Chevrolet has finally given its gas-powered Equinox compact SUV a significant redesign for 2025, after focusing more on its other SUVs and the new Equinox EV model. Despite the older Equinox remaining the brand’s top-selling vehicle (after pickups), the 2025 version aims to refresh its appeal and maintain its strong sales momentum. The new model includes various aesthetic and functional upgrades that reflect its status as a high-volume vehicle for the brand.
The exterior of the redesigned Equinox is now more rugged and visually appealing, resembling a smaller Chevy Traverse. It features a Silverado-inspired front end and squared-off wheel openings that enhance its robustness. Buyers can choose contrasting roof colors, and the three trim levels—base LT, sporty RS, and off-road-inspired Activ—offer distinct grille treatments. The Activ trim, in particular, showcases all-terrain tires and 17-inch wheels, reinforcing its off-road persona, although it’s primarily designed for light-duty use.
Inside, the 2025 Equinox benefits from an increase in width, providing more comfort for passengers and maintaining a decent cargo capacity. The interior quality has seen improvements, with less reliance on hard plastics and more upscale finishes. Higher trims feature faux leather upholstery with stylish accents, and the layout mirrors that of Chevy’s larger Traverse and EVs. The centerpiece is a dual-display setup, including an 11-inch instrument display and an 11.3-inch touchscreen featuring a user-friendly Google-based infotainment system, although some controls remain locked behind the touchscreen.
Performance-wise, the new Equinox is powered solely by a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The previous six-speed automatic has been replaced by this new setup, which offers front-wheel drive as standard and optional all-wheel drive with an additional eight-speed torque-converter automatic. While the vehicle’s driving dynamics are competent, it lacks a sporty edge, and its acceleration has been deemed adequate but unexciting compared to competitors.
The 2025 Equinox has registered modest fuel economy figures that are slightly lower than its predecessor. Acceleration times show a decrease in performance metrics, with the current model being a bit slower in reaching 60 mph and completing a quarter-mile compared to earlier versions. Interior noise levels have also increased under full throttle, which may detract from the overall driving experience. Despite these drawbacks, the vehicle maintains a stable and comfortable ride for daily commuting.
Chevrolet has positioned the Equinox competitively in terms of pricing, starting at around $31,080 for the base LT trim and going up to approximately $35,480 for the RS and Activ trims. Standard features include heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and various active safety technologies. While higher trims can push the price above $40,000 with added options, the Equinox remains an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for value in a compact SUV.
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is described as an adequately modernized vehicle aimed at mass-market consumption. Although it may not be the most thrilling option in its segment, it offers a balanced blend of style, comfort, and technology. While the absence of a hybrid model or significant performance enhancements could limit its appeal among some buyers, the updates should help it maintain its position as a key player in Chevrolet’s SUV lineup for the foreseeable future.
