Families in Central Arkansas are always looking for the perfect SUV that can balance comfort, safety, style, and performance. Two of the most popular options are the 2025 Chevy Equinox and the 2025 Toyota RAV4. Both are compact SUVs that offer great value, but which one is the right fit for your family in North Little Rock, Maumelle, Jacksonville, Cabot, Bryant, or Alexander?
At Crain Chevy of Little Rock, we’ve compared these two models across the categories that matter most to local drivers.
Vehicle Comparison
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
- 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and an 11-inch configurable Driver Information Center
- Enhanced Safety Suite
- Turbocharged Efficiency
2025 Toyota RAV4
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an advanced infotainment system
- Strong Safety & Capability Features
- Adventure-Ready Trims Like TRD Off-Road
Overview
The 2025 Chevy Equinox has been redesigned with a bold new look, a more spacious cabin, and advanced technology. It continues Chevy’s tradition of offering great value, while giving families everything they need for daily commutes, school drop-offs, and road trips.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 has been a strong competitor for years. It offers plenty of trims and a reputation for reliability. While it’s still popular, its design hasn’t seen major updates compared to the new Equinox, which feels fresher and more modern.
Design
Chevy gave the 2025 Equinox a stylish redesign, featuring sharp lines, a confident grille, and sleek LED lighting. It looks bold without being overdone, making it a great fit whether you’re cruising through Bryant or pulling up to family events in Jacksonville.
The Toyota RAV4 has a more rugged design, with an angular front end and a boxier profile. Some drivers like the outdoorsy look, but others may prefer the smoother, more family-friendly style of the Equinox.
Interior
Inside the 2025 Equinox, Chevy focused on comfort and practicality. The cabin is roomy, with plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. The cargo area is generous, making it easy to fit groceries, sports gear, or luggage for weekend trips to Maumelle or Cabot. Materials feel upscale, and the redesigned dashboard gives the Equinox a modern vibe.
The 2025 RAV4 also has a functional interior, but it leans more toward utility than comfort. While it offers decent space, some reviews note that its rear seats feel tighter compared to the Equinox. Families with growing kids may appreciate the extra breathing room in the Chevy.
Safety
For families, safety is always a top priority. Both SUVs are loaded with advanced driver-assistance features.
The 2025 Equinox comes with Chevy Safety Assist, which includes:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Alert
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam Auto High Beams
The 2025 RAV4 offers Toyota Safety Sense, which is also a strong package with similar features. However, Chevy’s system integrates seamlessly with the redesigned Equinox, and additional available features like HD Surround Vision provide an extra layer of confidence when navigating tight spots in North Little Rock or Alexander.
Technology
This is where the 2025 Equinox really shines. Chevy added a standard 11-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims. A digital driver display also comes standard, giving the Equinox a tech-forward feel.
The 2025 RAV4 includes a smaller standard screen, with larger options available on higher trims. While it offers smartphone compatibility, it doesn’t match the seamless wireless integration found in the Equinox. For families who want tech that’s easy to use, the Equinox has the clear advantage.
Power
The 2025 Chevy Equinox comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. It delivers solid fuel efficiency while giving you plenty of power for daily driving around Cabot or merging onto I-30 near Little Rock.
The 2025 RAV4 features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with slightly more horsepower. However, some drivers report that it feels noisy and less refined compared to the turbocharged Equinox. Chevy’s balance of smooth performance and efficiency makes it a better everyday driver.
Off-Roading
If you want an SUV that can handle light off-roading, both models offer options. The 2025 Equinox ACTIV trim is new this year and includes rugged styling, all-terrain tires, and suspension tuned for outdoor adventures. It’s perfect for families who want weekend getaways without sacrificing daily comfort.
The 2025 RAV4 also has off-road-focused trims, like the TRD Off-Road. While capable, these trims can feel pricier and less practical for families who spend most of their time on city streets in places like Bryant or Maumelle.
Our Choice
Both the 2025 Chevy Equinox and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 bring a lot to the table, but for families in North Little Rock, Maumelle, Jacksonville, Cabot, Bryant, and Alexander, the 2025 Chevy Equinox is the smarter choice.
Here’s why:
- A fresh, modern design inside and out.
- More passenger space and comfort for growing families.
- Standard 11-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Smooth turbocharged engine that balances power and efficiency.
- The new ACTIV trim for drivers who want both style and light off-road capability.
At Crain Chevy of Little Rock, we believe the 2025 Equinox is the best fit for Arkansas families who want value, comfort, and the latest technology in one attractive package.
Who Do We Pick?
Choosing between the 2025 Chevy Equinox and the 2025 Toyota RAV4 comes down to what your family values most. If you want a stylish, roomy, and technology-packed SUV designed for everyday life in Central Arkansas, the Equinox is the clear winner.Visit Crain Chevy of Little Rock, serving North Little Rock, Maumelle, Jacksonville, Cabot, Bryant, and Alexander, to test drive the new 2025 Chevy Equinox and see for yourself why it’s the best SUV for your family.


