2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, presenting a modern and robust appearance. The new design echoed the larger Chevrolet Traverse, with 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 Equinox LT featuring chrome accents and optional 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. The interior was revamped with a focus on texture and space, featuring a new infotainment screen and a column-mounted shifter, enhancing the cabin's openness and modern feel.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE retained its distinctive design, with a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors. The GLE's styling, while not the most striking in the Mercedes lineup, adhered to the brand's design language, ensuring it was unmistakably a Benz. For 2025, Mercedes introduced new paint colors and expanded the availability of Manufaktur interiors, offering a range of luxurious Nappa leather options. The interior boasted upscale features like chunky air vents, mesh speaker grilles, and ambient lighting, creating a sophisticated and special atmosphere. The GLE's design and interior elements emphasized luxury and brand identity, appealing to those seeking a classic Mercedes experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox continued with its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied between 184 lb-ft in front-wheel-drive models and 203 lb-ft in all-wheel-drive versions, thanks to different transmissions. The FWD models featured a CVT, while AWD models came with an eight-speed automatic, which improved acceleration and reduced noise compared to the previous six-speed. The Equinox offered a responsive accelerator at low speeds, though highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The AWD version could tow up to 1,500 pounds and introduced selectable drive modes, enhancing its versatility for different driving conditions.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with the GLE 350's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The GLE 580 4Matic boasted a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with 510 hp. The AMG models, GLE 53 and GLE 63 S, offered high-performance options, with the latter producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft. Despite its impressive powertrains, the GLE felt larger than it was, affecting its nimbleness in tight spaces.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on RS and ACTIV trims, with optional front seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The Evotex seats provided a premium feel, and the flat roof ensured consistent headroom throughout the cabin. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, enhancing light and space. Cargo space was slightly reduced, with 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubic feet with them folded, but a hidden storage compartment added utility.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered competitive headroom and slightly more second-row legroom than rivals. Cargo space was 33.3 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 74.9 cubic feet with seats folded. The center console provided ample storage, and the GLE's towing capacity reached 7,700 pounds, matching the Audi Q7 and surpassing other competitors.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox featured Google Built-In as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration allowed seamless navigation and infotainment multitasking. However, the voice control system's volume was challenging to adjust. The Equinox's tech suite included an 11.3-inch touchscreen, wi-fi hotspot capability, and a six-speaker audio system, with wireless charging standard on RS and ACTIV trims.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE showcased a dual 12.3-inch screen setup, integrating digital instruments and infotainment. The MBUX system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with multiple access methods, including voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe featured additional drive modes and settings, accessible via steering wheel dials. Off-road displays and a "transparent hood" function enhanced the GLE's versatility, making it suitable for various terrains.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a comprehensive safety suite, with most features standard. The Safety & Technology package added rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, and more. Standard features included rear park assist, lane-change alert, adaptive cruise control, and Teen Driver Technology, which allowed parents to monitor and control young drivers' habits.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE provided a robust array of driver-assist features, though some were optional. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention ratings were mixed.