Compact SUVs are dominating the auto scene as car consumers appreciate their size, versatility, and fuel efficiency. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 Toyota RAV4 are two of the most popular compact SUVs available, and for good reasons. In this comprehensive comparison of these two models, we'll look at the Chevrolet Equinox vs. Toyota RAV4 specs, features, and amenities, so you can see which compact SUV best fits your Washington State lifestyle.
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 Toyota RAV4
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is a two-row small crossover SUV with sporty lines and a bold stance that highlights its rugged and versatile capability. Chevy offers the Equinox in three trims: the LT, Activ, and RS. The MSRP starts at $28,600 for the entry-level LT and goes up to $33,000 for the two upper trims. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard across the lineup, with the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive (AWD).
The compact 2025 Toyota RAV4’s muscular appearance represents Toyota's capability on off-road trails. You can get the RAV4 in four trims: the LE, XLE, XLE Premium, and Limited. Prices start at $29,250 for the LE and reach $37,555 for the top-tier Limited. As with the 2025 Equinox, the RAV4 comes standard with FWD and offers optional AWD.
Engine Performance and Efficiency
When you compare the Chevrolet Equinox to the Toyota RAV4, you'll notice slight differences in their powertrains. The FWD 2025 Equinox has a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Choose the AWD Equinox, and you get the same engine, but the torque rating climbs to 203 lb-ft. With FWD, this compact SUV gets a combined 27 mpg, while AWD models still get 26 mpg.
For the RAV4, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. A Direct-Shift eight-speed automatic transmission comes with this powerful engine. Fuel ratings for RAV4 models are slightly higher at 30 mpg combined with FWD and 28 mpg with AWD.
Safety and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems
Because Toyota and Chevrolet take safety seriously, they equipped the Equinox and RAV4 with a wide range of advanced features to help keep you and your family safe while driving down the road.
Standard and Optional Safety Features
The Equinox comes equipped with the Chevy Safety Assist bundle of driver-assistance features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Front pedestrian braking
- Forward collision alert
- Following distance indicator
- Lane-keep assist
- IntelliBeam headlights
In addition, the Equinox has Chevy's exclusive Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive technologies. Toyota also equipped the RAV4 with its Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 technologies, which include:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Full-speed range dynamic cruise control
- Lane departure alert
- Lane tracing assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Road sign assist
Crash Test Ratings
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox had an overall rating of Good, its highest rating. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 also had an overall rating of Good from the IIHS. Moving to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Equinox and RAV4 have an overall five-star rating. When comparing the Equinox vs. RAV4’s reliability and safety, you can see that these SUVs are both outstanding. So, no matter which one you decide to buy, you'll be protected on the road.
Interior, Technology, and Comfort
Cabin and Cargo Space
The Equinox has two rows of seats that can fit up to five people, with a maximum cargo capacity of 63.5 cubic feet. When you compare the Equinox vs. RAV4, the Toyota also has two rows of seats that can fit up to five people. With versatile seating configurations, the RAV4 can get up to 59 cubic feet of storage space.
Comfort and Convenience Features
The newly redesigned 2025 Equinox also features high-quality cloth or simulated leather seats, with the Activ trim getting a blend of vinyl and suede microfiber seating materials. Heated front seats come standard across the lineup. New for 2025 is the angled infotainment display system featuring an 11.3-inch display screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This system also has a Google-based infotainment interface with navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and Google Maps. In addition, the Equinox has wireless charging, a hands-free power liftgate, and OnStar basics.
Inside the RAV4, you'll appreciate the attention to detail. The lower trims have easy-to-clean cloth seats, and the top XLE Premium gets SofTex-trimmed seats. The top Limited trim has heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support and memory function for the driver. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system comes with either an 8- or 10.5-inch display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Choose the Limited trim, and you'll get an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.
Which SUV Is Right for You?
Deciding between the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is a personal choice. They both have powerful engines, available AWD, and attractive, roomy interiors. You'll have peace of mind that these compact SUVs come with loads of standard safety features. Plus, both offer a 36-month/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Taking the Equinox and RAV4 for a test-drive is the best way to get a feel for how they handle and drive.
Learn More About the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and Toyota RAV4
The Equinox and RAV4 are reliable and capable SUVs ideal for diverse driving needs. Whether you want the SUV for weekend getaways or as a daily commute car, either one of these standout vehicles will do the trick. To learn more about the similarities and differences between the Equinox and RAV4, contact our team at Titus-Will in the Tacoma, Washington, area to schedule a test-drive of your favorite vehicle. We can also show you various financing options and help maintain your Equinox or RAV4 at our state-of-the-art service center.