Compact SUVs are especially great because of their capability, comfort, and versatility. The best of the best compact SUVs are fun to drive as well as fuel-efficient. There are tons of options in this class, but two of the best ones for this year are the 2020 Mazda CX-5 and the Chevrolet Equinox. Here are the important factors to help you choose between the two.

What the 2020 Mazda CX-5 does well

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 is one of the best compact SUVs you can buy. On the outside, the CX-5 is sexy, sporty, and cool. You’ll also find that the CX-5 offers exceptional handling so no worries when it comes to bumps on the road.

The base model comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder which generates a 187-horsepower. This combination is what makes the CX-5 easy to drive, but it’s not particularly potent. If more power is what you want, the higher trims levels feature a turbocharged engine.

What really helps the CX-5 stand out in its class is its luxurious features, bundled in a relatively affordable package with a starting price of $25,190.The CX-5’s car cabin is classy, charming, and similar to that of Mercedes. This is mostly due to its black trimmings and metallic accents, plus available black leather. 

Another great aspect of the CX-5 is its infotainment. It comes with a nice 7-inch touchscreen that’s extremely easy to use. There are a couple of flaws here though. The interface looks a tad outdated and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t standard on the lower-level trims. 

As far as safety goes, the CX-5 excels in this category too. It has a five-star crash-test score from the National Highway Transportation Administration and has also been named as a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The CX-5 also comes with extensive driver-assist features including standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 

What the 2020 Chevy Equinox does well

The 2020 Chevy Equinox is one of the best in its class when it comes to fuel efficiency with an overall 25 mpg.  It’s also an affordable option with a starting price of $23,800. This model has a standard 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that produces a 170-horsepower. It’s not as zippy of a ride or as smooth compared to the CX-5, but it gets the job done. Even so, the Equinox is still comfortable and accomodating. 

The actual interior design isn’t anything to brag about since it’s pretty bland. However, once you get inside, you will see the Equinox shines when it comes to infotainment. Not only is the infotainment easy to use, but it’s also pretty high-tech. There’s a standard 7-inch touchscreen and unlike the CX-5, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. An additional perk here is that wifi connectivity onboard comes standard too. 

Safety features are also an advantage for the Equinox. Unlike its sibling, driver assistance features come standard on this model. Benefits like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assistance with lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Equinox is also has a five-star rating from the NHTSA and has been honored by the IIHS.

The final verdict

Both the CX-5 and Chevy Equinox are great options when it comes to safety, fuel economy, and utility. We have to say though that the CX-5 is a better value buy because of its luxurious options, comfort levels, and performance capability.