Chevrolet has been on a major vehicle refresh program. Especially, their SUV lineup.
In the past couple of years, we saw two new electric vehicles, all-new versions of three current models, and updates on others. They are taking on a new signature look that befits this popular brand for today’s consumers.
For years, the Equinox yielded the most sales. It competes in a very popular segment that balances space with practicality, efficiency, and price. For 2025, there is an all-new model that follows current design trends and incorporates the latest technology that General Motors has to offer.
We wanted to see if the 2025 Equinox still has a lot to offer in this segment. To do so, we checked out the Activ model – a ruggedized version of this popular SAUV – to find out.
You are introduced to the new generation Equinox by its large and bold grille design. It basically overpowers the entire front end. A pair of slim LED driving lamp/turn signal units reside on top, while the actual headlamp units of set to the side of the front clip. The rear end is flanked by a pair of LED taillights that frame the liftgate, then horizontally just short of the Bowtie logo. The profile is more upright than before with an interesting C-pillar glass design. An applique bridges the top of the glass to the door profile.
Our Activ tester wears a set of 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels with all-terrain tires. Back tri is seen around the glass profile and badges. The grille gets a bold chrome surround placed against its unique black grille. The Activ name is embossed into one of the grille pieces.
Inside the new Equinox, drivers are greeted with an 11-inch fully digital instrument cluster screen. The graphics were clear and easy to read. It is next to an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen driven by Google built-in. You can still connect your smartphone wirelessly, as well. The controls are new to the Equinox, including a column-mounted shifter. They remain tactile and easy to use.
Seating is available for up to five. There is room for adults the rear seat area. Activ models come with a mix of Evotex and suede microfiber with a two-tone black-and-tan color scheme. Front seats were fine. They could use some more support. Cargo space is generous, with 29.8 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. With the rear seats folded down, cargo space grows to 63.5 cubic feet.
One thing that has not changed on the 2025 Equinox is the standard 175-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. This also puts down 203 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels.
The engine does a decent job is powering this ruggedized version of the Equinox. It accelerates competently, although we were hoping for better response from the transmission. The EPA states that the Equinox Activ with all-wheel drive would get 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
The ride quality was fine, even on rougher surfaces. It handled decently with some lean and roll on the curves. Th all-terrain tires worked just fine in the wet conditions we experienced.
We appreciated the steering system, and its solid on-center feel. The action was fine and turning was tight. We wished the brake pedal was more responsive. It took some effort to get the Equinox to stop. It yielded decent stops in normal and panic situations.
Pricing for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox lineup starts at $28,600 with a choice of three trims. Our Activ tester came with a sticker price of $39,915.
The Chevrolet Equinox continues to be a popular choice in a hotly contested segment. Other choices include the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, GMC Terrain, Ford Escape and Bronco Sport.
In this competitive landscape, the Chevrolet Equinox continues to be a choice for consumers looking for a nice compact SUV. With a lot of dealerships available across the country, finding an Equinox is easy. They should be easy to own and enjoy for years to come.
