2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented itself as a formidable contender in the luxury SUV market, challenging the traditional dominance of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mazda's design and material quality had surpassed its Japanese counterparts, bringing it closer to the luxury arms of Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus. The CX-90's exterior was a supersized version of the elegant design language seen in the smaller CX-30 and CX-5, with a length exceeding 200 inches. Its imposing presence was accentuated by a large grille, wide-set front end, and wheels ranging from 19 to 21 inches, complemented by tasteful chrome trim. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that could rival luxury brands, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic bits, offering a sophisticated and elegant ambiance.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a much-needed redesign, adopting a modern look that aligned it with larger Chevrolet models like the Traverse and Suburban. The flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive "shark fin" C-pillar gave it a contemporary appearance. Each trim level had unique styling elements, with the base Equinox LT offering chrome or a Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim featured sportier elements like black mirrors and badges, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome and all-terrain tires. The interior of the Equinox was also updated, with a new sub-texture effect around the vents and a more open center console. The RS and ACTIV trims offered distinct interior themes, with the RS featuring red highlights and contrast stitching, and the ACTIV trim sporting a two-tone black and tan theme, enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option, marking a significant departure from the outgoing CX-9. The CX-90 offered a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine in two iterations, with the base model delivering 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo S trim, however, upgraded the 3.3-liter I6 to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. All models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 featured three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with noticeable differences in behavior between Normal and Sport modes. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric range of 26 miles and an EPA-estimated 56 MPGe in combined driving. Both CX-90 models excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout contributing to its agility.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained a single engine offering, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with powertrain, with FWD models delivering 184 lb-ft and AWD models 203 lb-ft. The Equinox featured a CVT for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD versions. The eight-speed transmission was an improvement over the previous six-speed, offering smoother and quieter shifts. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but the engine's limitations became apparent during highway merges. The AWD-equipped Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds, while FWD models were limited to 800 pounds. Selectable drive modes were introduced, with RS and ACTIV trims offering Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes for AWD models.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a variety of trims and seating configurations, accommodating up to eight passengers in lower-level Turbo and PHEV models. Mid-level trims featured captain's chairs, while the Turbo S had a two-seat configuration in the third row. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with a maximum of 75.2 cubic feet available. The CX-90's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage options and high-quality materials, providing a comfortable and luxurious experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on RS and ACTIV trims, with optional front seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The Equinox's flat roof provided consistent headroom throughout the cabin, with the moonroof adding additional light to the rear seats. The cargo space was slightly reduced in the new generation, offering 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down. A hidden storage compartment beneath the load floor added convenience, though the cargo volume was smaller compared to competitors.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on minimizing distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used a rotary control knob and hard buttons instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to enhance safety, the system's quirks often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that adjusted settings based on facial recognition, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were available in higher trims, providing a more familiar interface for users.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration proved functional, allowing simultaneous infotainment activities without interrupting navigation. However, the voice control system presented challenges, with the assistant's volume set too high in some cases. The Equinox's tech features were mostly standard, including an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wi-fi hotspot capability, and wireless charging for RS and ACTIV trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 came equipped with the i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The top-spec Turbo S Premium Plus model also featured cruising and traffic support, providing a hands-on driver support system. While crash test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well based on the accolades received by the previous CX-9 model.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package that added rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, traffic-sign recognition, and a camera rearview mirror. The Chevy Safety Assist suite included standard features like rear park assist, lane-change alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Teen Driver Technology was also standard, allowing parents to set speed and volume limitations and receive a "report card" of driving behavior.