2025 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Chevrolet Equinox: Which SUV Deserves Your Driveway?
The compact‑to‑midsize crossover segment is crowded, but two models frequently make Canadian shortlists, Kia’s freshly updated 2025 Sorento and Chevrolet’s fully redesigned 2025 Equinox. One brings available three‑row flexibility and turbo punch, the other banks on affordability and proven efficiency. Here’s a concise head‑to‑head so you can decide which nameplate fits your needs without wading through pages of specs.
Snapshot Spec Showdown
| 2025 Kia Sorento | 2025 Chevy Equinox | |
|---|---|---|
| Base engine | 2.5 L I‑4, 191 hp | 1.5 L turbo I‑4, 175 hp |
| Optional engine | 2.5 L turbo, 281 hp | single powertrain |
| Transmission | 8‑speed automatic | CVT (FWD) or 8‑speed automatic (AWD) |
| Max towing capacity | 4,500 lb (X‑Pro) | 1,500 lb (AWD) |
| Natural Resources Canada fuel economy, City / Hwy / Comb | 10.2 / 8.5 / 9.4 L/100 km | 8.5 / 7.6 / 8.1 L/100 km |
| Seating / rows | 6 or 7 seats / 3 rows | 5 seats / 2 rows |
| Max cargo volume | 2,140 L | 1,798 L |
| Starting MSRP (CAD) | $41,830* | $39,033* |
*MSRP pricing only from official OEM website, dealer pricing may vary.
Powertrain and Performance
Kia offers choice. The base 191‑horsepower four‑cylinder is fine for daily commuting, but move to the 281‑horsepower turbo and the Sorento feels properly quick, helped by its traditional eight‑speed automatic that avoids the rubber‑band sensation some drivers notice in continuously‑variable transmissions. Equinox sticks with one 175‑horsepower 1.5‑litre turbo that is smooth in town, yet it runs out of steam when you load the cargo area or tackle steep Ontario cottage‑country grades. Both SUVs can be ordered with all‑wheel drive, although only Sorento allows you to pair AWD with the stronger turbo engine, a must for confident passing and towing.
Plan to pull a small camper or boat, the Sorento X‑Pro’s 4,500‑pound tow rating leaves the Equinox’s 1,500‑pound limit in the dust.
Fuel Economy and Ownership Costs
Chevy claws back ground at the pumps. In EnerGuide testing the Equinox returns 8.1 L/100 km combined, roughly 1.3 L/100 km thriftier than a base Sorento. Opt for Kia’s turbo or AWD and you will sip a bit more fuel, yet Kia counters with a 5‑year / 100,000‑kilometre comprehensive warranty plus 5‑year roadside assistance, outlasting General Motors’ 3‑year / 60,000‑kilometre bumper‑to‑bumper plan.
Interior Space and Practicality
Need room for hockey gear and extra friends, Sorento’s three‑row cabin seats six or seven, letting families grow into the vehicle instead of trading up sooner. Behind the third row space is tight, fold the seats and you unlock class‑leading storage. Equinox is strictly two‑row, perfect for singles or couples, though its 1,798‑litre maximum is still a solid showing among compact crossovers.
Technology and Infotainment
Both SUVs gain larger displays and over‑the‑air update capability. Sorento impresses with a sweeping 24‑inch screen cluster on higher trims, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available 12‑speaker Bose system. Equinox counters with an 11.3‑inch Google‑built‑in infotainment suite plus an 11‑inch digital gauge display. Chevy’s native Google apps work well, but Apple users must plug in through a cable, a small hassle compared with Kia’s wireless convenience.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Every Sorento includes Forward Collision‑Avoidance Assist, junction‑turn monitoring, blind‑spot avoidance, and available Highway Driving Assist. Equinox ships with Chevy Safety Assist, adding a surround‑view camera on upper trims. Both SUVs score well with crash‑test agencies, though Kia’s longer electronics coverage adds peace of mind.
Pricing and Trim Strategy
Value is where the two really diverge. A Sorento LX AWD starts near $41,830 CAD and already brings three rows, an eight‑speed automatic, an 8‑inch touchscreen, and the full suite of advanced safety tech. Equinox LT opens around $39,033 CAD with similar driver aids, yet you pay extra for its larger display, adaptive cruise, or a power liftgate. Factor in resale and the Sorento’s historically stronger retained value, driven by Kia’s rising reputation, often closes the gap even further.
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the 2025 Kia Sorento if you
- Need occasional third‑row seating without moving to a full‑size SUV
- Tow more than 1,500 lb or simply prefer a punchier turbo option
- Want a longer warranty and more available driver‑assist tech
- Value maximum cargo volume for weekend trips to the lake
Choose the 2025 Chevy Equinox if you
- Prioritize slightly better city fuel economy
- Rarely carry more than four passengers and favour the lower entry price
- Prefer Google‑built‑in infotainment and a simpler two‑row layout
Bottom Line
For Ottawa‑area buyers balancing family versatility, performance, and long‑term value, the 2025 Sorento edges ahead. It delivers greater powertrain choice, genuine towing muscle, three‑row adaptability, and warranty coverage that stretches deeper into ownership, all for a price that remains competitive once you option an Equinox to a similar equipment level.
Ready to test the difference?
Visit Orléans Kia at 2045 Mer‑Bleue Road to experience the Sorento firsthand. Our team can line it up beside competing models so you can judge space, drive feel, and tech for yourself. Book your test drive or request a custom quote today, before the next shipment sells out.