2025 Chevrolet Equinox: A Bold Step Forward in the Compact SUV Arena
The compact SUV segment is a battleground. Every manufacturer is vying for a slice of this lucrative pie, offering a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and increasingly, technology and style. Chevrolet has long been a player in this arena with the Equinox, and for 2025, they've unleashed a completely redesigned model that aims to shake things up. The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox isn't just a refresh; it's a bold reimagining that addresses past criticisms and positions the SUV as a more compelling and competitive choice.
From Bland to Bold: A Striking New Design
The most immediate change for the 2025 Equinox is its exterior styling. Gone is the somewhat anonymous, rounded design of the previous generation. In its place is a much more assertive and modern aesthetic. The front fascia is dominated by a large, prominent grille that varies in finish depending on the trim level. Sleek, split headlights flank the grille, with LED daytime running lights positioned above the main headlight units, creating a distinctive and contemporary look.
The body of the Equinox is characterized by sharper lines and a more sculpted profile. A prominent character line runs along the side, adding visual interest and a sense of dynamism. The rear features redesigned taillights that are connected by a light bar (on higher trims), further emphasizing the vehicle's width and modern design. The overall effect is a much more confident and upscale appearance, a significant departure from the previous generation's more conservative styling.
The new ACTIV trim enhances the outdoorsy image, sporting a distinct front grille, blacked-out badging, and unique 17-inch wheels.
Interior Upgrade: Tech-Focused and Refined
The transformation continues inside the 2025 Equinox. The previous model's interior, while functional, felt somewhat dated. The new Equinox addresses this with a completely redesigned cabin that prioritizes technology and a more premium feel.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a new, standard 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, angled towards the driver for ease of use. This large display replaces the smaller screens found in previous models and offers a much more modern and intuitive interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, providing seamless smartphone integration. A new 11-inch digital instrument cluster complements the infotainment screen, providing clear and customizable information to the driver.
The overall design of the dashboard is cleaner and more minimalist than before. Physical buttons and knobs are still present for essential functions like climate control, a welcome feature that avoids the frustration of having to navigate through touchscreen menus for simple adjustments. Material quality has also been improved, with softer-touch surfaces and a more refined fit and finish.
The seating is comfortable and supportive, and passenger space remains generous, both in the front and rear. The Equinox continues to offer ample cargo space for its class, making it a practical choice for families and those with active lifestyles.
Under the Hood: Familiar, Yet Refined
While the exterior and interior have undergone a dramatic transformation, the powertrain remains largely familiar. The 2025 Equinox is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque (with AWD. FWD models deliver 188 lb.-ft). This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive models receive an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, and the focus remains on fuel efficiency rather than outright performance. The CVT in the front-wheel-drive models helps to maximize fuel economy, while the eight-speed automatic in the all-wheel-drive models offers a more traditional driving experience.
The ride quality is comfortable and composed, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. The Equinox isn't designed to be a sporty SUV, but it handles confidently and provides a secure driving experience.
Trim Levels and Choices:
The 2025 Equinox is available in a range of trims, starting with the LT, rising to the sporty RS, and including a new ACTIV trim level.
- LT: The base LT trim provides a solid foundation of standard features, including the 11.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and a suite of safety technologies.
- RS: The RS trim adds a sporty flair with unique exterior styling elements, including a blacked-out grille, black wheels, and RS badging. Inside, the RS features red stitching and other sporty accents.
- ACTIV: The new ACTIV trim is designed for those with a more adventurous lifestyle. It features a unique front fascia, all-terrain tires, and a suspension tuned for off-road capability.
Safety First: A Comprehensive Suite of Features
Chevrolet has made safety a priority in the 2025 Equinox. Standard safety features include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision1 Alert
- IntelliBeam automatic high beams
- Following Distance Indicator2
Available safety features, as optional extras or standard on higher trims, include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- HD Surround Vision
- Rear Cross Traffic Braking
- Blind Zone Steering Assist
- Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking
The Verdict: A Strong Contender
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox represents a significant step forward for the nameplate. The bold new design, upgraded interior, and focus on technology make it a much more appealing and competitive offering in the crowded compact SUV segment. While the powertrain remains largely unchanged, the overall package is significantly improved, addressing many of the criticisms leveled at the previous generation.
The 2025 Equinox is no longer just a practical choice; it's a stylish and technologically advanced SUV that deserves serious consideration. It's a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5, and it's clear that Chevrolet is aiming to regain lost ground and make a strong statement in this important market segment. The increased differentiation between trim levels, especially the addition of the ACTIV trim, also broadens the Equinox's appeal to a wider range of buyers. The 2025 model is a confident and well-rounded SUV that is well-positioned to succeed.
