2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning its design more closely with its popular siblings, the Telluride and EV9. The new front end featured a bold grille flanked by vertically-stacked LED headlights and wing-like amber daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtler, with higher trims receiving elegant LED taillights and new bumpers across all versions. The Sorento's trims remained consistent, but the rugged X-Line package was limited to EX and higher models, with the SX-Prestige available only as an X-Line or the new X-Pro. Inside, the Sorento boasted a redesigned dashboard with a cleaner look, featuring a combined gauge cluster and infotainment display under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, offering a more upscale feel, with options for green and brown interior colors adding character.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox received a modern redesign, drawing inspiration from the larger Chevrolet Traverse. Its flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive "shark fin" C-pillar gave it a more contemporary look. Each trim had unique styling elements, with the base LT offering a chrome or Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim featured sportier elements like black mirrors and badges, while the new ACTIV trim emphasized adventure with dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Equinox's cabin was updated with a new layout, including a relocated shifter and a larger infotainment screen. The RS and ACTIV trims offered distinct interior themes, with the ACTIV featuring a "Maple Sugar and Black" theme and the RS showcasing red highlights and contrast stitching. Overall, the Equinox's cabin felt more refined, avoiding a cheap feel with thoughtful material choices.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering more lively performance. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided enhanced off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro featuring all-terrain tires and improved engine cooling for a higher towing capacity. Fuel efficiency was average, with non-turbo models achieving 25-26 mpg combined and turbo models getting 23 mpg.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a single engine option: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with powertrain, with FWD models offering 184 lb-ft and AWD models 203 lb-ft. The Equinox featured a CVT for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD models, with the latter providing smoother and quieter shifts. The Equinox's ride was generally quiet and comfortable, though the engine struggled during highway merges. The AWD-equipped Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds, with selectable drive modes enhancing its versatility.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and modern, offering comfortable seating in the first two rows but limited space in the third row. It provided more legroom in the front and second rows compared to similar-sized SUVs. The third row was tight, but suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down increased capacity significantly. The cabin featured ergonomic controls and ample storage space, with higher trims offering additional amenities like a power liftgate.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured a flat roof, providing consistent headroom throughout the cabin. The front seats offered 38.2 inches of headroom with the moonroof, while the back seats had 37.8 inches. The Equinox's cabin included thoughtful touches like a well-placed "dead pedal" and a flat floor in the rear. Cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the previous generation, with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down. A hidden storage compartment added versatility to the cargo area.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with all models using a 12.3-inch screen. The infotainment system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), was redesigned for ease of use, with standard navigation on most trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento offered multiple USB-C outlets and an optional Bose 12-speaker audio system. SX and SX-Prestige models included Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access and sharing.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration allowed for seamless navigation and infotainment multitasking. The Equinox's tech features were mostly standard, including an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and ACTIV trims, with no option for an upgraded sound system.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite included a comprehensive array of standard and optional safety features, with redesigned systems and additional sensors. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento had not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but previous models received favorable ratings.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package with additional features like rear pedestrian alert and HD surround vision. Most safety features were standard, including enhanced automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Equinox also included Teen Driver Technology, allowing parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a "report card" on driving behavior.