The Compact SUV world is one where the competition is stiff, and two models who look to eke out their own niche in the market are the new for 2025 Chevy Equinox and Hyundai Tucson. Both bring something new to the table this year in the latest chapter of their respective journeys. In today’s Review, we’ll be putting the two head-to-head on in our quest to find out which model is the best compact SUV under $35k.
Key Takeaways
- The Equinox combines offroad versatility with sporty performance this year.
- The Tuscon has the somewhat smaller buy-in of the two, starting at around $1,000 cheaper than its Equinox rival, as of writing.
- The Equinox is impressively spacious, bringing.
Is the Chevy Equinox redesigned for 2025?
The Equinox is mostly unchanged, though new paints are available this year. The price of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $29,995 as of this writing, and goes up to $34,395 depending on the trim and options. The list of available trims reads as:
- LT – $29,995
- Activ – $34,395
- RS – $34,395
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox lineup consists of three trims: LT, RS, and Activ. For the best value, we recommend stepping up to either the RS or Activ trim. Both start at the same price, so the decision largely depends on your styling preference—whether you prefer the rugged, adventure-ready look of the Activ or the sportier, street-focused design of the RS. Regardless of your choice, you’ll benefit from additional standard features, unique wheel designs, and the option for a two-tone exterior color scheme.
Will the 2025 Tucson be redesigned?
Yes! This year, Hyundai has refreshed the Tucson for 2025 with a sharper, more aggressive exterior design that includes a revised front fascia, an updated grille, larger LED daytime running lights, and a subtly redesigned rear bumper and taillights. Inside, the SUV now features a redesigned dashboard that integrates dual 12.3-inch displays for both the instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Additionally debuting on the interior is the addition of new physical knobs for volume and tuning return, addressing past usability concerns. Higher-end trims relocate the gear selector to the steering column, freeing up space on the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard on all trims, and a new 12-inch color head-up display is available. Hyundai’s updated digital key system allows for keyless entry and start via smartphone. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models gain driver-adjustable regenerative braking and introduce a new “Baby Mode” feature for smoother driving.
Is the 2025 Equinox bigger than the 2025 Blazer?
The Chevy Blazer is undoubtedly the larger SUV of the two, sporting dimensions of 191.8 inches in length, 76.7 inches in width, and 67 inches in height, compared to the Chevy Equinox, which measures 183.2 inches long, 74.9 inches wide, and 65.6 inches tall.
Despite the difference in overall size, the Equinox offers nearly identical headroom and legroom to the Blazer. In terms of cargo space, the Blazer has a slight edge with 30.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 64.2 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Equinox follows closely, offering 29.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making both SUVs impressively spacious for their respective classes.
Summary
The winner here is far and away the Equinox, which wins the advantage over the Tucson with its greater potential for versatility, a compact sometime-offroader, a sporty but sensible car for a new driver, or a convenient grocery getter for the whole family. For the most practicality out of your new Compact SUV, you’ll find that the 2025 Equinox delivers the most when put up against the competition.