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The compact SUV market continues to grow in popularity, offering a blend of practicality, performance, and style. Among the front-runners in this competitive category are the Chevrolet Equinox and Ford Explorer. While the Equinox has firmly established itself as a reliable, family-friendly vehicle, the Explorer is known for its robust performance and spacious interior. In this comprehensive review, we'll delve into the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 Ford Explorer, comparing their features, performance, and overall value to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.
Specs and Dimensions
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 Ford Explorer are two popular SUVs that cater to different drivers and lifestyles. Here's a detailed comparison focusing on engine options, performance specs, fuel economy, and interior and exterior dimensions.
Engine Options and Performance Specs
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Chevy paired this engine with a continuously variable transmission for front-wheel-drive (FWD) models and an eight-speed automatic for all-wheel-drive (AWD) models.
In contrast, Ford equipped the 2025 Ford Explorer with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. There's also an optional twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. While the Explorer's options are more powerful than the Equinox's engine, they result in higher fuel consumption and a heavier driving experience.
Fuel Economy Ratings
One of the Chevrolet Equinox's strongest points is its fuel efficiency. It achieves a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg for FWD and 26 mpg for AWD, making it a more economical choice for long-term ownership. In comparison, the Ford Explorer's base engine offers a combined 24 mpg for rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 23 mpg for AWD, with the more powerful V-6 engine dropping to 21 mpg for RWD and 20 mpg for AWD.
Interior Dimensions and Cargo Space
Despite its compact size, the Chevrolet Equinox has a spacious interior with 104.3 cubic feet of passenger volume. It provides 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. While the Ford Explorer does offer more cargo space, the Equinox's clever design ensures ample room for passengers and luggage without feeling oversized.
Exterior Dimensions
The Chevrolet Equinox's dimensions make it an ideal choice for urban environments. It measures 183.2 inches in length, 74.9 inches in width, and 65.6 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 107.5 inches. These dimensions make it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces compared to the larger Ford Explorer, which measures 198.7 inches in length and 78.9 inches in width.
Features and Trims
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Ford Explorer cater to different segments of the SUV market, with distinct features and trim levels that appeal to various consumer needs.
Standard Features
The Chevrolet Equinox comes well-equipped, even in its base trim. Standard features include a touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, keyless entry, and push-button start. Safety features such as lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking are also standard, providing peace of mind without additional cost. The Ford Explorer, while also well-equipped, starts at a higher price point and includes similar features, but the Equinox's lower starting price makes it a more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Available Trim Levels and Key Features
The Chevrolet Equinox is available in three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV. The LT trim comes with features such as an 11.3-inch touch screen, power-adjustable driver's seat, and additional USB ports. The RS trim brings a sportier look with black exterior accents, 19-inch wheels, and a power liftgate. The top-tier ACTIV trim includes rugged styling elements, a hands-free liftgate, and advanced driver-assistance features. In comparison, the Ford Explorer has four trims: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. While the Explorer's higher trims offer more luxury elements, they come at a significantly higher price than the Equinox trims.
Optional Packages and Upgrades
Chevrolet offers several optional packages for the Equinox. You can choose from three convenience packages, letting you add various features, such as heated front seats, remote start, and dual-zone climate control. These packages allow you to customize your Equinox without breaking the bank. The Ford Explorer also has various available packages, but they tend to be more expensive and are often bundled with higher trims.
Safety and Tech
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Ford Explorer both boast impressive safety and technology features, but the Equinox stands out for its comprehensive standard offerings and user-friendly technology.
Standard Safety Features
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Ford Explorer each offer a wide range of standard safety features, including forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, the Equinox's inclusion of these features at a lower starting price makes it a more attractive option.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
The Chevrolet Equinox has advanced driver-assistance systems, such as enhanced automatic emergency braking, intersection automatic emergency braking, and traffic sign recognition, which provide safety and convenience. The Ford Explorer offers advanced systems, such as adaptive cruise control with lane centering and the BlueCruise hands-free driving system, but these features are usually available only in higher trims.
Infotainment System and Connectivity Options
The Chevrolet Equinox features a user-friendly infotainment system with a standard 11.3-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Ford Explorer also includes a comprehensive infotainment system with a larger standard touch screen and similar connectivity options, in addition to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. However, the Equinox offers remarkable ease of use, providing you with an intuitive interface.
Unique Tech Features
The Chevrolet Equinox comes with unique tech features, including the Safety Alert Seat, rear-seat reminder, and Teen Driver technology. Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer offers FordPass Connect and Ford CoPilot360 assist+. While these are notable systems, the Equinox's sets itself apart with its innovative safety and driver-assistance technology.
Book a Test-Drive Today
Ready to experience the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox for yourself? Our team at Huffines Chevrolet Plano invites you to experience firsthand the Equinox's impressive features, safety technology, and efficiency. If you're looking for a more environmentally friendly option, the 2025 Equinox also has a fully electric model, and you can browse our selection of electric and hybrid trucks and SUVs.
Contact us today to schedule your test-drive and we'll help you discover our selection of new vehicles, matching you with one that perfectly suits your lifestyle. The road to your next adventure starts with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox.