2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in three model series: B5, B6, and Recharge T8. The B5 featured a turbocharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the B6 added a supercharger for enhanced performance. The Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid, offering the most power and efficiency, with an estimated 32 miles of electric-only range. All models came standard with all-wheel drive. The XC90 was offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim featured seven-passenger seating, a Lounge Package with massaging front seats, an active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145, including the destination charge. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy color palette, with various wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. The interior, though dated, was fitted with rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern look with a flat roof, upright grille, and "shark fin" C-pillar, aligning 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 elements like black mirrors and badges, while the new ACTIV trim emphasized adventure with dark chrome and all-terrain tires. The Equinox offered two-tone paint options, with a black roof for RS and a white roof for ACTIV at no extra charge. Interior styling varied by trim, with the RS featuring a darker theme with red highlights and the ACTIV offering a "Maple Sugar and Black" theme. The cabin was designed to avoid a cheap feel, with textures that felt like a choice rather than a compromise. The Equinox's interior was spacious, with a flat roof providing consistent headroom and a flat floor in the back for added comfort.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The SUV could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging took about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The SUV's handling was not particularly thrilling, with a firm ride on irregular pavement and a cabin that allowed more noise than expected for a luxury SUV.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained 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 203 lb-ft. The Equinox featured a CVT for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD models, the latter providing smoother and quieter shifts. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but highway merging revealed the engine's limitations. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, with AWD models capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. The Equinox introduced selectable drive modes, with RS and ACTIV trims offering Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes for AWD models.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 was well-equipped even in Core trim, with features like power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. Higher trims added amenities like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 offered a panoramic glass roof and a comfortable driving position with good sightlines. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in Pure mode. The XC90 seated seven or six with optional captain's chairs, with a comfortable second-row bench and a tight but accommodating third row. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 65.5 cubic feet with it folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS and ACTIV trims came standard with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with optional front seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The Equinox featured Evotex seats, which felt premium despite the absence of genuine leather. The flat roof provided consistent headroom, with 38.2 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the back with the moonroof. The Equinox's cabin included 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, along with a hidden storage compartment.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a stereo volume knob and radio tuning buttons. The XC90 also included a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and optional head-up display and surround-view camera.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The 11.3-inch touchscreen was 30% larger than the previous model, with wi-fi hotspot capability and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard for RS and ACTIV trims. The Equinox's Google Maps projected onto the driver information display, allowing for simultaneous infotainment activity. However, the voice control volume was excessively loud in one test vehicle, though this issue was not universal.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star NHTSA rating in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems were not particularly innovative, lacking a hands-free driving system. Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, struggled with certain road conditions and made a significant error during testing.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package with rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, traffic-sign recognition, and a camera rearview mirror. Most safety features were standard, including enhanced automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a report card on driving behavior.