2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

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, making it more visually compatible with models like the Suburban and Silverado. Each trim level offered unique 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 space, including a new infotainment screen and a relocated shifter to the steering column, enhancing the cabin's openness.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants, boasted a luxurious appearance with lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal and athletic stance contributed to a premium look. Inside, the CX-90 featured an elegantly designed interior with Nappa leather, polished metallic trim, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a non-touchscreen infotainment system. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 exuded sophistication, offering a compelling alternative to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

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 models and 203 lb-ft in all-wheel-drive versions. The Equinox transitioned from a six-speed automatic to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD models. The eight-speed automatic was praised for its quick gear changes and reduced noise. 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 and featured selectable drive modes, including Normal, Snow, and Off-Road.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's 3.3 Turbo model featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an increase to 340 hp using premium gas. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. The CX-90 offered Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Despite its impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. The vehicle's fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg.

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 and 37.8 inches in the rear with the moonroof. The cabin featured 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 down. A hidden storage compartment was available, but overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in the 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim. However, the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed comfortable seating with height-adjustable armrests. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. The CX-90's cargo space measured 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 40 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row flattened, which was small for the segment.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, offering wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration allowed for seamless navigation and infotainment multitasking. However, the voice control system was overly loud and difficult to adjust. 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 and available on LT.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90 included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with essential data.

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 set speed and volume limits and provided a "report card" of driving behavior.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trim levels added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, but the audible warning systems were excessive.