The Chevrolet Equinox, introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year, has been a staple in the compact crossover segment for 20 years. During that time, it has undergone several updates, with the most recent redesign debuting in 2025 as part of its fourth generation. As before, the 2025 Equinox offers seating for up to five passengers and is available exclusively as a four-door wagon. However, the 2025 Equinox is slightly longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model and gets new styling inside and out. Equinox competes with vehicles like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The 2025 Equinox is available in three trim levels: LT, ACTIV, and RS. All trims are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower, paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for front-wheel-drive models or an 8-speed automatic transmission for all-wheel-drive variants. The maximum towing capacity across all trims is 1,500 pounds. The ACTIV trim introduces a rugged design with features like all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension for off-road appeal.
Pricing for the 2025 Equinox starts at $29,995 for the LT trim with front-wheel drive, while the ACTIV and RS trims begin at $34,395. Standard safety features include Chevy Safety Assist, which encompasses automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Optional packages, such as the Safety and Technology Package and the Midnight Edition, allow buyers to enhance their vehicle with additional features like HD Surround Vision and unique styling elements. With its competitive pricing and robust safety offerings, the Equinox remains a strong contender in its class.
Though the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is refreshed for 2025, one thing that didn't change was its sole powertrain offering. The 1.5-liter turbo four carries over from last year as well as the CVT automatic for the front-drive model and the traditional 8-speed automatic on all-wheel-drive version. The engine is far from potent, but mostly gets the job done with a modicum of fuss. When pressed, the engine will push the AWD Equinox from 0 to 60 MPH in about 9.5 seconds. That's about a half a second slower than the similar Honda CR-V.
The engine mates well to the CVT automatic, which provides smooth, if somewhat slurred, transitions between power and efficiency. The 8-speed automatic on AWD models provides more natural feeling with traditional gear changes in acceleration. It does an excellent job of finding the right gear for the desired throttle input, though it can be a bit abrupt when downshifting.
Equinox's all-wheel-drive system does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use. The new Activ trim does add all-terrain tires, which should provide additional traction on slippery surfaces, but it offers no additional off-road goodies like skid plates or additional ground clearance.
The front-drive Equinox is EPA rated at 26 MPG city and 28 MPG highway. The AWD version gets EPA ratings of 24 and 29 MPG, respectively. Those numbers are competitive in the segment but certainly don't stand out. One plus is Equinox runs fine on regular-grade gasoline. In routine suburban commuting expect to average close to 27 MPG with the front-drive model and perhaps a few MPG less with AWD. However, if your commute includes a lot of highway cruising, you might see as high as 31 MPG overall. Interestingly, front-drive models get a 14.8-gallon fuel tank and AWD versions get a 15.6-gallon tank. Both can give Equinox 400-plus mile highway range.
Though the engine remained unchanged, Chevrolet engineers gave Equinix's suspension a thorough once over. Determined to both improve ride quality and handling, their efforts were mostly successful. Where the previous model sported a cushiony, if bouncy ride and somewhat ponderous handling traits, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox rides much more confidently and has considerably better ride control. Perhaps the biggest change is a new power steering system that provides better road feedback and steers more accurately around corners and on the highway. Brakes are also improved to provide better pedal feel and additional stopping power.
In terms of ride quality, the new Equinox feels more buttoned down. There's good impact absorption and enough travel in the suspension but the secondary motions are gone, resulting in a ride that is just as compliant but without all of the drama and fuss. Though ultimate handling limits are still relatively modest, the new Equinox is more confident rounding corners and does a better job of keeping excess body motions in check.
Another area of focus was interior noise levels. The new Equinox is markedly quieter than the outgoing model. There's only a hint of wind and tire noise at speed, though the engine still complains loudly in hard acceleration. It should also be noted that the all-terrain tires of the Activ models make a bit more ruckus on the highway.
Inside the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox gets a whole new look. Borrowing design cues from the larger Chevrolet Blazer EV, the new Equinox has a modern and expressive interior that's dominated by gorgeous digital instruments and center console display. Unlike many of today's linear designs, the Equinox interior is asymmetrical, and driver focused with lots of character and design flourishes throughout. Materials are a step above what you find in many competitors and there's a precision to the operation of the switchgear that's sometimes lacking in General Motors' products of the past.
Though the interior is only a touch bigger than before, there are substantial gains in interior width (2 inches) that make for more accommodating seats, especially up front. Those front seats are nicely padded and quite adjustable. While they lack a bit in lateral support, head and leg room are quite generous. The rear seats offer ample room as well, easily allowing 6-footers front and rear. The door openings are generous and it's easy to get in and out. Outward visibility is good, but the thick rear pillars do create small blind spots.
Both the 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen are brilliantly crisp. There are physical buttons for the climate control system and Chevrolet moved the gear shift level to the column to open up space in the center console - kudos. From a technology standpoint Equinox comes standard with most of the safety features you would expect and there's wireless support for Android Auto and Apple Car Play. In addition, the infotainment system provides access to Google Automotive, meaning Google Maps comes standard.
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offers a practical and versatile cargo space. With the rear seats upright, it provides 29.8 cubic feet of storage, ideal for everyday items like groceries or luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo capacity expands to a maximum of 63.5 cubic feet, accommodating larger items or bulkier loads. Additionally, the Equinox includes a hidden storage compartment under the rear floor, adding extra utility for securing smaller valuables. Interior storage is exceptional with lots of open and covered bins and a standard wireless cell phone charger that sports a design that should be universal in all vehicles.
Bottom Line -- Forget everything you know about the previous Equinox, the 2025 model breaks new ground for Chevrolet. Not only does it compete on value and features, but it is a match for most competitors dynamically. While some might complain about the pedestrian powertrain, that's a common thread among compact crossovers. Truly, it is hard to find fault with Chevrolet's newest crossover and it is certainly worth a test drive.
