2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

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, making it more akin to the Suburban and Silverado. Each trim level boasted unique exterior styling elements, with the base Equinox LT offering chrome or an optional Midnight Edition high gloss black treatment. The RS trim, known for its sportier design, included black mirrors, badges, and red RS emblems, while the new Activ trim showcased dark chrome accents and all-terrain tires. The interior of the Equinox was also revamped, with a focus on texture and space, featuring a new infotainment screen and a relocated shifter to enhance the centre console's openness. The RS and Activ trims offered distinct interior themes, with the Activ trim featuring a two-tone black and tan design, and the RS trim incorporating red highlights and contrast stitching.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90 continued the premium theme with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather, and clearly marked switchgear. However, the ergonomics left something to be desired, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox retained its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The base LT FWD model featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD versions came with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed transmission was an improvement over the previous six-speed, offering quicker gear changes 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 a towing capacity of up to 680 kilograms for AWD models. Selectable drive modes, including Normal, Snow, and Off-Road, were available on the RS and Activ trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output engine delivered 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version produced 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. The power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard AWD system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved driving dynamics. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it featured selectable drive modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. However, the drivetrain lacked refinement, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially when cold. The CX-90's ride and handling were impressive, but the drivetrain's lack of isolation from noise and impact harshness detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada, with additional amenities available in a package for the RS and Activ trims. The flat roof provided consistent headroom throughout the cabin, with 970 millimetres of headroom in the front seats with the moonroof and 960 mm in the back seats. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light for passengers. The Equinox's cargo space was slightly reduced, with 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with them folded down. A hidden storage compartment was available beneath the load floor.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel in the Signature trim. The three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly, but the front seats were comfortable on long trips. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The CX-90's third row was best suited for children, and the rear doors facilitated loading and unloading. However, the interior storage was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and minimal door panel storage. The cargo space measured 451 litres behind the third row, 1,155 litres with the third row folded, and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened.

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 activities. However, the voice control system was set to an uncomfortably high volume, which was difficult to adjust. 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 the RS and Activ trims and available on the LT.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard 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 when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a knob and buttons. The voice recognition system was inconsistent, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The CX-90 included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display with helpful data. The blind-spot monitoring system provided visual alerts, enhancing safety.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package that added rear pedestrian alert, HD surround vision, traffic-sign recognition, and a camera rearview mirror. Most safety features were standard, including rear park assist, side blind-zone alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to program a key with speed and volume limitations and provided a report card of driving behaviour.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all NHTSA crash tests for the PHEV model. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, a safe exit warning system, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids were effective, but the audible warning systems were excessive.