Chevrolet Equinox vs. Nissan Rogue: A Head-to-Head Comparison

As a car enthusiast who’s spent countless hours behind the wheel, I’m thrilled to share my take on two popular compact SUVs: the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Nissan Rogue. My goal is to help you decide which vehicle suits your lifestyle by comparing their performance, comfort, technology, and value.

Whether you’re a daily commuter or a family road-tripper, this article breaks down the pros and cons of each SUV in a conversational, real-world way. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which one might be your perfect match.

Comparison Table: Chevrolet Equinox vs. Nissan Rogue

Feature	Chevrolet Equinox	Nissan Rogue
Starting MSRP	~$29,995	~$29,980
Engine	1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder, 175 hp, 203 lb-ft torque	1.5L VC-Turbo 3-cylinder, 201 hp, 225 lb-ft torque
Transmission	8-speed automatic (AWD), CVT (FWD)	Xtronic CVT
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy)	26/31 MPG (FWD), 24/30 MPG (AWD)	30/37 MPG (FWD), 28/35 MPG (AWD)
Cargo Space	29.9 cu ft (seats up), 63.9 cu ft (seats down)	36.5 cu ft (seats up), 74.1 cu ft (seats down)
Rear Legroom	39.9 inches	38.5 inches
Infotainment	11.3-inch touchscreen, Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto	8.0-inch (base) or 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Safety Features	Chevy Safety Assist (standard), includes adaptive cruise control, Teen Driver	Nissan Safety Shield 360 (standard), includes Blind Spot Warning, Rear Auto Braking
Reliability (J.D. Power)	85/100	82/100
Warranty	3 yr/60K mi bumper-to-bumper, 5 yr/100K mi powertrain	3 yr/60K mi comprehensive, 5 yr/100K mi powertrain

My Experience With the Chevrolet Equinox

I’ve always been drawn to the Chevrolet Equinox for its no-nonsense approach to the compact SUV game. Climbing into the 2025 model, I immediately noticed its refreshed design—bold yet approachable, with a wider stance and sleek LED headlights that give it a modern edge.

The cabin feels like a breath of fresh air, especially with the dual infotainment screens (an 11.0-inch driver display and an 11.3-inch center touchscreen) that come standard. It’s like having a tech hub at your fingertips, and the Google built-in system made navigation and voice commands a breeze.

Driving the Equinox around town, I found its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower) to be adequate for daily commutes. It’s not a speed demon, but it handles city traffic with ease, and the eight-speed automatic transmission (on AWD models) shifts smoothly, making merging onto highways feel effortless.

The suspension soaked up bumps well, which was a relief on pothole-ridden roads. I took it on a weekend trip, and the 39.9 inches of rear legroom meant my passengers weren’t complaining about being cramped, even with two adults in the back.

The Equinox’s interior is practical, with a straightforward layout and plenty of storage nooks for water bottles, snacks, and phone chargers. The cargo space, while not class-leading at 29.9 cubic feet with seats up, was enough for groceries and a couple of duffel bags. Folding the seats down gave me 63.9 cubic feet, which handled a small furniture run without issue.

What stood out was the standard Chevy Safety Assist suite—features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist gave me confidence on long drives. However, I noticed the base trim lacks some premium touches, like leather seats, which are reserved for higher trims.

Fuel economy was solid but not spectacular. I averaged about 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway with the front-wheel-drive model. The Equinox’s reliability, backed by a J.D. Power score of 85/100, gave me peace of mind, especially with its 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Overall, the Equinox felt like a dependable, family-friendly choice that prioritizes value and safety over flashiness.

Pros Of the Chevrolet Equinox

Spacious rear seating: The 39.9 inches of rear legroom made a big difference for my taller passengers, offering more stretch-out space than the Rogue’s 38.5 inches. It’s ideal for families or those who frequently carry adults in the back.
Standard safety features: Chevy Safety Assist comes standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Teen Driver mode, which I found super useful for setting limits for younger drivers in my household.
Smooth ride quality: The suspension handles rough roads well, making daily commutes and long drives comfortable. I barely felt the bumps on my test route, which included some less-than-perfect pavement.
User-friendly tech: The 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in is intuitive, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto worked flawlessly for streaming music and navigation.
Reliable reputation: With a J.D. Power reliability score of 85/100, the Equinox feels like a safe bet for long-term ownership. I didn’t worry about unexpected repair costs during my time with it.
Affordable pricing: Starting at around $29,995, the Equinox is slightly cheaper than the Rogue, offering great value for budget-conscious buyers like me.
Versatile drivetrain options: The ability to switch between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive (on most trims) gave me flexibility for different driving conditions, saving fuel when AWD wasn’t needed.

The Equinox’s strengths lie in its practicality and family-oriented features. The spacious rear seating was a hit when I drove my friends to a weekend getaway—they had no trouble getting comfortable, even with their long legs. The safety suite was a standout, especially the Teen Driver mode, which I tested by setting speed alerts for my nephew when he borrowed the car. It gave me peace of mind knowing he couldn’t push the limits too far. The tech, particularly the large touchscreen, made everything from adjusting the climate to finding a new playlist feel effortless. For someone like me who values reliability and a smooth ride over flashy performance, the Equinox delivered a well-rounded experience. The price point also felt like a win, as I got a lot of features without breaking the bank.

Cons Of the Chevrolet Equinox

Underpowered engine: The 1.5-liter turbo engine’s 175 horsepower felt adequate but not exciting. Passing slower vehicles on the highway required more planning than I’d like, especially with a full load.
Smaller cargo space: With 29.9 cubic feet behind the second row (and 63.9 cubic feet max), the Equinox lags behind the Rogue’s cargo capacity, which was noticeable when I tried packing for a camping trip.
Mediocre fuel economy: The 26/31 MPG (city/highway) is decent but trails the Rogue’s 30/37 MPG. I found myself stopping for gas more often than I expected on longer drives.
Base trim lacks premium features: The base LT trim feels a bit basic, missing upscale touches like leather seats or ventilated seats, which are available on higher trims but bump up the price.
Interior materials: While functional, some plastics in the cabin felt cheap compared to the Rogue’s softer-touch surfaces, especially in lower trims.
No hybrid option: Unlike some competitors, the Equinox lacks a hybrid variant, which disappointed me as I was hoping for better fuel efficiency or an eco-friendly option.
Slower acceleration: The Equinox’s 0-60 MPH time is slower than the Rogue’s, making it feel less peppy in stop-and-go traffic or when merging onto highways.

The Equinox’s engine was my biggest gripe. While it’s fine for cruising, it lacked the punch I wanted when I needed to overtake or climb a steep hill. The cargo space also became an issue when I tried to fit larger items like a cooler and camping gear—it was doable but required some creative packing. Fuel stops were more frequent than I’d hoped, especially compared to what I’d later experience with the Rogue. The interior, while spacious, didn’t feel as refined as I expected for a 2025 model, with some hard plastics that stood out in the base trim. I also wished for a hybrid option, as it would’ve made the Equinox more competitive for eco-conscious drivers like me.

My Experience With the Nissan Rogue

Sliding into the 2025 Nissan Rogue, I was immediately struck by its sleek, modern vibe. The V-motion grille and sharp LED headlights give it a bold, almost sporty look, and the “Afterburner Orange” paint option turned heads wherever I parked. Inside, the cabin felt upscale, especially in higher trims with quilted leather seats and a 12.3-inch digital dashboard that made me feel like I was in a cockpit. The base model’s 8.0-inch touchscreen was decent but less impressive, though wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kept me connected.

The Rogue’s 1.5-liter VC-Turbo three-cylinder engine, pumping out 201 horsepower, surprised me with its pep. It felt lively in city traffic, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) was smoother than I expected, though it occasionally hesitated under hard acceleration. I took the Rogue on a mix of city streets and winding backroads, and its agile steering made it fun to drive, especially in Sport mode. The available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with five drive modes (Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow, and Off-Road) let me tweak the ride for different conditions, which was great for a snowy day during my test.

Cargo space was a highlight—36.5 cubic feet with seats up and 74.1 cubic feet with seats down meant I could haul everything from groceries to sports equipment with ease. The motion-activated liftgate was a lifesaver when my hands were full. However, the 38.5 inches of rear legroom felt a tad snug for taller passengers, and I noticed the Equinox had a slight edge here. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, standard across all trims, included extras like Blind Spot Warning and Rear Automatic Braking, which boosted my confidence in tight parking lots. Fuel economy was a strong point, hitting 30 MPG city and 37 MPG highway, saving me a few bucks on gas compared to the Equinox.

Pros Of the Nissan Rogue

Impressive fuel economy: The Rogue’s 30/37 MPG (city/highway) in FWD models outshines the Equinox, making it a budget-friendly choice for long commutes or road trips.
Powerful engine: The 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine delivers 201 horsepower, giving the Rogue a noticeable edge in acceleration and passing power compared to the Equinox’s 175 horsepower.
Spacious cargo area: With 36.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 74.1 cubic feet max, the Rogue easily swallowed my gear for a weekend camping trip, outpacing the Equinox.
Advanced safety suite: Nissan Safety Shield 360, standard on all trims, includes Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Automatic Braking, making parking and merging a breeze.
Premium interior options: Higher trims offer quilted leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard, and a head-up display, giving the Rogue a near-luxury feel that impressed me.
Agile handling: The Rogue’s responsive steering and multiple drive modes made it fun to drive, especially on twisty roads or in tricky weather.
Competitive pricing: Starting at $29,980, the Rogue offers a lot of tech and performance for the price, with better long-term savings due to fuel efficiency.

The Rogue’s fuel efficiency was a game-changer for me. I drove it on a 200-mile road trip and only needed one fuel stop, which saved time and money. The cargo space was a dream—I fit a bike, a cooler, and several bags without breaking a sweat. The safety features, especially the Rear Automatic Braking, saved me from a close call in a crowded parking lot. The interior felt upscale, particularly in the SL trim, where the quilted leather and large digital screens made every drive feel special. The Rogue’s peppy engine and nimble handling also made it more engaging to drive than the Equinox, especially on curvy roads.

Cons Of the Nissan Rogue

Tighter rear legroom: The 38.5 inches of rear legroom felt snug for taller passengers, and I noticed complaints from friends during longer drives compared to the Equinox’s roomier back seat.
CVT hesitation: The continuously variable transmission sometimes lagged during quick acceleration, which was frustrating when I needed instant power to merge onto highways.
Lower reliability rating: The Rogue’s J.D. Power score of 82/100 trails the Equinox’s 85/100, making me slightly less confident in its long-term dependability.
Base trim tech: The standard 8.0-inch touchscreen feels small compared to the Equinox’s 11.3-inch display, and you need higher trims for premium features like the 12.3-inch dashboard.
Noisy engine: The three-cylinder engine, while powerful, sounded a bit rougher than the Equinox’s four-cylinder, especially at higher RPMs.
Limited roadside assistance: The Rogue’s 3-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance is less generous than the Equinox’s 5-year/100,000-mile coverage, which could matter for frequent travelers.
Fewer standard luxury features: Unlike the Equinox, features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel aren’t standard on base trims, which disappointed me in colder weather.

The Rogue’s rear legroom was a noticeable drawback—my taller friends felt a bit cramped on a group trip, and I wished for the Equinox’s extra space. The CVT’s occasional hesitation was annoying, especially when I needed to dart through traffic. The three-cylinder engine’s noise also stood out, particularly during aggressive driving, and it didn’t feel as refined as the Equinox’s four-cylinder.

The base trim’s smaller touchscreen felt like a step down, and I had to upgrade to pricier trims to get the tech I wanted. While the Rogue’s reliability is decent, the Equinox’s higher score made me pause when thinking about long-term ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is better, a Rogue or Equinox?

It depends on your priorities. The Rogue excels in fuel economy, cargo space, and power, making it great for efficiency and versatility. The Equinox offers more rear legroom, better reliability, and standard tech like adaptive cruise control, ideal for families valuing comfort and dependability.

Which is more comfortable for a long road trip, the Chevy Equinox or the Nissan Rogue?

The Equinox is more comfortable for long road trips due to its spacious rear legroom (39.9 inches vs. 38.5 inches) and smoother ride quality, which absorbs bumps better. However, the Rogue’s better fuel economy means fewer stops.

Which car is better, Chevy or Nissan?

Neither brand is universally better. Chevy’s Equinox shines in reliability and family-friendly features, while Nissan’s Rogue offers superior fuel efficiency and a peppier engine. Your choice depends on what you value most—reliability or performance.

Are Nissan cars good or bad?

Nissan cars, like the Rogue, are generally good, offering strong fuel economy, modern tech, and competitive pricing. However, some models have faced criticism for CVT reliability, and the Rogue’s J.D. Power score (82/100) suggests slightly lower dependability than competitors like the Equinox.

Conclusion: For You, the Driver

You’re probably wondering which SUV is the right pick for your life, and I get it—it’s a tough call. The Chevrolet Equinox won me over with its spacious rear seating, smooth ride, and top-notch reliability, making it a fantastic choice if you’re hauling family or prioritizing long-term dependability. Its tech and safety features, like the standard adaptive cruise control, are hard to beat for the price. On the other hand, the Nissan Rogue stole my heart with its fuel efficiency, zippy engine, and cavernous cargo space, perfect if you’re a road-tripper or need room for gear. You can’t go wrong with either, but test-drive both to see which vibe matches yours. Your perfect SUV is waiting!