2025 Chevy Equinox vs 2025 Hyundai Tucson

From taking on grid-locked traffic in the city to carting the little ones to soccer practice, dance class, and all of their other after-school activities, compact SUVs have big jobs to do in their small packages. The great news is that compact SUVs are so versatile, which is why they appeal to a variety of drivers, and if you want to take advantage of advanced features, ultimate comfort, and impressive tech, all for an affordable price, the Chevy Equinox has probably crossed your radar.

It’s not only supremely stylish inside and out, it’s also loaded with all the features you require during any type of drive you’re taking on next. Another favorite on the streets is the Hyundai Tucson, known for its stylish demeanor and premium feel inside, and when it comes to the 2025 Chevy Equinox vs 2025 Hyundai Tucson, it may be difficult to choose which model works best for you.

For 2025, the Equinox enters its fourth generation and showcases a bolder appearance with a hint more durability than models of the past. Its cabin has also been revamped to feature more high-end appointments, wrapping its occupants in comfort and style as they cruise to all their destinations. The 2025 Hyundai Tucson also undergoes some changes, including new wheel and bumper designs, as well as a new infotainment display that makes its way inside.

When it comes to performance, trim lineup, and technology, although there are many similarities between these two small travelers, they are not even close to offering you the same quality ride. At DePaula Chevrolet, when you want to ride in an SUV that’s easy to drive, great on gas, and comfortable, you can find it all in the Equinox. So how does this Chevy favorite beat out its Hyundai rival? Let’s take a closer look

Performance

Powertrain Lineup

Powertrain expectations are very similar between the 2025 Chevy Equinox and 2025 Hyundai Tucson, but there are subtle differences that can really change the trajectory of the ride. The Equinox is armed with a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in front-wheel drive models or an eight-speed automatic in all-wheel drive models. The Tucson is equipped with a 2.5L four-cylinder that’s mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission; it too can be enjoyed with all-wheel drive capabilities. The Equinox’s engine offers an impressive 203 lb-ft of torque, while the Tucson gives you a lackluster 178 lb-ft of torque.

The ability to choose your transmission may not feel like a big deal, but many drivers who gravitate toward compact SUVs prefer the familiarity of CVTs. They allow you to achieve better fuel efficiency, and being that they don’t shift through gears, you don’t feel that jolt that you tend to experience with other types of transmissions as they shift through their gears. That being said, those who prefer more control and responsiveness while trekking through rustic environments will appreciate the eight-speed automatic in all-wheel drive models, making the Equinox the one to choose when you want the best-feeling ride, regardless of whether you choose a front-wheel drive or AWD model.

Efficiency Expectations

You will also find that the Equinox and Tucson are both outstandingly efficient, and seeing as many drivers of compact SUVs tend to find themselves in city traffic more often than not, this level of efficiency comes in handy. If you want to harness maximum efficiency on city streets, you’ll want to choose the Equinox, which is able to achieve an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city, compared to the Tucson, which lags behind slightly, getting an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in the city.

If you want a compact SUV that offers the best ride, no matter where you’re traveling, the Equinox is it. It offers everyday drivers who tend to stick to the highway with a smooth ride, adventurers who find themselves off the beaten path regularly with the control they need, and city commuters with the efficiency they demand out of their everyday ride. The Tucson overcompensates with its eight-speed automatic transmission on all models, which may feel a bit uncomfortable for average commuters, and fuel efficiency isn’t as impressive as that of other models. If you want the best performance, you’ll find it in the Equinox.

Trim Lineup

Elegant Options

You’ll love the fact that you have plenty of options when it comes to trims in both the Equinox and Tucson; however, the Tucson offers more to choose from—and it may just feel a bit overwhelming. This demographic of drivers doesn’t need endless options when it comes to being a daily commuter, a family-friendly traveler, or a weekend explorer; they just need quality options to help them choose the exact match for their travel needs.

This is where the Equinox excels, offering the perfect amount of trims without being too overwhelming. If you have your eye on top-end styling and luxury, you’ll want to opt for the RS trim, which showcases the perfect blend of sportiness and style to really turn heads wherever you travel. With sultry dark elements inside and out, the RS makes you feel as though you’re riding in a sports car without the sports car sticker price, with black emblems, a black grille, and Torch Red and Santorini Blue accent stitching inside to really intensify the ride.

The Tucson’s top-level trim is the Limited, which showcases leather appointments, a panoramic sunroof, and more premium elements, but its price is much more than that of the Equinox RS. So, if you want a more exciting traveler for less, the Equinox is the one to choose.

Adventure-Ready Travelers

Both the Equinox and Tucson offer rugged trims that aren’t afraid to get a little muddy out in the woods, making these SUVs ideal for drivers who seek out thrills on the weekends. The Equinox’s fearless explorer is the ACTIV, which features all-terrain tires, a specially tuned suspension, and ruggedly durable elements to withstand unruly terrain. The Tucson offers the XRT, which features XRT-exclusive wheels, specialized badging, and exterior cladding to give it a more durable appearance. Although both models look the part of serious adventurers, it’s clear that the Equinox offers more functional features to improve the quality of your time off-road.

You will find a host of trims available in each camp, giving you plenty of options when it comes to making the most of your time on the road; however, the Tucson’s lineup may be a bit imposing. It’s nice that the Equinox offers a streamlined trim lineup to provide you with just enough options without feeling like it’s too much. It’s also important to note that higher-level trims can get quite pricey with the Tucson, while the Equinox seeks to stay on the more affordable end of the spectrum, appealing to cost-conscious buyers with high standards regarding the quality of their vehicles.

Technology

Staying Connected

There are plenty of ways that our vehicles make our time on the road better, and one of the major ways that they do this is through technology. From effortlessly navigating to unfamiliar places to keeping you on schedule during the day, even from the highway, the intuitive nature of today’s vehicles doesn’t go unnoticed. The great news is that both the Equinox and Tucson offer plenty of ways to remain connected to the day, whether you’re needing to jump on a conference call from rush hour traffic or reduce boredom during a long road trip to see the grandparents.

The 2025 Equinox presents you with an 11.3-inch infotainment display, which features a Google-based software interface to ensure maximum convenience on board. From maps to apps to assistance features, the Equinox has it all to ensure a seamless experience, regardless of what you need to accomplish during your ride. Although the Tucson has a slightly larger touchscreen than the Equinox, a 12.3-inch display, its software interface is not powered by Google, which can really take away from the quality and convenience of the ride. If you want unmatched access to any type of connectivity or assistance option out there, the Equinox offers it.

Staying Protected

The 2025 Equinox also offers access to more standard safety and assistance features than ever before, making it a great pick for those concerned about safety. From helpful everyday features like collision avoidance and lane keeping assistance to Teen Driver technology to help you monitor your new driver’s skills, as well as camera technology and more, the Equinox boasts a superb suite of advanced technologies to enhance the ride. The Tucson also showcases a favorable amount of options through Hyundai SmartSense, including Smart Cruise Control and collision assistance.

Despite the fact that the Tucson showcases great safety ratings, when you look at the whole picture, not having Google-based software is a big disadvantage, seeing as Google pretty much rules the roost when it comes to connectivity and innovation. If you want a vehicle that’s exceptionally connected and protected, you’ll want the Equinox.

Come Experience the 2025 Chevy Equinox With Us Today

If you want a compact SUV that can do it all, you’ll want the Equinox in charge of your ride during every mile you’re on the road—or off. It’s effortlessly versatile, appealing to so many different types of drivers, making it a bestseller for the bowtie brand and one of the best SUVs for drivers who demand excellence in their vehicles for less. We are proud to offer this impressive model on our lot, as well as other perks, including fair prices, great rates, and a team of knowledgeable professionals leading the way. We invite you to stop by and see our selection of Equinox models in person and get ready to elevate your time on the road with Chevy-quality reliability and value, driving you forward.

^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.