2025 Chevrolet Equinox: Sharply Evolved

The previous-generation Chevrolet Equinox was a practical SUV offering decent space and functional technology, but the powertrain lacked muscle and achieved disappointing fuel economy, partly because of an obsolete six-speed transmission.

For 2025, Chevy is introducing a completely redesigned Equinox with styling that matches other SUVs from the brand, a few technical upgrades and more cutting-edge safety features. We went to Minneapolis, Minn. to check it out and put it for a spin. Read on for our first impressions.

• Also: 2025 GMC Terrain Follows Chevy Equinox’s Lead With Major Redesign
• Also: 2025 Subaru Forester vs. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox: The Numbers

Driver-Centric

The bloated exterior is gone, replaced with a boxier and tauter silhouette. The new Equinox sports a more rugged-looking front end—just look at the revised grille and squared-up wheel arches—in addition to being 2.5 inches wider. The taillights have grown both horizontally and vertically. Overall, you can see more of Chevy’s truck DNA, and we quite like it.

The updated interior offers a far more pleasant environment than before. The new dashboard and seats in all Equinox models can be finished in leather-like Evotex, and a panoramic sunroof is available. Space is once again generous both for passengers and cargo. The shifter is now mounted on the steering column, resulting in extra storage in the centre console, not to mention the large, open compartment underneath.

The instruments now stand a bit closer to the driver in the form of a configurable 11-inch display that proves easy to use. We can say the same thing about the 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, which features Google built-in as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Wireless smartphone charging is optional. Too bad there’s only a six-speaker stereo—most people won’t mind, but audiophiles are likely to be disappointed with the unit’s performance.

Overall, the new cabin looks and feels refreshing and satisfyingly finished. A few build quality issues did mar our experience with these pre-production units, mind you. For example, the hood release button detached when we tried to pull it. That was with a base LT model, and no such thing occurred with the more premium RS and ACTIV models. Hopefully, the actual production units won’t have the same problem.

New Transmissions

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox carries over the turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower. While output is fine for most trips, acceleration fails to impress. Ditto for towing capacity, which is limited to 1,500 lbs in AWD configuration and 800 lbs in FWD configuration. Alas, no other engine is available, not even a hybrid variant. The all-electric Equinox EV is a completely different vehicle.

The big news under the hood is the CVT replacing the aforementioned six-speed autobox in FWD LT models, which serve up 184 lb-ft of torque. It’s a surprisingly competent operator, contributing to steadier and more linear power delivery. Throttle response is great, too, making urban commutes more entertaining.

AWD-equipped models, which are rated at 203 lb-ft of torque, rely on a new eight-speed mixer that does a commendable job in most driving scenarios but tends to hesitate with the lower gears. Depending on the transmission, combined fuel consumption is either 8.8 or 9.2 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada. We’ll need to spend more time with the Equinox to validate these numbers.

Increased Safety

The previous generation seriously lacked standard safety and driver assistance features. However, research by Chevrolet has shown that automatic emergency braking in reverse can reduce the number of collisions by 85 percent, while lane keeping assist can prevent 22 percent of injury-causing lane departure crashes.

Standard on the 2025 Equinox is Chevrolet Safety Assist, which 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. Other available technologies include 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.

The lineup offers three trim levels starting with the base LT featuring 17-inch wheels and chrome accents, plus an available two-tone exterior with a black or white roof. A Midnight Package adds black wheels, mirror caps and grille. Prepare to spend at least $35,470 (MSRP plus fees) and an extra $2,300 if you want all-wheel drive.

The sportier-looking RS ($42,570) boasts 19-inch alloys, a unique grille and black trim. For the same price, you can get the new-for-2025 Equinox ACTIV, which is blessed with a more adventurous appearance including a model-specific front fascia and all-terrain tires. This one can also be ordered with a white roof.

Our Verdict

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has effectively addressed many of the complaints that used to be targeted at its predecessor while retaining a spacious and comfortable interior complete with redesigned, more supportive seats. The driving experience won’t send your heart racing, but the new transmissions and more technologically advanced interface are a definite improvement. It’s a shame no hybrid option is part of the lineup. GM currently sells an Equinox PHEV over in China, but we’ll have to wait at least until 2027 to possibly see a similar SUV in North America.