2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs. Toyota RAV4

If you’re having trouble choosing between the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs. Toyota RAV4, you’ve come to the right place. While the two compact SUVs are difficult to fault, you can determine which one is right for you by comparing their specifications and features. Check out this Chevrolet Equinox vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison to make an informed choice.

Price and Value Proposition

For 2025, the Chevrolet Equinox comes in four trim levels: the base LT, the sporty-looking RS, the adventure-ready ACTIV, and the eco-friendly Equinox EV. The LT has a starting MSRP of $28,600, while the Equinox EV costs $41,900. As for the RAV4, there are 11 trims available, including four gas-powered models and seven hybrid variants. The entry-level LE comes with a minimum price of $28,850, and the top-of-the-line Hybrid Limited starts at $40,205.

Performance and Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to RAV4 vs. Chevrolet Equinox performance and efficiency, the winner depends on which trim level you choose.

Engine Options and Specs

The 2025 Equinox gets its power from a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine that generates 175 horsepower. Torque ratings are 184 lb-ft with front-wheel drive and 203 lb-ft with all-wheel drive. The gas-powered RAV4 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder rated at 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While the Toyota delivers more horsepower, the Chevrolet puts out more torque with all-wheel drive, which may help it get off the line faster and carry heavy loads more easily.

A front-wheel-drive Equinox EV is equipped with a single electric motor and an 85 kWh battery that combine for a total output of 220 horsepower. Opting for all-wheel drive gets you an additional motor, which increases the horsepower rating to 300. Both versions are more potent than the RAV4’s 219-horsepower hybrid system.

Fuel Economy

When equipped with the gas engine, the 2025 RAV4 returns an impressive 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. This makes it thriftier than the 2025 Equinox, which earns only 26 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. However, if you choose the Equinox EV, you’ll get a whopping 117 MPGe city and 100 MPGe highway with an all-electric range of 319 miles. In contrast, the Toyota’s hybrid powertrain manages 41 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

Handling and Ride Comfort

Both the Equinox and RAV4 are a breeze to maneuver in tight quarters, making them a great choice for urban commuters. They also deliver a comfortable ride over bumps and rough surfaces. However, unlike the Chevrolet, RAV4 models may be a little unrefined when it comes to driving dynamics. Also, the hybrid version seems to lack road feel.

Safety and Reliability

In terms of safety and reliability, the Chevrolet comes out on top in the Toyota RAV4 vs. Equinox matchup.

Advanced Safety Features

Whether you opt for the Equinox or RAV4, you’ll have access to a wealth of driver-assistance technologies that can make your trips safer and more stress-free. However, the Chevrolet has a slightly longer list of features than the Toyota.

Every Equinox model comes with automated high beams, forward and reverse automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, following distance indicator, adaptive cruise control, lane departure assistance, lane departure alert, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection, steering intervention, rear parking assistance, a safety alert seat, and rear-seat alert.

Standard driver aids of the RAV4 include adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assistance, lane departure alert, steering assistance, pedestrian detection, automated high beams, traffic sign recognition, hill-start assistance, brake assistance, and smart stop technology.

Reliability Ratings

The Chevrolet SUV also has an upper hand in the Equinox vs. RAV4 reliability comparison. J.D. Power awarded the Equinox an outstanding reliability rating of 88 out of 100 and the RAV4 a lower score of 80.

Interior and Comfort

When you’re choosing between the 2025 Equinox vs. RAV4, the interior is an important consideration, as it can significantly impact your overall driving experience.

Seating and Cargo Space

Both the Equinox and RAV4 boast well-cushioned and supportive seats that provide all-day comfort and offer adult-friendly legroom in both the front and back rows. However, the Toyota has a larger cargo capacity than its rival, offering 69.8 cubic feet of storage space with the back seats folded. In contrast, the Chevrolet maxes out at 63.5 cubic feet.

Infotainment Systems

The Chevrolet Equinox and the Toyota RAV4 both feature an advanced infotainment system to keep you connected and entertained on the go. However, the Equinox takes the cake in this department with a larger touch-screen display and a longer list of features. The SUV comes standard with an 11.3-inch touch-screen display, an 11-inch digital gauge cluster, four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and satellite radio. The entry-level RAV4 offers an 8-inch touch-screen display, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, satellite radio, wireless smartphone integration, and three USB ports.

Test-Drive the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox in Bellefontaine, Ohio

As you can see in this 2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs. Toyota RAV4 comparison, the Equinox has an advantage over its rival in most areas. Considering the Equinox’s slightly lower price and its more generous list of standard features, it seems to be a better option for value-seeking car buyers. If you’re interested in getting a 2025 Equinox in the Bellefontaine area, come on down to Steve Austin’s Auto Group to explore the capabilities and features of this awesome SUV. Contact us today to schedule a test-drive.