The 2025 Equinox is the latest Chevrolet model to receive a fresh head-turning design, more tech, modern connectivity, and safety features.
Equinox has been in production for more than 20 years, with more than three million units sold. It’s resume confirms its long-term leadership in the compact SUV segment – the market’s largest.
Chevrolet will offer the Equinox in LT, RS, and first-ever ACTIV trims. ACTIV, my tester, was inspired by customers whose passions start where the pavement ends. It features a unique front fascia, and styling cues that accentuate an off-road look, along with all-terrain tires and a white roof that delivers a two-tone look.
“The 2025 Equinox brings to one of our most important nameplates body lines and proportions inspired by our brand’s truck DNA, ” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “It also builds on the core strengths that have earned Equinox tremendous customer loyalty over the past two decades, and made it the second-best seller in our lineup, after Silverado.”
Other features specific to ACTIV are 17-inch machine-faced aluminum wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Blacked out badging and embroidered head restraints complete the look.
Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged DOHC four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, Equinox delivers 29 miles per gallon fuel economy in combined city and highway driving. It seats five adults, with 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
My tester came with an all-wheel drive option, but can also be driven in front-whee drive mode. It’s towing capacity is rated at 1,500 pounds. For the first time, Equinox offers RS and ACTIV customers driver-selectable modes, accessed via a rotator on the center console. The driver can select from Normal and Snow on FWD-equipped vehicles. AWD adds Off-Road mode. Drive modes adjust the propulsion system performance to best handle the conditions.
Folding 60/40 split-bench second row seats provide up to 63.5 cubic feet of storage with both seats folded flat. In addition, a hidden rear cargo floor storage is included, allowing valuables to be stowed away from prying eyes.
A revamped interior conveys a more contemporary, spacious ambiance that puts a stronger focus on technology and user experience.
In front of the driver is an 11-inch-diagonal configurable driver information center. Cleary the focal point, the screen is 30% larger than previous. It’s the gateway to music, media, maps and other connected services via Google built-in.
Other creature comforts include a six-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and smartphone charging, USB ports, keyless entry with remote start, outside heated mirrors power lift gate, and rain-sensing wipers.
My testing did not leave the pavement, but I feel confident Equinox could handle light off-road duty that would include Forest Service roads, and the like. On-road manners were agreeable, with ACTIV delivering adequate power and responsive handling. Road imperfections were minimized, and cabin noise was limited.
When it comes to safety and driver assistance technology, the 2025 Equinox offers more than ever, starting with standard Chevy Safety Assist — a suite of features that includes: Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam.
Additional standard safety and driver assistance features include: Side Bicyclist Alert, Rear Vision Camera, Rear Seat Reminder, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Rear Park Assist, and Enhanced Lane Keep Assist.
Base Price: $36,395
Price As Driven: $37,470
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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