2024 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas underwent a styling refresh that enhanced its original design, dating back to the Volkswagen CrossBlue concept from 2013. This update included new lighting elements, such as light-up VW logos similar to those on the ID.4 electric crossover. The front logo illuminated in white, while the rear logo shone red. A front light bar connected to the daytime running lights, which were part of new LED headlights reminiscent of those on a Ford Expedition. These subtle changes gave the Atlas a new "face," emphasizing American swagger over European influences. At the rear, the taillights blended into a full-width light bar housing the illuminated logo. All trim levels received new wheel designs, with the base SE model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims boasted 20-inch or 21-inch wheels. The Atlas Peak Edition joined the lineup, offering an outdoorsy flavor with black 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and unique styling elements. Inside, the Atlas received a revised look, with a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and a minimalist interior design that contrasted with its truck-like exterior. Volkswagen aimed to make the interior feel more upscale, with improved fake wood trim and available leather upholstery with contrast stitching.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox received a modern redesign, aligning it with the larger Chevrolet Traverse. Its flat roof, upright grille, and "shark fin" C-pillar gave it a more contemporary appearance, fitting in with models like the Suburban and Silverado. Each trim had distinct exterior styling elements, with the base Equinox LT offering chrome or a Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim featured sportier elements, including black mirrors and badges, while the ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome accents and a simpler grille design. The interior styling distinguished the trims, with the RS trim featuring red highlights and contrast stitching, while the ACTIV trim sported a "Maple Sugar and Black" theme. The Equinox's cabin offered consistent headroom, and the flat floor in the back row provided comfort for passengers. Cargo space was slightly reduced compared to the previous generation, but the Equinox still offered a hidden storage compartment beneath the load floor.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas saw a reduction in powertrain options, leaving only a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. This engine produced 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, offering more torque than the previous VR6 engine. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2024 Atlas was quicker than its six-cylinder predecessor, with FWD models achieving zero to 60 mph in an estimated eight seconds, while AWD models took 8.3 seconds. Despite the improvements, the Atlas remained a family-oriented vehicle, prioritizing comfort over performance. The ride quality was consistent with the pre-refresh model, and the Peak Edition added all-terrain tires and an Offroad driving mode. The Atlas had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated for 2,000 pounds.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured a single engine option: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with powertrain, with FWD models offering 184 lb-ft and AWD models providing 203 lb-ft. The Equinox transitioned from a six-speed automatic to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD models. The eight-speed transmission improved acceleration and reduced noise compared to the previous six-speed. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but highway merging revealed the engine's limitations. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, and the Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds with AWD. Selectable drive modes were introduced, allowing drivers to switch between Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas offered more standard features, including a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats on the base SE trim. The SE with Technology added a power liftgate, while leather upholstery and heated second-row seats became standard on the SEL trim. The Atlas provided seating for seven, with a three-seat second-row bench that could split-fold, recline, and slide. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, reducing seating capacity to six. The Atlas boasted competitive headroom and legroom across all three rows, with the third-row legroom being the best in its class. Cargo space varied from 96.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded to 20.6 cubic feet with all seats in place.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on the RS and ACTIV trims. Front seat ventilation was available as part of a package that also included heated rear seats and driver's seat memory. The Equinox's flat roof provided consistent headroom, with the moonroof adding light to the rear seats. The cabin offered a well-placed "dead pedal" for driver comfort. Cargo space was slightly reduced, with 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.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received more standard tech features, including a 12-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard. The Atlas offered up to eight USB-C ports, including a dash cam port on higher trims. A head-up display was standard on SEL and higher trims, and the premium audio system was upgraded to a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with sharp graphics and a map view in the digital instrument cluster. However, the reliance on haptic touchpads for controls was a drawback.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came with Google Built-In as standard, along with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration allowed for seamless navigation and infotainment activity. The Equinox's tech features were mostly standard, including an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and ACTIV trims. The voice control system had some issues, but overall, the tech features were well-received.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS had not released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received high scores in most crash tests. The Atlas offered more standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL Premium R-Line added park assist and a surround-view camera system. The Atlas also had features like automatic post-collision braking and an emergency assist feature.

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. Most safety features were standard, including rear park assist, lane-change alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Equinox also included Teen Driver Technology, allowing parents to set speed and volume limitations and receive a "report card" of driving behavior.