Two compact SUVs frequently land on the same shortlist for Saskatchewan families: the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Mazda CX-5. Both offer AWD, five-passenger seating, and modern safety features. The difference shows up at the pump, behind the wheel on winter roads, and in the technology that comes standard from the entry trim.

The Equinox leads on city fuel economy, AWD torque, and a connected tech suite that the CX-5 needs extra spending to approach.

2026 Equinox vs. 2026 CX-5: Specs at a Glance

Spec	2026 Equinox	2026 CX-5
Engine	1.5L turbo I4	2.5L I4
Horsepower	175 hp	187 hp
Torque (AWD)	203 lb-ft	186 lb-ft
City fuel economy	9.2 L/100 km (FWD)	9.9 L/100 km
Combined fuel economy	8.7 L/100 km (FWD)	9.0 L/100 km
Highway fuel economy	8.1 L/100 km	7.9 L/100 km
AWD transmission	8-speed automatic	6-speed automatic
Infotainment screen	11.3 in (Google built-in)	12.9 in (GX/GS)
Instrument cluster	11 in	10.25 in
Cargo (seats folded)	1,798 L	1,882 L
Cargo (behind rear seat)	844 L	954 L
Max towing (AWD)	1,500 lbs (680 kg)	1,500 lbs (680 kg)
AWD fuel tank	59 L	58 L

Fuel Economy: A Real Gap in the City

City driving is the Equinox’s strongest ground against the CX-5. At 9.2 L/100 km in the city (FWD), the Equinox uses noticeably less fuel than the CX-5’s 9.9 L/100 km city rating. Over a full year of daily driving, that 0.7 L/100 km gap translates to genuine savings at the pump.

On the highway, the CX-5 pulls a slightly better 7.9 L/100 km versus the Equinox’s 8.1 L/100 km. For drivers who split their time between city errands and open-road trips, the FWD Equinox still comes out ahead on combined consumption: 8.7 L/100 km versus the CX-5’s 9.0 L/100 km.

Powertrain and AWD Performance

The CX-5 uses a 2.5L naturally aspirated I4 rated at 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic. The Equinox runs a 1.5L turbocharged I4 at 175 hp. In AWD configuration, the Equinox’s turbo produces 203 lb-ft of torque, topping the CX-5 by 17 lb-ft. That extra low-end pull shows up on slick roads or loaded highway merges.

The AWD Equinox also steps up to a Hydra-Matic 8-speed automatic rather than the CX-5’s 6-speed unit. More closely spaced ratios keep the engine in a more efficient range more often, which supports the Equinox’s better combined fuel number. 

Technology and the Cabin

The CX-5 GX and GS come standard with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, larger than the Equinox’s 11.3-inch display. The Equinox answers with a bigger instrument cluster: 11 inches versus the CX-5’s 10.25-inch LCD. Google built-in and an in-car WiFi network are standard on every Equinox trim, requiring no option package.

The CX-5 GX offers an 8-speaker audio system versus 6 speakers on the Equinox LT. For buyers who want more audio, the Equinox has upgrade packages available. For most daily drivers, the larger cluster, standard Google built-in, and standard WiFi give the Equinox a stronger baseline technology position across the lineup.

Cargo: Honest Numbers

The CX-5 carries more cargo: 1,882 L with the rear seats flat and 954 L with them up, compared to 1,798 L and 844 L in the Equinox. That difference is real and worth considering for families who consistently max out their load floor.

That extra CX-5 room comes paired with a higher city and combined fuel consumption rating than the Equinox. For buyers who haul large loads regularly, the CX-5’s space is an asset. For everyone driving shorter daily hauls, the Equinox delivers a practical family cargo area alongside the fuel economy advantage.

Which One Is Right for You?

Most Saskatchewan families driving a mix of city routes and weekend highway trips will find the Equinox covers their needs more efficiently. A city rating of 9.2 L/100 km, 203 lb-ft of AWD torque through an 8-speed automatic, and standard Google built-in technology make a strong case across the LT, RS, and ACTIV trim lineup.

The CX-5’s cargo volume and base speaker count give it an audience among buyers who put load space above all else. But the Equinox outperforms it on fuel efficiency and AWD torque output, which covers the broader range of day-to-day Saskatchewan driving most buyers actually do. The conclusion here is straightforward: for families who want to spend less at the pump and more capability underfoot, the Equinox is the clear pick.

Explore the 2026 Equinox at Saskatoon Motor Products Chevrolet

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox delivers a turbocharged AWD powertrain with 203 lb-ft of torque, a combined FWD fuel rating of 8.7 L/100 km, and Google built-in technology standard across a three-trim lineup from LT to ACTIV.

Visit Saskatoon Motor Products Chevrolet in Saskatoon to compare the LT, RS, and ACTIV trims in person and schedule a test drive of the Equinox that fits your driving routine.