2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model revealed more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful flair. Two-tone paint jobs were also available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. Interior color choices expanded with higher trims, offering combinations like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Gray, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented a rugged design, distinct from the CX-5, with a lower, wider, and longer stance. It featured square wheel arches and fake air vents, emphasizing its broad-shouldered proportions. The CX-50 was available in eight trim levels, with the 2.5 Turbo Meridian Edition standing out for its active-lifestyle image, featuring all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. The earthy color palette included Polymetal Gray Metallic and Zircon Sand Metallic, complemented by Terracotta leather upholstery. The interior design was pleasing, with an infotainment screen on a shelf and impressive material quality. However, the CX-50's aspirations to be more upscale were not fully realized, as it still had standard half-leatherette seats and manually-adjustable front seats on base models.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, allowing drivers to simply get in and go. It offered one-pedal driving and various drive modes, including Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant produced 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV had a towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kWh battery. It supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes, and Level 2 charging at 11.5 kW, adding up to 34 miles of range per hour.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo engine delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive were standard, along with Normal, Sport, and Off-road driving modes. Turbo models also included a Towing mode, increasing towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5 but offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, while the roof platform contributed to wind noise at highway speeds.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting at the 2LT trim, included heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors. It also offered an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space was 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place and 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 had similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom and more legroom. It offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.3 cubic feet with them folded. The CX-50 trailed competitors in cargo space, but a power liftgate was available for easier access. The interior featured a substantial shifter and Mazda's rotary infotainment controller, providing a sensible layout and adequate storage space.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, essential for the MyChevrolet app, which provided navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, operated via a rotary controller and buttons. Wireless Apple CarPlay was standard, while Android Auto required a cable. Higher trims offered wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The infotainment system felt dated, but it was straightforward for those who preferred simplicity.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV included Chevy Safety Assist, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. It also had rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Super Cruise and enhanced automatic parking assist were available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was named a 2023 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. It had standard driver-assist tech, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included rear automatic braking and a 360-degree camera system.