2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued the design evolution that began with its switch to a rear-wheel-drive platform, maintaining its sleek and balanced proportions. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome appearance. New LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them added to its modern look. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford streamlined the trim levels to four, including the new base trim called Active, the sporty ST-Line, the luxurious Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding the destination charge.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox underwent a much-needed redesign, adopting a modern look with a flat roof and upright grille, aligning it more closely with larger Chevrolet models like the Traverse and Suburban. Each trim had distinct styling elements, with options like the Midnight Edition High Gloss Black treatment for the LT trim and sporty features for the RS trim. The new ACTIV trim emphasized adventure with all-terrain tires and a unique design. Interior updates included a more open center console and a larger infotainment screen. The Equinox offered a choice of two-tone paint combos and a new interior theme for the ACTIV trim, enhancing its appeal.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer ST and optionally the Platinum trim came with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. All Explorers had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle averaged 23.8 mpg with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Explorer's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport, and more, enhancing its versatility. The ST-Line's performance was more about aesthetics, but the ST-Line Street Package added larger wheels and performance brakes. The Explorer ST showcased its performance capabilities on a short autocross course, while the Platinum trim demonstrated the V6's fast acceleration and pleasant sound.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower. Torque varied with powertrain, with FWD models offering 184 lb-ft and AWD models 203 lb-ft. The Equinox introduced a CVT for FWD models and an eight-speed automatic for AWD versions. The eight-speed transmission improved acceleration and reduced noise. The Equinox's ride was generally quiet and comfortable, though highway merging highlighted the engine's limitations. The AWD-equipped Equinox could tow up to 1,500 pounds, while FWD models were limited to 800 pounds. Selectable drive modes, including Off-Road mode for AWD models, added to its versatility.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six people in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and the Premium Package, which added amenities like ambient lighting and a power-folding third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts. The second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable, and manual rear side window shades were included. The third row was less comfortable for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard on RS and ACTIV trims. A 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 and 37.8 inches in the rear with the moonroof. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light. The cabin featured a well-placed "dead pedal" for driver comfort. 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 utility.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and web browser apps provided internet access. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps integration and app downloads through Google Play. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with 10 speakers in the ST-Line and 14 speakers in the Platinum and ST trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox came standard with Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The native Google Maps integration projected onto the driver information display, allowing for multitasking. However, voice control volume was an issue in some test vehicles. The Equinox's tech features included 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 2025 Ford Explorer included Ford CoPilot 360+, featuring adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other driver assistance systems. ST-Line and higher trims added Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, which included a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it occasionally struggled with tight curves and heavy traffic. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.

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