2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV presented a sleek and mature design, subtly differentiating itself from its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart. While it retained familiar features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline, the EV version 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 echoed the front with a light bar, replacing shield shapes with hexagons. 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," with two-tone paint jobs available for certain trims, enhancing its youthful and exuberant appearance. Inside, the base 1LT trim was limited to black, but higher trims offered additional interior colour choices, including sporty options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, available in four trim levels in Canada, boasted a chiseled, muscular, and upscale appearance. The Atlas Execline, with its polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels, looked impressive and resisted dirt well in its Mountain Lake Blue colour. Inside, the Atlas featured 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 a refined and upscale look, appealing to those seeking a spacious and comfortable SUV.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a hands-free start feature, which, while not universally loved, was becoming more common in EVs. The Equinox EV provided a "normal" driving experience with one-pedal driving available across all trims. It featured drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode, allowing customization of steering feel, motor sound, throttle, and deceleration. The single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant delivered 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The Equinox EV's range was impressive, with Natural Resources Canada estimating 513 kilometres for FWD models and 494 km for AWD. The vehicle supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 125 kilometres of range in 10 minutes.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, replacing the previous V6. With 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, the engine provided adequate performance for the Atlas's size. The eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system were standard. While the engine initially seemed underpowered for the Atlas's size, it proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas returned 15.2 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 12.3 L/100 km overall during testing. However, the ride quality was less impressive, with the suspension feeling brittle over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Despite these drawbacks, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV offered a range of features across its trims. The 2LT trim included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and outside mirrors, along with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. The Equinox EV provided 994 mm of headroom in the front and 978 mm in the second row, with 1,058 mm of front legroom. Cargo space was 748 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 1,620 litres with the second row folded. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. The third-row seat was notably comfortable, with easy access and adequate leg support. The Atlas provided 583 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,571 litres with the third row folded and 2,735 litres with the second row down. Storage space was commendable throughout the cabin, with practical compartments and cupholders.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured 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, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning through the MyChevrolet app.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group's MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. While the system lacked traditional knobs and buttons, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Atlas's native voice assistant was unreliable, but smartphone integration provided a more satisfying experience. The Execline trim featured a Harman Kardon audio system, enhancing the overall technology package.

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

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, which included Front Assist, 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 standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and was a 2024 IIHS "Top Safety Pick."