Known for a its straightforward approach to design and functionality, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox in Gilbert AZ has earned a loyal following among drivers who prioritize reliability and ease of ownership. The vehicle offers a well-appointed cabin with user-friendly technology, making it a solid choice for those seeking a no-nonsense family hauler.

However, the Tucson distinguishes itself through Hyundai's commitment to delivering exceptional value and forward-thinking design. With its striking exterior styling that turns heads on every street corner, the Tucson doesn't just blend into traffic—it commands attention. Inside and out, it projects a sophisticated aesthetic that appeals to modern SUV buyers.  

Performance and Efficiency: Tucson Takes the Lead

Engine Power and Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the Hyundai Tucson delivers a noticeable advantage in raw power output that translates directly to real-world driving confidence. The Tucson's standard engine produces an extra 12 horsepower compared to the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox in Gilbert AZ. This gives drivers that extra push when merging onto highways, climbing steep grades, or simply enjoying a more responsive accelerator feel.  

Fuel Economy: Where Efficiency Meets Performance  

The Tucson's superiority becomes even more pronounced when examining fuel efficiency numbers. While the 2025 Chevy Equinox in Gilbert AZ manages a respectable 28 mpg on the highway, the Tucson achieves an impressive 33 mpg highway rating—a significant 5 mpg advantage that translates to real savings at the gas pump.  

For drivers covering long distances or dealing with daily commutes, this difference means fewer fuel stops and more money staying in your wallet. The Tucson accomplishes this superior efficiency without sacrificing the performance advantage, demonstrating Hyundai's engineering expertise in optimizing both power delivery and fuel consumption.  

Hybrid Technology: The Game-Changing Advantage  

Where the Tucson truly separates itself from the competition is in its electrified powertrain options. There isn’t a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Hybrid to compete. The Tucson Hybrid elevates the performance discussion entirely, delivering 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque while achieving an outstanding 38 mpg combined rating. This hybrid system doesn't just improve fuel economy—it actually increases total system power, giving drivers the best of both worlds. The seamless integration of electric motor assistance provides instant torque delivery that makes city driving more enjoyable while the regenerative braking system helps maximize every drop of fuel. 

Plug-In Hybrid Innovation  

For drivers ready to embrace the future of automotive technology, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid represents a quantum leap forward that the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox cannot match. With 268 horsepower on tap, this variant offers the most power in the Tucson lineup while delivering up to 33 miles of pure electric driving range. The EPA rating of up to 80 mpg-equivalent showcases just how efficiently this system operates, allowing daily commuters to potentially drive to work and back on electric power alone while having the gasoline engine available for longer trips. This flexibility eliminates range anxiety while providing an incredibly efficient driving experience that can dramatically reduce fuel costs. Get more information in this Tucson Review.  

Real-World Impact on Ownership  

These performance and efficiency advantages compound over time to create meaningful benefits for Tucson owners. The combination of more power and better fuel economy means drivers enjoy both a more engaging driving experience and lower operating costs than they would with the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox in Gilbert.  

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity: Room to Breathe and Grow

Front Row Comfort for Daily Drives

Your driving experience begins with comfort, and the Tucson immediately establishes its advantage with superior front row accommodations. With 41.4 inches of front legroom, the Tucson provides an extra half-inch compared to the Equinox's 40.9 inches. That makes a noticeable difference during longer drives. It's often these incremental improvements that separate adequate comfort from truly spacious accommodations. Taller drivers and passengers will particularly appreciate how this additional space allows for a more natural seating position, reducing fatigue on extended journeys and making every trip more enjoyable.  

Second Row Superiority for Passenger Satisfaction  

The difference becomes even more pronounced in the second row where the Tucson's 41.3 inches of legroom outpaces the Chevrolet Equinox's 39.9 inches of rear legroom. This 1.4-inch advantage translates to genuinely more comfortable seating for rear passengers, whether they're adults on longer trips or children in car seats during daily errands. The extra space means adult passengers can actually stretch out rather than feeling squeezed, while parents will find car seat installation and access much more manageable.  

Innovative Rear Seat Flexibility  

Beyond simple measurements, the Tucson offers a practical advantage that the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox cannot match: reclining rear seats. This thoughtful feature transforms long trips for second-row passengers, allowing them to find their perfect comfort angle rather than being locked into a single upright position. The Equinox's fixed rear seats leave passengers with fewer options for personalized comfort.  

Cargo Capacity That Actually Works  

Cargo advantages become immediately apparent the first time you need to load groceries, sports equipment, or luggage. While the Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet if the third row is folded, the Tucson offers an extra 9 cubic feet more storage capacity—that's enough for several additional suitcases or bulky items that simply won't fit in the Equinox. This isn't just about numbers on a specification sheet; it's about real-world utility that allows families to pack for longer trips, accommodate more shopping bags, or transport larger items.  

Maximum Storage Versatility  

When rear seats are folded, the Tucson's advantage becomes even more dramatic. The total cargo area of 74.8 cubic feet dwarfs the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox with 63.5 cubic feet. Tucson owners have over 11 cubic feet of additional space—equivalent to the storage capacity of a large chest freezer. This expansive cargo area makes the Tucson more capable of handling furniture moves, camping gear for extended trips, or large purchases that would simply be impossible to fit in the Equinox.  

Dashboard Technology: Modern Interface Advantages

The modern SUV buyer expects cutting-edge technology that enhances both convenience and safety, and the Tucson delivers with a more advanced digital cockpit experience. The centerpiece of any vehicle's tech suite is its touchscreen interface, and here the Tucson provides a meaningfully larger 12.3-inch display compared to the Chevrolet Equinox's 11.3-inch touchscreen. An additional inch of screen real estate might seem modest, but it translates to improved usability when navigating through menus, viewing maps, or managing multiple applications simultaneously. The larger display means less scrolling, clearer graphics, and easier touch targets that reduce driver distraction—particularly important when trying to adjust settings while on the road.

Equally impressive is the Tucson's digital instrument cluster, which features a generous 12.3-inch screen that surpasses the Chevrolet Equinox's 11-inch digital display. This driver-focused screen serves as command central for vehicle information, trip data, and customizable displays that can be tailored to individual preferences. The larger format allows for more detailed graphics and clearer readability,whether monitoring fuel efficiency, navigation directions, or vehicle performance metrics.  

This technological advantage extends beyond mere specifications—it represents Hyundai's commitment to providing a more intuitive, safer, and more engaging interface that makes every drive feel more connected and controlled.  

Ownership Costs: Where Value Meets Peace of Mind

The most compelling advantage lies in Hyundai's industry-leading warranty coverage that provides protection far beyond what Chevrolet offers. Whether it’s the extra two years of limited coverage or the extra five years of powertrain coverage, these benefits translate to thousands of dollars in potential savings over the car’s road life, protecting against unexpected repair costs that could otherwise strain your budget.

Fuel efficiency advantages compound into significant long-term savings that make the Tucson's superior ownership value even more apparent.. For drivers covering 15,000 miles annually, this 5 mpg Tucson difference translates to approximately 75 fewer gallons of fuel consumed each year. With fluctuating gas prices, this efficiency advantage becomes increasingly valuable, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid options amplify these savings even further, with the plug-in hybrid's ability to operate on electric power for daily commuting potentially eliminating fuel costs entirely for many drivers' routine trips.  

While both vehicles compete in similar price ranges, the Tucson consistently delivers more standard equipment, larger dimensions, and advanced technology features that would often require expensive option packages in competing vehicles. In addition, when factoring in the extended warranty coverage, superior fuel economy, and comprehensive feature set, the Tucson provides measurably more value per dollar spent.  

Test Drive at Earnhardt Hyundai - San Tan

The numbers and specifications tell a compelling story, but the true measure of the Tucson's superiority can only be experienced behind the wheel.

At Earnhardt Hyundai - San Tan, you can discover firsthand how the Tucson's additional power, superior fuel efficiency, and spacious interior translate into a more confident and comfortable driving experience.  

Your local Hyundai specialists understand the unique driving conditions of the Phoenix area and can help you explore which Tucson variant—standard, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid—best matches your lifestyle and budget. Schedule a test drive.