2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented a sophisticated exterior that many considered more premium than its non-European counterparts. Its design elements, such as standard LED headlights and taillights, and an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line, contributed to its upscale appearance. The model name was prominently displayed in all-caps at the rear, alongside the classic Volkswagen badge. However, the color options were somewhat limited, especially for the base trim, which was only available in grayscale. The interior offered a range of features across trims, from heated front seats and cloth upholstery in the base model to real leather and ventilated front seats in the SEL R-Line.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern look that aligned it more closely with larger Chevrolet models like the Traverse and Suburban. Each trim had distinct styling elements, with the base LT offering chrome or a Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim featured sportier accents, while the new ACTIV trim emphasized adventure with all-terrain tires and a unique grille design. The interior was updated with a more open layout, thanks to the relocation of the shifter to the steering column, and featured a new infotainment screen integrated with the driver-information display. The cabin materials felt like a deliberate choice rather than a compromise, with the ACTIV trim offering a lightened interior theme and the RS trim sporting bold color contrasts.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering a more traditional driving experience compared to the prevalent CVTs. Front-wheel drive was standard, with the option to upgrade to Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive for an additional $1,500 on lower trims, while it was standard on the SEL R-Line. The AWD models had a slightly larger fuel tank to accommodate the system's impact on fuel economy, which dropped to 25 mpg combined for the base AWD model. The driving experience was mixed, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal, but visibility and handling were commendable.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied between 184 lb-ft for FWD models and 203 lb-ft for AWD versions, due to different transmissions. FWD models featured a CVT, while AWD models came with an improved eight-speed automatic transmission. The AWD system was a $2,000 upgrade, and the Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds when equipped with it. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, though the engine struggled during highway merges. New selectable drive modes were introduced, allowing drivers to switch between Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes depending on the drivetrain.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a versatile interior, with the FWD models seating seven and AWD models seating five. The two-row configuration provided 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row version had significantly less cargo space, but passenger space remained relatively unaffected. The front seats offered 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom, while the second row provided 38.7 inches of legroom, dropping slightly in the three-row configuration. Despite its compact size, the Tiguan was one of the few in its class to offer a third row.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel on the RS and ACTIV trims, with optional front seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The Evotex seats felt premium, and the flat roof provided consistent headroom throughout the cabin. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light to the back row. Cargo space was slightly reduced in this generation, with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded. A hidden storage compartment added some versatility, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan included haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. However, the physical volume knob was less user-friendly due to its integrated on/off button. The infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the graphics were monochromatic and austere. The Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration was particularly functional, allowing for simultaneous infotainment activities without interrupting navigation. The voice control system had some volume issues, but this seemed to be an isolated case. The new infotainment system featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen, 30% larger than the previous model, and included a wi-fi hotspot and six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and ACTIV trims, with no option for an upgraded sound system.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan had previously earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and its safety features were enhanced for 2024 with the standard inclusion of the IQ.DRIVE suite. This included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, and semi-autonomous highway driving capabilities. Additional features like rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning were also standard. Park Distance Control was available on higher trims, though its effectiveness was mixed.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a comprehensive suite of safety features as part of the Chevy Safety Assist package. This included rear park assist, lane-change alert, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Teen Driver Technology was a notable inclusion, allowing parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a report card on driving behavior. An optional Safety & Technology package added features like rear pedestrian alert and HD surround vision for an additional cost.