As Chevy gears up to introduce the Equinox EV, it hasn’t neglected its gas-powered counterpart. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox enters the market with a refreshed look, enhanced infotainment, and new transmissions. These updates promise to breathe new life into this compact SUV, but will they be enough to elevate it above its competition? Set to go on sale in June 2024, the new Equinox has a lot riding on these changes.
Striking New Look
Chevrolet has given the Equinox a makeover. The exterior design now features squared-off wheel wells and fender flares, which add a robust appearance. The all-LED lighting and unique fascia treatments for each trim level give it a modern and distinctive look. The vehicle is also wider by 2.3 inches, offering a more planted stance on the road.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Interior
The interior of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is a significant departure from its predecessor, embracing a sporty and tech-forward design. The dashboard is angular with unique protruding trim pieces and turbine-inspired air vents, giving it a modern and dynamic appearance.
- Materials and Trims: The plastic around the air vents is translucent and varies in color based on the trim level. For example, the Activ trim features a contrasting black and tan leatherette on the seats and dash, while the RS trim boasts black and red interiors with unique perforated patterns and red and blue contrast stitching.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Standard on every Equinox is an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that runs on Chevy’s familiar Google-based infotainment platform. This system is praised for its ease of use and intuitive interface. Despite the Google-based OS, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, ensuring seamless connectivity for users regardless of their smartphone preference.
- User-Friendly Controls: Chevrolet has smartly retained physical buttons and knobs for essential functions, avoiding the pitfalls of an all-touch interface. The electronic shifter, located on the column, is easy to use and reminiscent of designs seen in other recent GM models as well as some Mercedes and Tesla vehicles.
Additional Features
- Digital Displays: The Equinox includes an 11-inch configurable driver information center, providing drivers with a customizable digital dashboard that enhances the driving experience with clear and accessible information.
- Wireless Charging and Connectivity: Standard USB ports and available wireless charging make it easy to keep devices powered on the go. The infotainment system supports streaming music, maps, and other subscription-based services, thanks to Google built-in technology
The interior of the 2025 Equinox is where the magic happens. A new 11.3-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in takes center stage, providing a seamless and intuitive user experience. Alongside it, a large digital gauge cluster offers clear and customizable information at a glance. These tech upgrades ensure that the Equinox feels contemporary and connected.
Trim Levels and Features
Chevy has streamlined the trim offerings for the Equinox. The Activ trim has been added, providing a more rugged option for adventurous drivers, while the base LS trim and the upgraded Premier trim have been removed. This simplification helps potential buyers easily navigate their choices.
Performance Enhancements
Performance was a sore spot for previous Equinox models, but Chevy has made some key changes for 2025. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models now come with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the horsepower remains at 175, torque has seen some adjustments: the AWD model retains its 203 lb-ft rating, but the FWD model now has 184 lb-ft of torque. These changes aim to improve fuel economy and provide a smoother driving experience.
Driving Modes and Safety
For those who like versatility, the RS and Activ models come with a Drive Mode Selector knob offering Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes. This feature ensures that the Equinox can adapt to various driving conditions with ease. On the safety front, more standard safety and driver assistance technologies have been included, making the 2025 Equinox a safer choice for families and daily commuters alike.
Cargo Space
When it comes to cargo space, the 2025 Equinox offers 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. While this is comparable to the previous model, it falls short compared to key competitors like the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and the 2024 Honda CR-V. However, passenger quarters remain spacious, ensuring comfort for all occupants.
Safety
Safety is a mixed bag for the Equinox. The outgoing 2024 model earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but it struggled in IIHS testing, with less impressive scores in some categories. The 2025 model aims to improve on these results, featuring enhanced automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, and a host of other advanced safety features.
Should I Go Electric?
With the introduction of the Equinox EV, potential buyers have more options to consider. The Equinox EV will offer 210 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque in lower models, with higher trims delivering 290 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque. For those looking for more power and the benefits of electric driving, this could be an attractive option.
Technology
The tech upgrades in the 2025 Equinox are substantial. The new 11.3-inch infotainment screen with built-in Google technology is a major step up from the previous offerings. Additionally, the 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver provides a modern and user-friendly interface.
Trims
For 2025, the Equinox will be available in three trims: LT, RS, and Activ. This new lineup replaces the previous LS, LT, RS, and Premier trims. Prices are expected to start at around $32,000, making the base model slightly more affordable than the Equinox EV 1LT, which starts at $34,995 before tax credits.
What Is the New Equinox Activ?
The Equinox Activ trim is designed for those who crave adventure. This rugged variant features all-terrain tires for off-pavement excursions and cosmetic enhancements like a special grille design, black badging, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. Inside, drivers will enjoy the Maple Sugar and Black interior color scheme with Activ interior embroidery. For added comfort, the Equinox Activ comes standard with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ: Ready for Adventure
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ is designed for those who enjoy off-road adventures without compromising comfort and style.
Rugged Design
The Activ trim stands out with its all-terrain tires, unique grille with vertical inserts, and black badging. The available two-tone exterior finish with a white roof adds an extra layer of rugged appeal. Inside, the Activ trim features a Maple Sugar and Black color scheme with Evotex and microfiber seating surfaces, Activ embroidered headrests, and standard heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Performance
Similar to the RS, the Activ trim is powered by the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. What sets the Activ apart is its off-road capability, thanks to the all-terrain tires and a uniquely tuned suspension that provides a distinctive ride. The Activ trim also includes driver-selectable modes like Normal, Snow, and Off-Road for AWD models, enhancing its versatility.
Technology and Safety
The Activ trim mirrors the RS in terms of technology, featuring the same large digital displays and Google built-in technology. It also comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Rear Park Assist, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert. This ensures that both trims offer advanced safety and convenience features to keep drivers and passengers safe on any journey
2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS: A Sporty and Stylish Option
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS is tailored for those who crave a blend of style and sportiness in their compact SUV. Here’s what makes the RS trim stand out:
Sporty Design
The Equinox RS features a sleek and aggressive look, thanks to its unique RS-only grille, black emblems, and 19-inch Carbon Flash machined aluminum wheels. The high gloss black roof rails, mirror caps, and available black two-tone roof further enhance its sporty appearance. The interior doesn’t lag, offering Torch Red and Santorini Blue stitching on the Evotex seats, RS debossed front seat headrests, and a heated, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Performance
Performance-wise, the RS trim comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower, paired with a CVT in front-wheel-drive models and an eight-speed automatic in all-wheel-drive models. This setup provides a balanced mix of power and efficiency, suitable for both city driving and highway cruising.
Technology and Safety
Inside, the RS trim is equipped with an 11-inch configurable driver information center and an 11.3-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen, featuring Google built-in for seamless connectivity. Standard safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and more, ensuring a safe and tech-savvy driving experience
