2025 Chevrolet Equinox Vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan - What's The Difference?

Two of the biggest names in the compact SUV market have launched all-new versions of their popular vehicles, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan and the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. Both arrive with new styling, enhanced features and upgraded safety systems. Let's break down what each of them offers and see which one might be right for you. With a starting price of $30,920 including destination, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan undercuts the Equinox's entry-level trim by just a few hundred dollars. With the price of entry comes a front-drive SUV powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine pumping out 201 horsepower, which is 26 more horsepower than the Equinox. Fuel economy for the front-drive models is in line with the rest of the compact crossover field, touting an estimated 29 mpg combined. However, adding all-wheel drive noticeably dings that figure, dropping the combined mpg rating to 25. Both drivetrains are tow rated to up to 1,500 pounds. Visually, the new Tiguan has a lot more personality than the previous generation. That includes defined body sculpting, a cool front light bar, and wheels up to 20 inches on the top trim. Volkswagen offers the Tiguan in four well-equipped versions. The base S has heated cloth front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, proximity keyless entry, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Move up that trim ladder and you'll find more features such as remote start, a power liftgate, a panoramic sunroof, three-zone climate control, heated rear seats, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and massaging front seats. Now regarding safety, Volkswagen does not penalize their customers for purchasing the least expensive trim. All Tiguan models include a full suite of driver assists, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, active blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and VW's IQ Drive, a semi-autonomous hands-on highway driving assist. When it comes to interior space, the Tiguan's passenger capacity stats really mirror the Equinox's pretty identically. However, when it comes to cargo space behind the second row, well, then there the Equinox takes first prize. Speaking of interiors, the Tiguan's cabin is a mixed bag. The seats are comfortable and supportive, but unless you opt for the most expensive trim, the cabin is really devoid of color. The Tiguan's digital display looks clean and straightforward, and the physical buttons on the steering wheel are a welcome replacement for the old haptic touch controls. However, while we appreciate the large infotainment touchscreen, the graphics feel a little bit cluttered, and the slide controls for the climate system are inferior substitutes for physical knobs and buttons. With a starting price of $31,080 including destination, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is an attractive prospect. Its new interior has a rugged appearance, incorporating some of Chevy's big SUV and pickup truck DNA, which we think actually works pretty well. Chevrolet offers the Equinox in three trims, the LT, the Active, and the RS. The Active trim is new to the Equinox lineup, offering light off-road capability, better ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. Regardless of trim, power comes from a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's good for 175 horsepower. On the front drive models, power runs through a continuously variable automatic transmission, while all-wheel drives get a better 8-speed automatic. While all-wheel drive does add $2,000 to the bottom line, we do think it's worth it for the sure-footed traction in all weather conditions and the more responsive transmission. Combined fuel economy figures for the all-wheel drive model beat those of the Tiguan, but front drive models fall short by 2 mpg. Like the Tiguan, the Equinox comes well equipped with numerous standard driver assists, including forward collision warning and emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, a blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection and braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam assist. Optional upgrades include a rear camera mirror, rear pedestrian braking, and an HD surround camera. Regrettably, GM's excellent Super Cruise is not available on the Equinox. Standard features for the Equinox LT include heated front seats and steering wheel, an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in. Some notable options include a hands-free power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, and two-tone paint. While we think Chevy's infotainment and climate control design are superior to VW's, we find it a little bit odd that Chevy does not offer an upgraded audio system like VW's Harman Kardon option. Sorry, audiophiles. We also think Chevrolet does a better job with interior styling and materials, which shows up on the Active and RS trims, but even the base LT feels rich and upscale. For the record, the Equinox offers a better powertrain warranty, but the Tiguan wins when it comes to basic bumper-to-bumper coverage. So, which is the better deal? The Tiguan brings German engineering and performance to a small SUV and also provides plenty of room, cutting-edge technology, and sophisticated good looks. The Equinox does all of this too, but in a more dynamic package with a bit more capability, a better infotainment interface, and a more accommodating cargo bay.