2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, bringing it in line with the modern aesthetics of its larger sibling, the Traverse. The new Equinox featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive “shark fin” C-pillar, aligning it more closely with the Suburban and Silverado. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the base LT trim available in chrome or a Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim sported 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 space. The shifter was moved to the steering column, opening up the center console, and the new infotainment screen was integrated with the driver-information display. The RS trim featured a sporty interior with red highlights and contrast stitching, while the ACTIV trim offered a lighter “Maple Sugar and Black” theme.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse continued Chevrolet’s trend of stylish SUV designs, both inside and out. However, the interior materials, such as hard plastic and Evotex artificial leather, fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, included features like Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and various driving packages. Despite its stylish appearance, the Traverse’s interior materials and quality did not match its exterior appeal.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied between 184 lb-ft in front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and 203 lb-ft in all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions. The FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed automatic was an improvement over the previous six-speed, offering smoother and quieter shifts. The Equinox’s acceleration was responsive at low speeds, but the engine struggled 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.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. The engine provided ample power, allowing for rapid acceleration, especially with AWD engaged. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, featured an off-road suspension, 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse handled trails and rough terrain with ease, thanks to its Terrain mode and hill descent control system. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Z71’s tires and suspension also provided a smoother ride on regular roads. The Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, but its large size made it feel cumbersome on narrow roads. The Z71 achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding expectations.

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, adding light for passengers. The Equinox’s 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 was available beneath the cargo area.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior space, particularly in terms of width. The front seats were spacious, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Z71 trim included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, or captain’s chairs for added comfort. The third-row seats provided adequate leg support but lacked a view due to the rear window design. The Traverse offered 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 56.6 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down. Folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Google Maps navigation projected onto the driver information display, allowing for multitasking without interrupting directions. However, the voice control system had volume issues in some test vehicles. The Equinox also featured a wi-fi hotspot, six-speaker audio system, and wireless charging on RS and ACTIV trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in, Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also offered Alexa compatibility, OnStar services, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The touchscreen provided a user-friendly interface, though it lacked a tuning knob. The Traverse also included an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera 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. Most safety features were standard, including rear park assist, lane-change alert, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Equinox also included Teen Driver Technology, allowing parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a driving report card.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Top Safety Pick” award from the IIHS.