2025 Chevrolet Equinox: Five Things to Know

Published on April 11, 2024 in Previews by Guillaume Rivard

While living in the shadow of many other compact SUVs, the Equinox is still Chevrolet’s second-best seller. For 2025, a new generation is coming (ditto for the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru Forester, by the way), and we got the opportunity to take a close look at it back in January.

As we wait for pricing to be announced and orders to begin around mid-year, here are five things you need to know about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox:

1. Boxier and More Rugged

The design of the new Equinox is heavily inspired from the three-row 2024 Chevrolet Traverse. Not only does it look boxier and more rugged, but it’s also nearly 2.3 inches (6 cm) wider. Most other exterior dimensions are marginally increased.

The squared fenders and wheel arches add visual muscle, while the available 20-inch alloy wheels in RS trim are the largest ever fitted to the Equinox.

2. New ACTIV Trim

Speaking of which, the 2025 Equinox is available in three trim levels—LT, RS and ACTIV. Chevrolet has raised the level of standard content for all and eliminated the entry-level LS, so you can expect the base price to go up in the process.

The Equinox ACTIV is a new addition for 2025, following similar models in the rest of Chevy’s lineup. It features a unique front fascia, all-terrain tires and an available white roof for a two-tone finish. Blacked-out badging and 17-inch machined-faced aluminum wheels complete the look, while the cabin sports a Maple Sugar and Black interior theme with premium Evotex leatherette and sueded microfiber seating surfaces, as well as ACTIV logos embroidered on the headrests. Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are available.

3. Old Engine Returns as Lone Option

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox 2025 carries over the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers a modest 175 horsepower and up to 203 lb-ft of torque. There is no bigger engine or hybrid option (although that could change soon as GM wants to bring back plug-in hybrids), and maximum towing capacity remains at 1,500 lbs.

Importantly, though, the old six-speed autobox is gone. Chevrolet has replaced it with a CVT on front-wheel-drive models to further improve fuel economy (which this Equinox is clearly focused on) and an eight-speed automatic on all-wheel-drive models (optional on LT, standard on RS and ACTIV). The latter also come with Normal, Snow and All-Terrain drive modes.

4. 22 Inches of Displays

Inside, the 2025 Equinox is thoroughly transformed and everyone should be happy about that. Once again, the design mirrors that of other recent Chevy products. Drivers will love the 11-inch digital instrument cluster and the 11.3-inch centre touchscreen that’s more than 30 percent larger than before.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto continue to be offered, but the native infotainment system now incorporates Google Built-in. Elsewhere, a wireless smartphone charger is newly available.

5. Expanded Suite of Safety Features

Last but not least, safety content is more generous than ever. Standard Chevrolet Safety Assist includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning and IntelliBeam headlights.

The 2025 Equinox is also available with Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Zone Steering Alert, Side Bicyclist Alert, Safety Alert Seat and Rear Seat Reminder.

Below are pricing details (MSRP plus fees):