2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, aligning its appearance with the larger Chevrolet Traverse. The new model featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive "shark fin" C-pillar, giving it a modern and robust look. Each trim level offered unique exterior styling elements, with the base Equinox LT available in chrome or a contemporary Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim, known for its sportier design, included black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The interior of the Equinox was also revamped, with a focus on texture and design, offering a more open and modern cabin feel. The RS and ACTIV trims featured distinct interior themes, with the RS trim incorporating red highlights and contrast stitching, while the ACTIV trim introduced a "Maple Sugar and Black" theme, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive and athletic appearance, characterized by its long hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint, combined with machined surface wheels and gloss black M Sport details, emphasized its sporty demeanor. Inside, the X3's cabin was simple yet functional, with quality materials in expected areas. However, some plastic elements revealed its price point. The X3 was available in two model series, the 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive, both featuring standard all-wheel drive. The X3 30 xDrive offered a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 255 horsepower, while the M50 xDrive boasted a more powerful 3.0-liter engine with 393 horsepower. Despite some interior shortcomings, the X3's overall design and performance made it a compelling choice for those seeking a sporty and luxurious compact SUV.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied between front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) models, with FWD versions offering 184 lb-ft and AWD models providing 203 lb-ft. The FWD Equinoxes featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD versions came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed automatic was noted for its improved performance over the previous six-speed, offering smoother and quieter shifts. The Equinox's acceleration was responsive at low speeds, but the engine's limitations became apparent during highway merges. The AWD Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds, while FWD models were limited to 800 pounds. Selectable drive modes, including Normal, Snow, and Off-Road, were available on RS and ACTIV trims, enhancing the vehicle's versatility.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite its weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve provided peak torque and horsepower across a broad range, enhancing its performance. The X3 also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, improving off-the-line responsiveness and making the start-stop system nearly imperceptible. The M50 xDrive variant offered a more powerful 3.0-liter engine with 393 horsepower, achieving a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires provided an engaging driving experience, though the ride quality was firm on imperfect roads. Despite its sporty nature, the X3 delivered impressive fuel economy, although real-world figures fell short of official ratings.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on RS and ACTIV trims. A $950 package added front seat ventilation, heated rear seats, and driver's seat memory. The Equinox's flat roof provided consistent headroom, with 38.2 inches in the front and 37.8 inches in the rear with the moonroof. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, enhancing light for passengers. The Equinox's cargo space measured 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down, with a hidden storage compartment beneath the load floor.

The 2025 BMW X3's interior offered a spacious feel, with a simple dashboard and a prominent BMW Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats featured power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather, providing comfort and optional ventilation. The rear seats, however, were less comfortable, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The X3's cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover, netted storage, and a temporary spare tire under the load floor. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

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 simultaneous infotainment activities. However, the voice control system presented challenges, with volume issues in the RS trim. The Equinox's tech features included an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and ACTIV trims, with no option for an upgraded sound system.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. Despite attempts to create profiles and access BMW Digital Services, the system presented challenges, including screen freezes and media preference resets. The navigation system, with optional augmented video, provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly, offering a reliable alternative to the native infotainment features. The test vehicle's issues may have been unique, but they highlighted potential challenges with the new system.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package for $1,085, adding 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, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to program speed and volume limitations, providing a report card of driving behavior.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more rewarding than its infotainment system. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control, Steering Assistant, and Parking Assistant Plus. The Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and other advanced features. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.