Equinox III vs CX-5 II (KF): which is better?
Chevrolet Equinox III (2017–2024) vs Mazda CX-5 II (KF) (2017–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Chevrolet Equinox III
Mazda CX-5 II (KF)Specifications
| Chevrolet Equinox III | Mazda CX-5 II (KF) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2017–2024 | 2017–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 1.5 Turbo | 2.5 |
| Power, up to | 170 hp | 194 hp |
| Torque, up to | 275 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 652 mm | 4 550 mm |
| Width | 1 843 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Height | 1 661 mm | 1 680 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 725 mm | 2 700 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 193 mm |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 56 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 8 650 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Chevrolet Equinox III
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- GM 6T30/6T40/6T45 etc. gearbox: 3-5-R clutch pack wave spring failure (6T40/6T45)
- Front-wheel drive only
Gearbox (GM 6T30/6T40/6T45, etc.): broken wave spring in the 3-5-R clutch pack (6T40/6T45); jerks when the valve body wears.
Mazda CX-5 II (KF)
Pros
- Mazda Skyactiv-Drive gearbox (6-speed automatic): a reliable transmission
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Mazda Skyactiv-G engine: carbon buildup on valves in city driving
Engine (Mazda Skyactiv-G): few widespread problems; carbon buildup on valves in city driving.
Gearbox (Mazda Skyactiv-Drive (6-speed automatic)): reliable gearbox.
Which one to choose
- Equinox III — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
- CX-5 II (KF) — if you care more about: power.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Equinox III or CX-5 II (KF)?
Equinox III: up to 170 hp, CX-5 II (KF): up to 194 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Equinox III — about 8 650 ₸, CX-5 II (KF) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.