2025 Chevrolet Equinox: Hands on Preview

Chevrolet took the wraps off the all-new 2025 Equinox, complete with new styling, technology, and a first-ever Activ trim.

One of Chevrolet’s perennial bestsellers, the fourth gen Equinox is almost 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) wider and features a host of design and packaging changes to bring it closer in line with other new Chevy SUVs of late, including the subcompact Trailblazer and Trax.

Its boxier design has squared-off proportions and lines that are in keeping not only with Chevy’s truck lineup, but also the forthcoming three-row Traverse SUV, which is all-new for 2024.

On that score, the ’25 Equinox comes with three grade-specific front fascia treatments for LT, RS, and Activ trims, along with squared wheel openings, and a C-pillar shark fin, like that of the new Traverse.

The Equinox’s more upright fascia features new LED lighting, while the rear of the vehicle boasts new LED taillights. The range of available wheels has been expanded to include options ranging from a standard 17 inches on the LT, to available 20-inchers for the RS.

As for grades, the Equinox joins the Trailblazer and Trax with an Activ trim offering that has off-road capability. Activ models come with 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, available two-tone exterior finish with white roof, black badging, and grade-specific grille with vertical grille inserts and metallic finished accents.

Inside, the Activ is finished in a Maple Sugar and Black color scheme with Evotex and microfiber seat materials. Activ embroidered headrests, along with a heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, are among other standard features.

Features unique to the RS include Torch Red and Santorini Blue stitching on its Evotex seats, RS embroidered front seat headrests, and a heated, flat-bottomed steering wheel. Exterior details include 19-inch Carbon Flash machined aluminum wheels, available black roof, badging, and mirror caps, and a black grille with a high gloss grille bar.

Powering all Equinox models is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine used in the outgoing model that produces a GM-estimated 175 horsepower. The engine is paired with a CVT for front-wheel drive models, while an eight-speed automatic is standard for all-wheel drive configurations. Of note, the current Equinox uses a six-speed automatic only.

All Equinox grades are available in either front or all-wheel drive in the U.S., while RS and Activ have standard all-wheel drive in Canada. Three driver-selectable modes are available for AWD models: normal, snow and off-road. Those equipped with FWD drive have normal and snow modes.

The cabin for the 2025 Equinox has been remade to include several tech upgrades along with key design changes that Chevrolet says is focused on delivering an improved user experience.

Key among the changes is the addition of two large digital displays, an 11-inch configurable instrument cluster, and an angled 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. These screens are standard on all models and Chevy says the infotainment screen is 30 percent larger than the biggest screen in the outgoing Equinox. Like other GM cars, the new Equinox multimedia screen comes with Google built-in, and can be used to deliver a host of media, including streaming music, maps, and other subscription-based services.

Another significant design change is the relocation of the gear shifter from the center console to the right side of the steering column. Chevy says that because the new shifter is an electronic unit that’s not physically connected to the transmission it has been moved to create more storage, both above and below, in the center console.

Other changes of note in the cabin include the deployment of tactile materials and decorative trim and textures to the dashboard, console trim, and door panels.

In terms of space and utility, the Equinox has 63.5 cubic feet (1,798 liters) of cargo capacity with the rear seatbacks folded down, plus additional space under the load floor. Maximum towing is rated at 1,500 pounds (680 kg.) with the AWD models, and 800 pounds (363 kg.) for FWD.

On the safety front, the Equinox comes standard with Chevrolet Safety Assist, a suite that includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, following distance indicator, lane keeping with lane departure warning, and IntelliBeam. Optional safety features include side bicyclist alert, rear seat reminder, adaptive cruise control, and more.