2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic that aligned it more closely with Chevrolet's larger models like the Traverse and Suburban. The flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive "shark fin" C-pillar gave it a robust presence. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the base LT featuring chrome accents and the option for 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 and all-terrain tires, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. The interior saw notable improvements, with a more open layout due to the relocation of the shifter to the steering column and the removal of the substantial cowl. 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. Overall, the Equinox's cabin felt premium, with thoughtful design choices that avoided a cheap feel.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its distinctive retro-inspired design, reminiscent of the Lancia Delta, with only minor updates in its mid-cycle refresh. The lower front fascia saw subtle revisions, but the iconic "Parametric Pixel" headlights and taillights, round wheel arches, and high rear spoiler remained. The new XRT trim stood out with red tow hooks and digital camouflage-patterned cladding, adding a rugged touch. The interior maintained its open and minimalistic feel, with a revised center console for improved functionality. The XRT trim leaned towards a more rugged aesthetic with dark interiors and all-weather floor mats. The Ioniq 5's cabin continued to impress with its modern design, offering a spacious and uncluttered environment typical of Hyundai's electric vehicles.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox continued with its single engine offering, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with the powertrain, with front-wheel-drive models delivering 184 lb-ft and all-wheel-drive versions offering 203 lb-ft. The transition from a six-speed automatic to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD versions marked a significant change. The eight-speed automatic provided smoother and quieter shifts, enhancing the driving experience. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but the engine's limitations became apparent during highway merges. The AWD-equipped Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds, while FWD models were limited to 800 pounds. New selectable drive modes, including Normal, Snow, and Off-Road, added versatility to the driving experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT introduced a Terrain Mode button on the steering wheel, offering Snow, Mud, and Sand modes that adjusted throttle mapping, wheel slip, power distribution, and regenerative braking. The XRT handled off-road conditions admirably, with its all-terrain tires providing confidence on loose surfaces. The Ioniq 5's power output varied with the powertrain choice, with RWD models producing 168 to 225 horsepower and AWD models delivering 320 horsepower. The Ioniq 5's battery capacity increased for 2025, resulting in longer ranges, with most trims achieving up to 318 miles in RWD configuration. The AWD XRT offered a range of 259 miles. Despite its weight, the Ioniq 5's instant torque provided an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on the RS and ACTIV trims. A $950 package added front seat ventilation, heated rear seats, and driver's seat memory. The Evotex seats provided a premium feel, and the flat roof design ensured consistent headroom throughout the cabin. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo space measured 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 63.5 cubic feet with them folded down, with a hidden storage compartment beneath the load floor.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 addressed previous complaints by adding a rear windshield wiper as standard. The interior featured a movable center console with fore-and-aft cupholders and a wireless charging pad. Heated front seats were standard, with the heated steering wheel available from the SEL trim. The Limited trim offered front seat ventilation and driver's seat memory. Interior dimensions remained unchanged, with generous legroom and headroom. Cargo space measured 26.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up or 58.5 cubic feet with them folded down, plus an additional .85 cubic feet in the frunk. The transition to the North American Charging System (NACS) allowed access to Tesla's Supercharger network, enhancing charging convenience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured Google Built-In as standard, along with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration projected onto the driver information display, allowing for seamless multitasking. The new 11.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen was 30% larger than the previous model, offering improved functionality. Standard tech features included a wi-fi hotspot, six-speaker audio system, and wireless charging for RS and ACTIV trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 retained its dual 12.3-inch screens for infotainment and digital instrument cluster, with improved functionality and faster processing speeds. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard. The Bose Premium Audio system was available on the XRT and Limited trims, while SE and SEL trims featured a six-speaker system. The Ioniq 5 offered standard navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and five USB-C ports. A head-up display was exclusive to the Limited trim, and the wireless charging pad was available from the SEL trim.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered an available Safety & Technology package that added 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, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and provided a report card of driving behavior.

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 maintained its high safety standards, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. New standard safety features included an enhanced driver attention system, reverse and forward parking-distance warning, and blind-spot view monitor on the XRT and Limited trims. Highway Driving Assist 1 and 2 offered advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping capabilities, with HDA 2 adding lane-changing functionality.