2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often praised for its elegant design, which stood out in the small SUV class. Its graceful curves and understated styling gave it a sophisticated appearance, reminiscent of entry-level luxury SUVs. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, the CX-5's design remained timeless and appealing. Inside, the CX-5 offered a blend of traditional and modern elements, with high-quality materials and a user-friendly layout. While it lacked the large infotainment screens of its competitors, the physical buttons and knobs provided a more intuitive and less distracting experience. The interior's soft-touch materials and sturdy plastics contributed to a refined atmosphere, comparable to older Acura or Lexus models.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its bold exterior styling and modern interior design. The Traverse featured digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system, which were standard across the lineup. However, the quality of materials used in the interior was a point of contention, with hard plastics and artificial leather detracting from the overall sense of luxury. The Traverse offered a range of trims, with the Z71 spec providing off-road capabilities and additional features. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse's design and technology made it an attractive option for those seeking a spacious and stylish SUV.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, starting with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The Turbo model increased output to 256 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard. The base engine provided adequate acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about 8 seconds, while the Turbo model was quicker, achieving the same speed in approximately 6 seconds. The CX-5's sporty driving dynamics and firm suspension made it enjoyable to drive, though it resulted in a slightly firmer ride quality. The cabin remained quiet, filtering out wind and road noise effectively.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 pound-feet of torque. The engine's exhaust note was not particularly pleasant, but it provided ample power for rapid acceleration, especially with all-wheel drive engaged. The Traverse Z71 trim was designed for off-road adventures, featuring increased ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a more capable AWD system. While the Traverse excelled in off-road conditions, its size and suspension made it less sporty on paved roads. The Z71's tires and suspension provided a smoother ride on rough surfaces, and the vehicle achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior was praised for its design and refinement, but it fell short in terms of practicality and space compared to some rivals. While rear headroom was sufficient for adults, competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage offered more. The CX-5 provided 30.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which expanded to 58.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Although the cargo area was wide and flat, it couldn't match the capacity of the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage. The CX-5 featured moderately sized storage compartments and a wireless charging pad in midlevel trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse excelled in interior space, offering a roomy cabin with eight-passenger seating capacity. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and heating features. The second-row captain's chairs provided good support, though the lack of side window shades was a drawback. The third-row seats were comfortable but lacked a view due to the rear window design. The Traverse offered 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment display, controlled via a center console dial. While smaller than some competitors' screens, its placement minimized distraction. The system was intuitive, with logical menus and easy operation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity in higher trims. The CX-5's analog gauges felt dated, but a head-up display was standard in midrange trims. The base model featured a four-speaker audio system, while the top trim offered a 10-speaker Bose system. Remote vehicle monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot were also available.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, offering Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also supported Alexa, OnStar, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless smartphone charging, were standard. The large touchscreen provided a user-friendly interface, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Traverse featured an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA in most evaluations and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and traffic jam assist. The CX-5's safety systems operated smoothly, with no false alarms or technical issues during testing.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Enhanced Driving Package offered Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.