Compare the2026 Chevrolet TraxVS 2026 Mazda CX-5

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Chevrolet Trax achieved a “Acceptable” rating - the second highest possible - for its performance in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, demonstrating its excellent capabilities in preventing collisions. The Mazda CX-5 has not been tested.

Both the Trax and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The Trax’s corrosion warranty is 1 year longer than the CX-5’s (6 vs. 5 years).

There are over 5 times as many Chevrolet dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Trax’s warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Trax has a standard 130-amp alternator. The CX-5’s 100-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Chevrolet vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Chevrolet above average in initial quality. With 47 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

On the EPA test cycle the Trax gets better fuel mileage than the CX-5 (28 city/32 hwy vs. 24 city/30 hwy).

The Trax has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

For better traction, the Trax RS’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-5 (245/45R19 vs. 225/65R17).

The Trax LS/LT’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-5’s standard 65 series tires. The Trax RS’ optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the CX-5 Preferred/Premium’s 55 series tires.

The Trax has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The CX-5 doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Chevrolet Trax may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 800 to 850 pounds less than the Mazda CX-5.

The Trax is 6 inches shorter than the CX-5, making the Trax easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Trax offers available electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Trax uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

The Trax can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Trax can be unhitched and driven around locally. The CX-5 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Trax’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The CX-5 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The power windows standard on both the Trax and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Trax is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the Trax’s available exterior PIN entry system. The CX-5 doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system.

Compared to traditional radio, the Chevrolet Trax’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-5 Premium.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Chevrolet Trax, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Trax was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2025 and 2024. The CX-5 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

The Chevrolet Trax outsold the Mazda CX-5 by 51% during 2025.