fuel economy advantage over the other in AWD configuration. For daily driving on US-70 between Goldsboro and Kinston or US-117 toward Wilson, fuel costs will be essentially equal.
The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is a genuinely strong compact SUV. Its $28,800 FWD entry price is the lowest in this comparison. Both vehicles now include Google Built-In as standard a feature where the Equinox deserves credit. Its passenger space is one of the roomiest in the class at 40 inches of rear legroom. For buyers who want FWD and a lower starting price, the Equinox is worth the test drive.
For most Goldsboro and Wayne County buyers comparing AWD-equipped compact SUVs, the 2026 CX-5 is the stronger overall choice. It includes standard AWD for $810 less than an AWD Equinox LT. It delivers 12 more horsepower, a 1.6-inch larger screen, and 3.9 more cubic feet of everyday cargo room. Its interior quality leads the class. Sport Durst Mazda of Goldsboro is at 3405 McLain Street our team is ready to walk you through the full lineup.
We are the Mazda dealer at 3405 McLain Street in Goldsboro. Our team serves Wayne County and surrounding communities with new, used, and certified pre-owned Mazda inventory. Seymour Johnson AFB families are welcome ask about Mazda military pricing programs.
Our team at Sport Durst Mazda of Goldsboro knows the CX-5 thoroughly. Every trim, every feature, every question Wayne County buyers ask before they sign our team has the answers. We stock new, used, and certified pre-owned CX-5 inventory at 3405 McLain Street.
The Equinox is a serious competitor and we respect it. Google Built-In on every trim is a real accomplishment. Its passenger space is among the best in the class. But when it comes to AWD value, screen size, cargo room, and interior quality the CX-5 wins each category at a lower AWD price. We will show you both specs side by side on the same piece of paper and let the numbers speak.
Straight answers for Wayne County buyers comparing these two vehicles. Both are strong. These questions help clarify which fits your needs and budget.
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-5 come with AWD as standard like the Chevy Equinox?
The 2026 CX-5 includes i-ACTIV AWD standard on every trim at no extra cost. The Equinox starts in FWD on all three trims AWD adds $2,000 to any Equinox configuration. At $29,990 with AWD included, the CX-5 comes in $810 below the AWD Equinox LT at $30,800.
How does the CX-5 compare to the Equinox in cargo space?
The CX-5 offers 33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 66.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet folded. The CX-5 leads by nearly 4 cubic feet in everyday use a meaningful difference for Goldsboro families loading gear for Cliffs of the Neuse State Park or a trip to the Crystal Coast on US-70.
Which has the bigger infotainment screen the CX-5 or the Equinox?
Both the CX-5 and Equinox include Google Built-In with native Google Maps and Google Assistant. The CX-5 ships it on a 12.9-inch touchscreen standard on every trim, stepping up to 15.6 inches on the Premium Plus. The Equinox ships Google Built-In on an 11.3-inch screen standard. The CX-5 screen is 1.6 inches larger as standard equipment.
Which has more horsepower the CX-5 or the Equinox?
The 2026 CX-5 produces 187 HP from its 2.5L naturally aspirated engine. The Equinox produces 175 HP from a 1.5L turbocharged engine on all trims and drivetrains. The CX-5 has a 12 HP advantage. Autoblog notes the Equinox's 0-60 time runs approximately 8.6-9.2 seconds merging onto I-795 or overtaking on US-70 requires planning in the Equinox.
Is the Equinox cheaper than the CX-5?
The Equinox LT starts at $28,800 in FWD $1,190 less than the CX-5 at $29,990 with AWD. Add AWD to the Equinox LT and the price rises to $30,800, making the CX-5 $810 less for AWD-equipped versions. The Equinox wins on FWD base price. The CX-5 wins on AWD-equipped value, delivering more features at a lower AWD price.
Is the CX-5 a good vehicle for Seymour Johnson AFB families in Goldsboro?
Yes. The CX-5's standard AWD, 12.9-inch Google Built-In screen, and premium interior make it a strong daily driver for SJAFB families. Mazda offers military pricing programs for active duty service members, veterans, and their families. Contact Sport Durst Mazda of Goldsboro at (919) 823-7198 for current Mazda military incentive details.
How does the CX-5 compare to the Equinox on fuel economy?
Both vehicles return 26 MPG combined with AWD. Fuel economy is essentially identical between the two vehicles when both are AWD-equipped. The FWD Equinox returns 27 MPG combined. If maximum fuel efficiency is a priority and you choose FWD, the Equinox holds a 1 MPG edge. For AWD models, the two are tied.
Which has a better interior the CX-5 or the Equinox?
The CX-5 is consistently rated the most refined interior in the compact SUV class. Reviewers note soft-touch materials throughout, tight panel gaps, and a premium feel at compact SUV pricing. The Equinox interior is spacious and well-organized its 40 inches of rear legroom is genuinely impressive but uses harder surfaces on the base LT trim that feel less premium than the CX-5.
Can I test drive the 2026 CX-5 at Sport Durst Mazda of Goldsboro?
Yes. Sport Durst Mazda of Goldsboro is at 3405 McLain Street in Goldsboro. Call (919) 823-7198, browse CX-5 inventory at sportdurstmazdaofgoldsboro.com, or schedule your test drive online at sportdurstmazdaofgoldsboro.com/schedule-test-drive.htm.
Is the CX-5 good for commuting on US-70 between Goldsboro and Kinston?
Yes. The CX-5's standard AWD, sport-tuned chassis, and 26 MPG combined AWD make it a capable daily commuter on US-70. The 12.9-inch Google Built-In screen handles navigation hands-free on the route between Goldsboro and Kinston. Fuel costs on a standard US-70 commute will be essentially the same as an AWD Equinox.
Does the Equinox or the CX-5 have Google Built-In?
Both the 2026 CX-5 and the 2026 Equinox include Google Built-In with Google Maps and Google Assistant natively integrated on every trim. This is one category where both vehicles stand equal. The CX-5 ships it on a 12.9-inch screen; the Equinox on an 11.3-inch screen.
How does the CX-5 handle wet roads in eastern NC?
The CX-5 includes standard i-ACTIV AWD that monitors 27 data points per second and proactively distributes torque before wheelspin starts useful on the wet pavement common in eastern NC after coastal storms. The Equinox AWD uses a button-activated system and is optional at $2,000 extra, meaning many Equinox models on Goldsboro roads are FWD only.
Where can I get the 2026 CX-5 serviced in Goldsboro?
Sport Durst Mazda of Goldsboro operates a certified Mazda service center at 3405 McLain Street. Our Mazda-certified technicians handle all routine maintenance, warranty work, and repairs using genuine Mazda parts. Call (919) 249-7654 or schedule online at sportdurstmazdaofgoldsboro.com.
The 2026 CX-5 at $29,990 with AWD included. Sport Durst Mazda of Goldsboro at 3405 McLain Street.
