The compact SUV market is one of the most fiercely competitive segments in the automotive industry, and for 2025, two prominent contenders—the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain—are rolling out significant updates. The 2025 Equinox and Terrain share several core features that buyers in Mississauga will love, but they also differ in a few key areas including design, technology, and driving dynamics. This article offers an in-depth comparison of these two SUVs to help buyers determine which model best suits their needs.
Design and Exterior
Both the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the GMC Terrain have undergone substantial exterior redesigns, aimed at enhancing their road presence and catering to different tastes.
The Chevrolet Equinox embraces a more muscular and athletic aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the larger Chevy Traverse and the brand’s truck lineup. The bodylines are sharp, giving it a confident stance, and the wider design—by nearly 2.3 inches—adds to its assertive look. Unique touches include three distinct front fascia designs across its trims (LT, ACTIV, and RS), with features such as the squared wheel arches and a distinctive C-pillar shark fin that provides a dynamic, flowing profile. For those seeking a rugged, off-road-inspired design, the ACTIV trim features a unique fascia with metallic accents, all-terrain tires, and an optional two-tone roof. The RS, on the other hand, brings a street-inspired design with blacked-out badging, a black roof option, and sporty 19-inch wheels.
The GMC Terrain, while also refreshed for 2025, takes a different approach with its "truck-inspired" design language. The grille, now larger and more imposing, draws direct inspiration from GMC's Sierra pickup truck. This gives the Terrain a more planted and robust look, a deliberate effort to align its smaller SUV with the broader, bolder GMC lineup. Like the Equinox, the Terrain offers a two-tone roof option (black or gray) for the first time, adding personalization options. The front fascia connects the new headlamps with integrated fog lights, giving the Terrain a distinctive, aggressive front end. Compared to its predecessor, the 2025 model also features a more athletic stance with enhanced aerodynamics.
Which fits your needs?
- If you prefer a more rugged, off-road aesthetic, the Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV trim is likely to suit your tastes.
- If you lean towards a bold, truck-inspired look that aligns with the GMC design language, the Terrain may be the better fit.
Interior and Comfort
The interiors of both the Equinox and Terrain have been upgraded for 2025, with a strong focus on technology and driver experience.
Inside the Chevrolet Equinox, the focus is on technology and comfort. The cabin is more spacious than before, and the dashboard now features two large screens—a configurable 11-inch driver information center and an 11.3-inch infotainment display. The layout is clean and modern, with tactile materials used throughout to give a more premium feel. Evotex seating material is available on the LT and ACTIV trims, offering a balance between luxury and durability. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel come standard on most trims, and higher trims offer ventilated front seats and heated outboard rear seats. The interior design emphasizes functionality, with thoughtful touches like the new electronic transmission selector, which frees up additional storage space.
The GMC Terrain also emphasizes a tech-forward interior but skews slightly more toward a luxurious, premium feel. The next-generation Terrain introduces a standard 15-inch premium infotainment screen, which is larger than the Equinox’s display, and an 11-inch driver information center, allowing for more simultaneous displays of information. The interior also features sweeping lines and chrome accents across the dashboard, adding to a sense of spaciousness. The Terrain’s seats are designed for comfort, with standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Additionally, premium trims like the Denali offer features like heated rear seats, wireless phone charging, and advanced sound insulation for a quieter cabin.
Which fits your needs?
- If tech-focused functionality and a driver-oriented layout are your top priorities, the Chevrolet Equinox's modern cabin may appeal to you.
- If you're after a more premium, upscale interior with extra flair and attention to design, the GMC Terrain stands out, especially in higher trims like Denali.
Technology and Infotainment
Both vehicles have stepped up their game in terms of technology, offering larger screens, connected services, and advanced safety features.
The Chevrolet Equinox features an 11.3-inch infotainment screen, which integrates with Google built-in services. Drivers can use Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access a wide range of apps via Google Play, bringing smartphone-like functionality to the dashboard. For audio enthusiasts, the Equinox includes a standard six-speaker audio system with an optional premium setup. Wireless charging is available on upper trims, and the system can be paired with OnStar for additional connectivity features.
The GMC Terrain, however, pushes the technology envelope further. It boasts a 15-inch-diagonal infotainment display with a highly intuitive interface, and an 11-inch driver information center for a comprehensive view of essential driving data. The Terrain also introduces up to eight available camera views, including an optional rear camera mirror—an innovative feature that enhances rear visibility. Wi-Fi 5G hotspot capability and HD Surround Vision are available, adding further to its connected ecosystem. The Terrain's infotainment system can also display up to three applications simultaneously, making multitasking easier for the driver.
Which fits your needs?
- If you want seamless Google integration and are satisfied with slightly smaller screens, the Equinox offers solid tech at a reasonable price.
- If you're after the latest in display technology and advanced camera systems, the Terrain’s larger screens and additional features provide an edge.
Safety Features
Both the 2025 Equinox and Terrain pack a comprehensive list of safety features, making them among the most secure options in their class.
The Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with the Chevrolet Safety Assist suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. For added peace of mind, it also includes features like blind zone steering assist, rear cross-traffic braking, and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. The Equinox also introduces intersection automatic emergency braking, helping to avoid collisions during left turns.
The GMC Terrain mirrors many of the Equinox’s safety features but adds a few extras. In addition to its suite of 15 standard driver assistance features—such as enhanced automatic emergency braking, bicyclist braking, and blind zone steering assist—the Terrain also offers rear cross-traffic braking and reverse automatic braking. The advanced camera systems, like the rear camera mirror and HD Surround Vision, provide an extra layer of visibility, especially when parking or navigating tight spaces.
Which fits your needs?
- If you prioritize comprehensive safety tech with a strong focus on pedestrian and intersection protection, the Equinox is an excellent choice.
- If you want added convenience with features like multiple camera views and a rear camera mirror, the Terrain goes a step further.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, both SUVs feature the same 1.5L turbocharged engine, offering 175 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft of torque. Both models offer all-wheel-drive (AWD) as standard on certain trims and have a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,500 pounds.
The Chevrolet Equinox provides a choice between a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel-drive (FWD) configurations and an eight-speed automatic transmission for AWD models. Equinox also includes selectable driving modes (Normal, Snow, and Off-Road for AWD versions), allowing drivers to adapt to various driving conditions.
The GMC Terrain, on the other hand, comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission across the lineup, delivering smoother power delivery, especially in AWD configurations. The Terrain also adds selectable driving modes in its AT4 trim, designed specifically for off-road use, with features like hill descent control and a lifted suspension for better clearance.
Which fits your needs?
- If you're looking for a balanced, everyday drive with options between FWD and AWD, the Equinox provides flexibility.
- If off-road capability and an automatic transmission across the board are essential, the Terrain offers more tailored performance, especially in the AT4 trim.
Which SUV Is Right for You?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 GMC Terrain offer different takes on the compact SUV, each appealing to distinct buyer preferences.
- The Chevrolet Equinox is ideal for families or commuters who value practicality, spaciousness, and modern tech without a premium price. Its strong balance of comfort, functionality, and standard safety features make it a dependable choice for everyday use.
- The GMC Terrain, on the other hand, is the right choice for those who prefer a more rugged, premium feel with off-road capabilities and advanced technology. Its truck-inspired design, combined with luxury touches in the Denali trim or off-road prowess in the AT4, will appeal to those seeking more from their SUV in terms of both design and performance.
Ultimately, both models provide excellent options in the compact SUV category, and the decision comes down to whether you prioritize value and functionality (Equinox) or a more premium, adventurous experience (Terrain).
