2025 Nissan Armada vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, adopting a modern aesthetic that aligned it more closely with its larger siblings like the Chevrolet Traverse and Suburban. The new design featured a flat roof, upright grille, and distinctive “shark fin” C-pillar, giving it a more robust and contemporary appearance compared to its predecessor. Each trim level offered unique styling elements, with the base Equinox LT available in chrome or a sleek Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim, known for its sportier look, included black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. The interior of the Equinox was also revamped, with a focus on texture and design that avoided a cheap feel. The RS and ACTIV trims featured distinct interior themes, with the ACTIV offering a “Maple Sugar and Black” theme that lightened the cabin, and the RS trim incorporating red highlights and contrast stitching for a sporty effect.

The 2025 Nissan Armada presented a bold and imposing design, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The high beltline and tall grille, complemented by a higher ground clearance, gave the Armada a commanding presence. The PRO-4X trim stood out with its skid plate and unique front fascia, while the new C-shaped LED lighting signature added a modern touch. From the side, the Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim emphasized its rugged character with black plastic cladding and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel, even in the PRO-4X trim, with leather seats and a padded center console. Higher trims like the Platinum Reserve featured luxurious touches such as quilting and a Chestnut with Rye interior theme, enhancing the sense of luxury and comfort.

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, thanks to different transmissions. FWD models featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD models came with an eight-speed automatic, which was noted for its improved performance over the previous six-speed. The Equinox offered a responsive accelerator at low speeds, though highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The AWD Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds, with selectable drive modes enhancing its versatility.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the old seven-speed, and the PRO-4X trim was exclusively 4WD. The Armada PRO-4X featured off-road enhancements like an electronic locking rear differential and adaptive electronic air suspension, providing a 33-degree approach angle and 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered a balanced feel, while the adaptive air suspension provided comfort and off-road capability.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on the 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 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 added convenience, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats offered comfort, with power adjustments varying by trim. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and heating options available on higher trims. The Armada's cargo volume increased, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second, and 97.1 in total. The third row offered improved legroom, and the Armada's passenger space was competitive, though not class-leading.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen, 30% larger than the previous model, with wi-fi hotspot capability and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and ACTIV trims. The voice control system had some volume issues, but the overall tech package was comprehensive.

The 2025 Nissan Armada offered two large screens, with 12.3-inch displays on lower trims and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. Google Built-In was available on the SL trim and above, allowing for native Google Maps integration. A head-up display was optional, and a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System was standard on higher trims, providing an enhanced audio experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox included the Chevy Safety Assist suite as standard, with features like rear park assist, lane-change alert, and adaptive cruise control. An optional Safety & Technology package added rear pedestrian alert and other features. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits and receive a report card on driving behavior.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assistance. Higher trims offered ProPILOT Assist 2.1, with hands-free highway-driving assist. Nissan Safety Shield 360 included features like traffic-sign recognition and automatic emergency braking. A surround-view camera was standard on higher trims, with advanced camera features available.