2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

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 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 and badges, a larger grille, and red RS emblems, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The interior of the Equinox was equally impressive, with a new layout that removed 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 boasted a sportier look with red highlights and contrast stitching.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas was available in five trim levels, with the Peak Edition designed for off-roading and the SEL Premium R-Line offering a sporty appearance with the most standard equipment. The Atlas SEL Premium R-Line, tested in Mountain Lake Blue, featured polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels, giving it a chiseled and upscale look. Inside, the Atlas continued the premium feel with diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood, creating a warm and inviting environment. The digital instrumentation and large infotainment touchscreen promised a high-tech experience, although the touch-sensing controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Atlas maintained its reputation for comfort and practicality, with a spacious interior and excellent visibility.

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 an improvement, providing quicker gear shifts and reduced noise. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but the engine's limitations became apparent during highway merges. 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, added versatility to the Equinox's performance.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and capable, especially when utilizing the generous torque curve between 1,600 and 4,500 rpm. The Atlas offered an eight-speed automatic transmission with FWD or 4Motion AWD. While the engine's performance was satisfactory for daily driving, the ride quality was less impressive. The suspension felt brittle over smaller road imperfections, and excessive body motions at highway speeds contributed to a less stable ride. However, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with the Sport mode enhancing engine and transmission responsiveness.

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 and 37.8 inches in the rear with the moonroof. 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 beneath the cargo area added utility, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The SEL Premium R-Line model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility and a surround-view camera system for easier parking. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a proper backrest angle. The third-row seat was easily accessible and provided adequate leg support. Storage space was commendable across all rows, with practical compartments and cupholders. The Atlas offered 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 55.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 96.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

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 activity. However, the voice control system had issues with volume settings. 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 Volkswagen Atlas used the VW Group's MIB3 operating system, accessible through a 12-inch touchscreen display. The system lacked traditional knobs and buttons, relying on touch-sensing controls for temperature and volume. The Atlas's native digital voice assistant was an extra-cost option and had limited functionality. However, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a more reliable experience, with the Harman Kardon audio system delivering excellent sound quality. The MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, but pairing a smartphone improved the overall experience.

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

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured standard IQ.Drive driver-assistance features, including Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system were also standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."