2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Volkswagen Atlas

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 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 sported black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new ACTIV trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The interior design was equally impressive, with a new layout that eliminated the substantial cowl and relocated the shifter to the steering column, enhancing space and functionality. 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 sporty red highlights and contrast stitching.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas exuded an upscale appearance, particularly in the SEL Premium R-Line trim, which bordered on luxury crossover territory. The base SE trim boasted full-LED lighting, power-adjustable heated side mirrors, and a sculpted silhouette. The SE with Technology added an illuminated logo, light bar, and 20-inch alloys, while the Peak Edition introduced rugged elements and blackout trim. The SEL Premium R-Line further enhanced the exterior with power-folding side mirrors and 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Inside, the Atlas featured quilted diamond-pattern leather seats, metallic accents, and artificial wood trim, creating a warm and inviting environment. The 12-inch touchscreen and Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster promised a high-tech experience, although the infotainment system's functionality was less impressive. Despite its good looks, the Atlas struggled with some functional shortcomings, particularly in ride quality, which detracted from its overall refinement.

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 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 quicker gear shifts and reduced noise. The Equinox's accelerator was responsive at low speeds, but highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The AWD model could tow up to 1,500 pounds, and selectable drive modes, including Off-Road mode, enhanced its versatility.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered a wide powerband, making the Atlas feel capable once underway. However, initial acceleration was less impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds for the AWD model. The Atlas excelled in highway merging and maintained a smooth ride on country roads. The Drive Mode Select system offered various options, including Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response. The Atlas achieved 22 mpg during testing, slightly better than the EPA's estimate. The 4Motion AWD system performed well in rain and light snow, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, ride quality suffered due to the large wheels, transmitting vibrations and harshness into the cabin.

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 Evotex seats felt premium, and the flat roof provided 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 down. A hidden storage compartment added convenience, but overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo. The SEL Premium R-Line's front seats were heated, ventilated, and equipped with massage, while all Atlas models offered heat and ventilation up front. The driver's seat featured 10-way power adjustment, and the passenger's seat was manually adjusted on lower trims and powered on higher trims. Visibility was excellent, and the second row's captain's chairs folded flat and tipped forward for easy third-row access. The third row provided decent leg support, and cargo capacity was a competitive advantage, with 20.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 55.5 cubic feet with it folded, and 96.6 cubic feet total. The Atlas offered competitive space across all three rows and excelled in hauling people and belongings comfortably.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The native Google Maps projected onto the driver information display, allowing for simultaneous infotainment activity. However, the voice control system was problematic, with a volume set too high and difficult to adjust. Most tech features were standard, including an 11.3-inch 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 2026 Volkswagen Atlas featured a 12-inch touchscreen with the MIB3 operating system, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging. The SEL Premium R-Line added a Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. However, the MIB3 system was frustrating to use, with a complex interface and invisible touch-sensitive controls at night. The voice control system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto the preferred options. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered excellent sound, and the Digital Cockpit Pro offered multiple view options.

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

The 2026 Volkswagen Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS for 2025. The IQ.Drive suite of driver assistance features was standard across all trims, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist. Emergency Assist could bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver became unresponsive. The SEL Premium R-Line added Park Assist, although the Atlas was easy to maneuver without it.