2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a significant redesign, aligning its aesthetics 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 styling elements, with the base Equinox LT providing chrome accents or an optional Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment. The RS trim, known for its sportier appeal, included black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome and all-terrain tires. The interior design also saw improvements, with a more open center console and a larger infotainment screen. The RS and ACTIV trims featured distinct interior themes, with the ACTIV offering a lighter “Maple Sugar and Black” theme and the RS sporting a darker, sportier look with red highlights.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested in challenging snowy conditions near Mount Rainier National Park, impressed with its Rock Creek trim. Equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, it handled the terrain with ease. The Pathfinder's redesign in 2022 introduced a more assertive front end and protective cladding, with the Rock Creek trim adding a V-Motion grille and stacked LED lighting. Despite its rugged appearance, the Pathfinder remained a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance or skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek trim featured leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange “Rock Creek” logos, while higher trims offered full leather or quilted semi-aniline leather. The Pathfinder's interior was comfortable, though not cutting-edge in terms of technology.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with powertrain, offering 184 lb-ft in front-wheel-drive models and 203 lb-ft in all-wheel-drive versions. The transition from a six-speed automatic to a CVT in FWD models and an eight-speed automatic in AWD models improved performance, with the latter providing smoother and quieter shifts. The Equinox's acceleration was responsive at low speeds, though highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The AWD-equipped Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds, with selectable drive modes enhancing its versatility.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 284 horsepower in most trims and 295 horsepower in the Rock Creek trim. The nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, offering smooth and decisive shifts. The Rock Creek and Platinum trims included a transmission oil cooler, boosting towing capacity to 6,000 pounds. The Pathfinder's soft suspension provided a comfortable ride on bumpy roads but felt floaty on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek trim was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, with the all-terrain tires impacting efficiency. The Pathfinder offered seven drive modes and hill-descent control, with snow mode proving effective in snowy conditions.

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 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. A hidden storage compartment added convenience, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, while smaller than some competitors, provided ample interior space. During a ski trip with four adults, it comfortably accommodated passengers and gear. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with it folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The Rock Creek trim included a power liftgate and captain’s chairs with a removable center console. The EZ Flex Seating System allowed easy access to the third row without removing car seats, enhancing practicality for families.

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 allowed for seamless navigation, though voice control volume was an issue in one test vehicle. The 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen was larger than previous models, with standard 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 Nissan Pathfinder lagged behind in technology, with an older interface compared to other Nissans. The 8-inch touchscreen in lower trims and 9-inch in higher trims felt dated, especially compared to competitors. A 6-speaker stereo was standard, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but wireless projection was limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. Navigation was only available on SL and Platinum trims, with a 12.3-inch driver-information display exclusive to the Platinum.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package with rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, and more for $1,085. Most safety features were standard, including rear park assist, lane-change alert, and enhanced automatic emergency braking. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits, providing a report card on driving behavior.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on all but the base trim, with traffic sign recognition available on higher trims.