2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE

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, making it more visually compatible with models like the Suburban and Silverado. Each trim level offered unique exterior styling, with the base Equinox LT available in chrome or a 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 updated, with a new layout that removed the substantial cowl and relocated the shifter to the steering column, enhancing the centre console space. The RS trim featured a sporty interior with red highlights and contrast stitching, while the Activ trim offered a lighter “Maple Sugar and Black” theme.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE, last redesigned in 2020 and facelifted in 2024, maintained a unique identity within the Mercedes-Benz SUV lineup. It featured a rounded profile reminiscent of its predecessors, with squared-off wheel arches and a horizontal grille and headlights. The GLE Coupe models, however, presented odd proportions with a bulky lower body and a fastback-style roofline. Inside, the GLE offered a luxurious experience with options like the Yacht Blue interior, chunky air vents, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The interior felt upscale, with features like mesh speaker grilles for the optional Burmester audio system, enhancing the overall ambiance.

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 came with a CVT, while AWD versions featured an eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed was an improvement over the previous six-speed, offering quicker gear shifts 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 selectable drive modes available on RS and Activ trims. The Equinox could tow up to 680 kilograms with AWD, while FWD models were limited to 360 kilograms.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered five powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid and two AMG variants. The GLE 350 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLE 450 4Matic had a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 375 hp and 369 lb-ft, while the GLE 450e 4Matic combined a turbo-four with electric assist for 381 hp and 479 lb-ft. The AMG GLE 53 4Matic+ delivered 429 hp and 413 lb-ft, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. The AMG GLE 63 S 4Matic+ boasted a 603 hp twin-turbo V8, reaching 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Despite its power, the GLE felt larger than it was, with features like adaptive air suspension unable to make it nimble in tight spaces.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. An optional package added front seat ventilation, heated rear seats, and driver’s seat memory. The Equinox RS featured Evotex seats, providing a premium feel without genuine leather. The flat roof design ensured consistent headroom, with 970 mm in the front and 960 mm in the rear with the moonroof. The moonroof extended into the rear seats, adding light for passengers. Cargo space was slightly reduced, with 844 litres behind the rear seats and 1,798 litres with them folded. A hidden storage compartment was available, though overall cargo volume was small for the class.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE was available in two-row and three-row configurations, though third-row space specs were not published. The GLE offered similar headroom to rivals but slightly less legroom compared to the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Genesis GV80. The high seating position provided an SUV-like feel, though visibility was limited. Second-row passengers enjoyed more space than in most competitors, with additional legroom compared to the BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lexus RX. The GLE offered 894 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,790 litres with all seats folded. It had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, matching the Audi Q7.

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 problematic, with volume issues in the RS trim. The new infotainment system featured an 11.3-inch touchscreen, 30% larger than the previous model, with Wi-Fi hotspot capability and a six-speaker audio system. Wireless charging was standard on RS and Activ trims, with no option for an upgraded sound system.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE featured a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a continuous horizontal display. The MBUX system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with built-in navigation. Multiple access methods were available, including a centre console touchpad, steering wheel touchpads, and voice recognition. The AMG GLE 63 S Coupe offered additional settings, including six drive modes and adjustable damper firmness. Some models featured an off-road display and a “transparent hood” function for the 360-degree camera system, enhancing off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offered a Safety & Technology package, adding 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, enhanced automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed and volume limits, providing a report card of driving behaviour.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE included standard safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. The Pre-Safe system mitigated collision effects by tightening seatbelts and closing windows. The optional Driver Assistance Package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and an expanded driver-monitoring system. The GLE received a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, though its front-crash prevention tech had mixed ratings.