2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV model showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-coloured C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was predominantly body-coloured, and the rear design was more assertive, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels on the 2LT trim and 21-inch versions on higher trims added to its appeal. The Equinox EV offered vibrant colour options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which gave it a youthful and exuberant look. Two-tone paint jobs were available, with options for a white or black roof depending on the trim. Interior colour choices expanded with higher trims, offering combinations like black with blue accents or Sky Cool Grey, and sportier options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear, reflecting its upscale price. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel, standing out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, which, while not universally loved, was becoming more common in EVs. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, managed through a regenerative braking setting or drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV could tow up to 680 kilograms and offered impressive range estimates: 513 kilometres for FWD models and 494 km for AWD. It featured an 85-kWh battery, capable of DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 125 kilometres of range in 10 minutes.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants, including a standard-output 3.3 Turbo with 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, and a high-output version with 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. The plug-in hybrid variant provided 42 kilometres of electric range. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour. The vehicle's i-Stop function aimed to improve fuel economy, with ratings of 9.3 to 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, depending on the engine.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV's base model, 1LT, lacked some features like heated front seats and a steering wheel, but higher trims like 2LT and 3LT added these along with power-adjustable seats and premium features like front-seat ventilation and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV offered 994 mm of front headroom and 1,058 mm of legroom, with a cargo space of 748 litres behind the second row, expandable to 1,620 litres. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's Signature trim featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable but offered limited seat-track travel. The third row was best suited for children, and the CX-90's cargo space was 451 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,129 litres with the second row folded. Storage space was limited, with a focus on style over practicality.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV boasted a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch driver-information screen. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation and route planning through the MyChevrolet app.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, while the native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons. The CX-90's voice recognition system was lacking, but a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display were highlights. Mazda planned to introduce a new Google built-in infotainment system in future models.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came standard with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, and blind-zone steering assist. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, though some features, like speed reduction, were irritating.