2024 Toyota 4Runner vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was a nostalgic nod to the past, with its design largely unchanged since its 2010 redesign. While it had undergone minor updates, the midsize SUV retained its boxy shape, which was fitting for an all-terrain vehicle. Its flared fenders and rugged grille gave it a robust appearance, ideal for off-road adventures. The TRD Pro model further emphasized this with underbody skid plates and all-terrain tires. However, the interior showed its age with outdated technology and styling, featuring an analog instrument panel and a small eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Despite the hard plastic surfaces, the 4Runner offered cushioned panels for comfort, though the materials felt more like vinyl than leather.

In contrast, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox embraced a modern aesthetic with its redesign, aligning with the larger Chevrolet Traverse. The Equinox featured distinct styling elements for each trim, with options like the Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment and larger wheels for the RS trim. The ACTIV trim showcased a more adventurous look with all-terrain tires. Inside, the Equinox offered a contemporary cabin with a new infotainment system and improved interior textures. The RS and ACTIV trims provided unique interior themes, with the ACTIV trim featuring a two-tone black and tan design. Overall, the Equinox's interior felt like a deliberate choice rather than a compromise, offering a more modern and refined experience.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While these figures were comparable to competitors like the Bronco and Wrangler, the 4Runner's five-speed automatic transmission held it back, affecting acceleration and fuel economy. The TRD Pro model came standard with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case, while other trims offered rear-wheel drive with optional four-wheel drive. Off-road, the 4Runner excelled, but on highways, it felt sluggish, requiring heavy acceleration to merge. The soft suspension, while beneficial for off-roading, resulted in noticeable body roll and a bouncy ride on paved roads.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, with the latter offering 203 lb-ft. The Equinox's transmission options included a continuously variable transmission for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD versions. The eight-speed transmission improved acceleration and reduced noise compared to the previous six-speed. While the Equinox's engine felt responsive at low speeds, highway merging highlighted its limitations. The Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds with AWD, and selectable drive modes enhanced its versatility for different terrains.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's interior, though outdated, offered practicality with easy-to-use controls and excellent outward visibility. The front seats provided ample space, but taller drivers might find the steering wheel's reach limited. The second row offered generous legroom, though headroom was restricted for taller passengers. The 4Runner's cargo space was impressive, with up to 89.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were stowed. However, the lack of remote seat releases and a powered liftgate were drawbacks. The sliding glass rear window and party speakers added unique functionality, and the 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox provided a more modern interior with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on RS and ACTIV trims. The flat roof design ensured consistent headroom throughout the cabin, and the moonroof added light to the rear seats. The Equinox's cargo space was slightly reduced compared to its predecessor, offering 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded. A hidden storage compartment added convenience, though the overall cargo volume was smaller for its class. The Equinox's cabin layout, including the well-placed dead pedal, contributed to a comfortable driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner's infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the small eight-inch touchscreen was challenging to use while driving. The TRD Pro model featured a 15-speaker JBL audio system, though road noise often overshadowed its quality. Additional terrain controls were located in the headliner console, with Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select systems enhancing off-road capabilities. However, the pictogram labels required consulting the owner's manual for full utilization.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration projected onto the driver information display, allowing for seamless multitasking. While the voice control system had volume issues in some test models, the overall tech features were impressive. The Equinox's 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen was significantly larger than previous models, and wireless charging was standard on RS and ACTIV trims. The lack of an upgraded sound system option was a minor drawback.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars from NHTSA for overall and frontal crash protection. It scored five stars for side impacts but only three stars in rollover evaluations. IIHS ratings were similarly mixed, with "Good" scores for moderate frontal overlap and side protection tests, but "Marginal" and "Poor" results in the small overlap frontal test. The 4Runner included standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, though some alerts were overly sensitive.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered an available Safety & Technology package, adding features like rear pedestrian alert and HD surround vision. Most safety features were standard, including enhanced automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. The Equinox also featured Teen Driver Technology, allowing parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a "report card" on driving behavior. This comprehensive suite of safety features made the Equinox a strong contender in terms of safety.