The compact crossover segment is one of the most competitive markets in the U.S., and the Chevy Equinox has long been a popular, though not best-selling, option. However, Chevy aims to climb the sales charts with the introduction of the all-new 2025 Chevy Equinox.
This crossover promises significant improvements in design, features, and especially technology over the previous generation. But does the new Equinox have what it takes to compete head-to-head with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V? Let’s find out.
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2025 Chevy Equinox Exterior Design
Chevy has made extensive efforts to make the 2025 Chevy Equinox look more stylish and modern, with a design that’s reminiscent of the larger Chevy Traverse. The RS trim level featured in this review is the top-of-the-line, sporty version of the Equinox. It comes equipped with a full-gloss black grille, black bowtie emblem, and RS branding. If you opt for the Active trim, you’ll get a different, more rugged look.
The Equinox offers a premium headlight arrangement. The upper section houses the daytime running lights and turn signal indicators, while the lower section features projector LED headlights for both low and high beams. Another welcome feature is the availability of LED fog lights across the entire lineup, a feature that many rivals have begun to eliminate.
The RS trim also comes with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, upgraded to 20-inch alloys, making a bold statement in the compact crossover segment. All trims include matte black plastic wheel surrounds and lower body elements, adding to the vehicle’s sporty appearance.
Safety Features
Chevy recognizes the importance of safety in the compact crossover segment and has equipped the 2025 Chevy Equinox with a full suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and intersection front collision braking, ensuring a safe driving experience for all passengers.
2025 Chevy Equinox Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the 2025 Chevy Equinox, you’ll notice a significant upgrade in both design and materials compared to the previous generation. The RS trim features leatherette seats with red accent stitching and piping, adding a sporty flair. The front seats offer 8-way power adjustments with lumbar support, and memory settings are available as well.
The cabin is tech-packed, with a standard 11-inch fully digital gauge cluster providing precise and customizable information for the driver. While a head-up display is unavailable, the heated steering wheel comes standard across all trims, a feature that is often reserved for higher-end models in this segment.
Chevy has also introduced an 11.3-inch infotainment display equipped with Google Built-In services, including Google Assistant and Google Maps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity on the go.
2025 Chevy Equinox Space and Comfort
The 2025 Chevy Equinox excels in rear-seat comfort, offering 39.7 inches of legroom and 38 inches of headroom. These dimensions place the Equinox above some competitors, like the Toyota RAV4, though still slightly behind the Honda CR-V. Heated rear seats are available on the RS trim, further enhancing passenger comfort.
The cargo space is competitive, with 30 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 63.2 cubic feet. While this is slightly less than what the CR-V and RAV4 offer, it still provides ample space for most hauling needs.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the 2025 Chevy Equinox carries over its 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine from the previous generation. This engine produces 175 horsepower, with 184 lb-ft of torque in front-wheel-drive models and 203 lb-ft in all-wheel-drive configurations. Transmission options vary depending on the drivetrain, with front-wheel-drive models featuring a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive models equipped with an 8-speed automatic.
Fuel economy at 27 mpg for front-wheel-drive models and 26 mpg combined for all-wheel-drive variants. However, it’s important to note that Equinox does not offer a hybrid option, leaving it slightly in terms of fuel efficiency.
2025 Chevy Equinox Pricing
The 2025 Chevy Equinox starts at $28,600 for the LT trim with front-wheel drive. Both the RS and Active trims are priced at $33,000, allowing buyers to choose between a sporty or rugged look without a price difference. Adding all-wheel drive to any model increases the price by $2,000. Fully loaded versions of the Equinox RS are still priced lower than many fully loaded rivals like the Toyota RAV4.
The 2025 Chevy Equinox offers a fresh design, advanced safety features, and a comfortable, tech-filled interior at a competitive price. While it may lag in fuel efficiency compared to hybrid competitors, Equinox remains a strong contender in the compact crossover segment.
Chevrolet Equinox 2025, the new generation, evolves in everything
With more than two decades on the market and more than three million units sold, the Chevrolet Equinox has established itself as an undisputed leader in the compact SUV segment. Everything suggests that this popularity will increase significantly with the arrival of the 2025 model year.
It stands out for its renewed design, advanced technology, and greater capacity, promising to continue the legacy of one of Chevrolet’s best-selling models, which was only surpassed by the Silverado. The Equinox is positioned as Chevy’s most popular car in the United States, and consequently, it is also the SUV with the most demand, being above the Traverse and the TrailBlazer.
Exterior and interior design
This time around, the 2025 Chevy Equinox features body lines inspired by Chevrolet pickup truck DNA, an influence that will also be adopted on the next Traverse. With an athletic appearance and broad shoulders, this SUV exudes confidence and versatility.
They are carefully crafted to deliver a commanding presence on the road, from the various front fascia treatments to the aluminum wheel options, which range from the standard 17-inch on the LT model to the available 20-inch on the RS model.
For its part, the Equinox’s interior has been completely redesigned to offer a contemporary and spacious environment. It features an 11-inch driver information center and an 11.3-inch infotainment screen, more than 30% larger than the most significant screen provided on the current model. Plus, it has built-in Google to access music, media, maps, and other connected services.
Safety and driver Assistance
For the 2025 model year, the Chevy Equinox 2025 comes standard with the Chevy Safety Assist package, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist alert, following distance indicator, lane keep assist with lane warning: lane departure, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams.
Performance
Also new for the Chevy Equinox 2025 is the 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 175 hp and a continuously variable transmission in front-wheel drive configurations, as well as an automatic transmission with available all-wheel drive.
Additionally, for the first time, the Equinox offers driver-selectable driving modes for an optimized experience in different driving conditions.
Performance and Efficiency
It is maintaining its efficient 1.5L I4 LSD turbocharged gasoline engine, offering an estimated 26/31/28 mpg for front-wheel drive versions and 24/30/26 mpg for all-wheel drive versions.
The Interior Redesigned for Maximum Comfort
The interior of the Chevy Equinox 2025 has undergone a significant transformation. It features an 11-inch configurable driver information panel and an 11.3-inch entertainment screen, enhancing both driver engagement and passenger entertainment. The spacious interior is further improved. The RS version includes unique stitching and a heated steering wheel, while the new Activ version offers a luxurious Black interior with premium materials.
The Equinox isn’t just about passenger comfort; It also offers practicality with its cargo space. With 29.8 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats and a total of 63.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, it provides ample space for luggage, groceries, and more.
Advanced Security Features
Safety is a top concern in the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, which comes equipped with a wide range of safety features. Additional features such as Side Cyclist Alert, Lane Departure Alert, and Side Blind Spot Alert provide excellent safety, ensuring a safer driving experience.
Standing firm against competitors
The competitive crossover 2025 Chevrolet Equinox holds its own against its main rivals, such as the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Edge. It has a combination of efficient performance, elegant design, and cutting-edge technology. The category offers a complete package that appeals to a wide range of customers.
Driving and Performance: A Refined Experience
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox stands out from the first moment you sit behind the wheel. Equipped with a 1.5-litre turbo engine that generates 175 horsepower, this SUV offers quick and efficient response both in the city and on the highway.
During my tour of Minneapolis and its surrounding areas, I was able to appreciate how the engine delivers power smoothly and constantly, which translates into a comfortable and safe ride.
The suspension system, optimized to absorb road imperfections, provides a refined driving experience, especially in the RS and ACTIV versions, where a tuning more focused on stability and control is noted. The steering, for its part, is precise and light, allowing easy maneuvers in urban environments and firm stability on the road.
Sporty Style and Dynamic Driving
If you are looking for an SUV with a sportier touch, the Chevy Equinox RS is the version that will appeal to you. During my time behind the wheel of the RS, I could feel the difference in the vehicle’s response.
This model is designed for those who want bold styling and a more involving ride. From the outside, the RS catches the eye with its high-gloss black grille, blacked-out emblems, and 19-inch aluminum wheels in a Carbon Flash finish. These details not only improve its appearance but also give it a more aggressive and dynamic stance on the road.
The Ideal Companion for Adventure
The ACTIV version of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is the perfect choice for those who have an adventurous spirit. Designed with the idea of ​​offering a capable SUV both in and out of town, the ACTIV features robust styling that clearly differentiates it from the rest of the range.
This model features a unique front grille with vertical inserts and grey metallic accents, giving it a more brutal look. 17-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires bolster its ability to tackle rugged trails without compromising on-road comfort.
During my testing, the ACTIV proved to be more than competent in a variety of driving conditions, including rougher terrain around Minneapolis and gravel roads, where stability and control were maintained at all times.
In corners, traction was solid, offering sure grip and noticeable confidence, even on loose surfaces. Off-road driving mode, available on all-wheel-drive versions, adjusts powertrain performance to maximize traction and stability in these challenging conditions.
The interior of the ACTIV is just a little behind, with seats that combine Evotex with suede microfiber, offering a feeling of luxury and resistance. The Maple Sugar and black details provide a warm and cozy atmosphere, ideal for long trips. In addition, it includes heated front seats as standard, a steering wheel with memory, and ventilated front and heated rear seat options, which add extra comfort for all seasons.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox: Updated Design, More Technology and Capability
With an attractive design and the integration of advanced technology and new safety features, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is ready to mark a before and after in the Chevrolet crossover and SUV lineup.
Chevrolet Equinox 2025
The 2025 Equinox joins a complete refresh of Chevrolet’s crossover and SUV lineup, which includes the 2024 Trax, Trailblazer, Blazer, and Traverse models. The new Equinox will offer more differentiated options compared to the current model, including larger screens, new safety features, and, for the first time, an outdoor-inspired trim: ACTIV.
Scott Bell, Chevrolet vice president, noted that the 2025 Equinox incorporates lines and proportions inspired by the brand’s truck DNA, a concept that will also be adopted in the upcoming Traverse. Bell underscored customer loyalty to the Equinox, which has earned its place as the brand’s second-best-selling vehicle, behind the Silverado.
The ACTIV model of the new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox introduces a new concept to the redesigned Equinox, aimed at customers whose passions transcend the asphalt. Among its features are the following:
- Robust front fascia with vertical grille inserts and grey metallic finish details.
- Badges in black.
- 17-inch aluminum wheels.
- The interior theme is Maple Sugar and Black, with Evotex and suede microfibre seating surfaces.
- Front and rear seats with heating and ventilation options and memory customization for the driver’s seat.
The next-generation Equinox turns heads with lines inspired by the substantial proportions of Chevy’s crossover and SUV lineup and its bigger brother, the 2024 Traverse. Additional details include:
- Different treatments for the front fascias of the LT, RS, and ACTIV models.
- Full LED lighting with eye-catching light elements.
The interior of the Equinox has been refreshed to offer a more contemporary and spacious environment. Highlights include:
- 11-inch Driver Information Center and 11.3-inch infotainment display.
- New tactile materials and decorative finishes.
- Standard six-speaker audio system and wireless charging option.
Additionally, the new 2025 Chevrolet Equinox raises its game in terms of safety and driver assistance technology, offering:
- Standard Chevy Safety Assist includes a suite of The feature automatic emergency braking System.
- Teen Driver technology to promote safe driving behaviors.
- This refreshed Equinox debuts with a 1.5L Turbo engine, delivering 175 horsepower. It also introduces driver-selectable driving modes, with options including Normal and Snow for FWD vehicles and an additional Off-Road mode for all-wheel drive.
Conclusion
The 2025 Chevrolet. Equinox offers a complete and well-balanced driving experience. Each version—LT, RS, and ACTIV—is designed to meet different preferences, from the balance of functionality and technology of the LT to the dynamic styling of the RS to the versatility and capability of the ACTIV.
With an attractive design and a spacious and well-equipped interior, the 2025 Equinox is positioned as a leading choice in the competitive compact SUV segment.
During my time driving in and around Minneapolis, this SUV proved to be a reliable and versatile vehicle capable of successfully tackling any challenge. Chevrolet has exceeded expectations with the new 2025 Equinox.