2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE

On paper, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE wins on 26 more hp. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: 175 vs 201 hp, 26 vs 25 MPG.

The short answer

The Tiguan SE leads on 26 more hp. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

N/A
Price Gap
26 HP
HP Diff
1 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Vehicle A
2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS
Starts at $35,000
VS
Vehicle B
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE
Starts at $34,545

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.5L I4 Turbo
vs
2.0L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
175 hp
vs
201 hp
Torque
203 lb-ft
vs
221 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
25 MPG combined
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,700/yr
vs
$1,750/yr

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$35,000Equinox RS
$34,545Tiguan SE
Engine
1.5L I4 TurboEquinox RS
2.0L I4 TurboTiguan SE
Horsepower
175 hpEquinox RS
201 hpTiguan SE
Torque
203 lb-ftEquinox RS
221 lb-ftTiguan SE
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticEquinox RS
8-speed automaticTiguan SE
City MPG
24Equinox RS
22Tiguan SE
Highway MPG
29Equinox RS
30Tiguan SE
Combined MPG
26Equinox RS
25Tiguan SE
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)
$1,700/yrEquinox RS
$1,750/yrTiguan SE
Curb Weight
3,629 lbsEquinox RS
3,801 lbsTiguan SE
Wheelbase
107.5"Equinox RS
109.9"Tiguan SE
Length
183.2"Equinox RS
184.4"Tiguan SE
Width
74.9"Equinox RS
73.0"Tiguan SE
Height
65.6"Equinox RS
66.5"Tiguan SE
Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36kEquinox RS
4yr/50kTiguan SE
Powertrain
5yr/60kEquinox RS
4yr/50kTiguan SE
Corrosion
6yr/100kEquinox RS
12yr/unlimitedTiguan SE
Roadside Assistance
5yr/60kEquinox RS
4yr/50kTiguan SE

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE
Pricing
MSRP$35,000$34,545
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I4 Turbo2.0L I4 Turbo
Horsepower175 hp201 hp
Torque203 lb-ft221 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic8-speed automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2422
Highway MPG2930
Combined MPG2625
Fuel Tank15.6 gal15.6 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yr$1,750/yr
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,629 lbs3,801 lbs
Wheelbase107.5"109.9"
Length183.2"184.4"
Width74.9"73.0"
Height65.6"66.5"
Safety
NHTSA OverallNo published data5/5 stars
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k4yr/50k
Powertrain5yr/60k4yr/50k
Corrosion6yr/100k12yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k4yr/50k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE starts at $34,545, $455 less than the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS at $35,000. That gap is small enough that monthly payments are nearly identical. Focus on which vehicle fits your life, not the sticker.

Who should choose the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS?

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $65/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $455 in your pocket and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE covers your needs.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS or 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS rates 26 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS or 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE produces 201 hp, 26 more than the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS at 175 hp. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE also leads in torque at 221 lb-ft vs 203 lb-ft. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS bigger than the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE?

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE is 1.2″ longer at 184.4″ vs 183.2″. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE has a 2.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Chevrolet Equinox comes with 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Chevrolet trims, Chevrolet Equinox trims, Volkswagen trims, Volkswagen Tiguan trims

Official sources

How the Equinox and Tiguan Stack Up

Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS ($35,000) and 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE ($34,545) solve similar problems in different ways. The $-455 price gap works out to less than $10/month on a typical loan, so the cost difference is negligible. Pick on fit, not on price.

Powertrain: Equinox vs Tiguan

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS runs a 1.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE has 26 more hp (201 vs 175), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. Both use AWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS saves roughly $65/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $325.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $65/year less on fuel. Choose the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE when you want to keep $455 in your pocket and the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan SE covers your needs.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Chevrolet or Volkswagen or any dealership.

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