2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, aligning its appearance with the larger Chevrolet Traverse. The modernized look featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive "shark fin" C-pillar, giving it a more robust presence akin to the Suburban or Silverado. 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 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 new layout that eliminated the substantial cowl and relocated the shifter to the steering column, creating a more open center console. The RS and ACTIV trims featured distinct interior themes, with the ACTIV trim offering a "Maple Sugar and Black" theme that lightened the cabin, while the RS trim incorporated red highlights and contrast stitching for a sporty effect.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 maintained its reputation as one of the most attractive vehicles in the small SUV class, with graceful curves that set it apart from competitors. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, its design remained timeless and comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The interior boasted high-quality materials and a layout that balanced traditional analog controls with modern digital trends. While it lacked a massive infotainment touchscreen, the physical buttons and knobs enhanced usability. The CX-5's interior featured soft-touch materials and sturdy plastic elements, reminiscent of last-generation Acura or Lexus interiors, giving it a more special feel than similarly priced crossovers. The CX-5's design and refinement were commendable, though it fell short in practicality and space compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with the powertrain, offering 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, which improved upon the previous six-speed automatic. The Equinox's acceleration was responsive at low speeds, but the small engine struggled during highway merges, resulting in increased noise. The ride was generally quiet and comfortable, with AWD models capable of towing up to 1,500 pounds. Selectable drive modes, including Normal, Snow, and Off-Road, were available, enhancing the Equinox's versatility.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version producing 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard across the range. The base engine provided adequate power, while the turbocharged model delivered quicker acceleration, reaching 60 mph in about six seconds. The CX-5 excelled in handling, with its AWD system and suspension minimizing body roll, making it sporty for the class. The ride quality was slightly firmer, but the cabin remained quiet, filtering out wind and road noise effectively.

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 Equinox's flat roof provided consistent headroom, with 38.2 inches in the front seats with the moonroof and 37.8 inches in the rear. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light for passengers. 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, but overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5's interior design and refinement were commendable, but it lacked practicality and space compared to rivals. Rear headroom was sufficient for adults, but competitors like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage offered more. The CX-5 excelled in rear legroom, surpassing the RAV4 but falling short of the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage. Cargo space measured 30.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.1 cubic feet with them folded down. The cargo area was wide and flat, accommodating larger items, but competitors offered more space. A power liftgate was standard on all but the bottom two trims, and the front seats featured moderately sized storage options.

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 had volume issues in some models. The Equinox's tech features included an 11.3-inch infotainment 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 Mazda CX-5 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment display mounted atop the dash, controlled via a dial on the center console. The dial allowed for easy navigation through logical menus, minimizing distraction. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were controllable via the touchscreen and dial, with wireless integration available on midrange trims. The CX-5's analog gauges felt dated, but a head-up display was standard on higher trims. The base trim included a four-speaker audio system, while the top Signature model offered a 10-speaker Bose premium system. Remote vehicle monitoring and control were available through a smartphone app, with a free service for the first year.

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, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to program a key with speed and volume limitations, providing a "report card" of driving behavior.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests, except for rollover protection, which received four stars. The 2024 model received the IIHS' highest score of "Good" and a Top Safety Pick rating. All CX-5 trims included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a head-up display, surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The Turbo Signature trim included a driver attention monitor and rear automatic braking.