The Chevrolet Equinox gets a makeover for 2025, making it a stronger option in the super-competitive compact SUV category. It looks more aggressive, comes with more standard equipment and tech, gets good gas mileage, and has a relatively low price. However, so-so performance and less cargo space keep it from being a top contender.
Base Price: $35,000
As Tested: $37,470
Horsepower: 175
Mileage: 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway/26 mpg combined
The Equinox starts its fourth generation with its 2025 redesign. Changes include a more rugged exterior and more standard safety features.
The 2025 Equinox comes in three trims: LT, RS and Activ. Starting prices range from $28,600 to $35,000. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on all trims for $2,000. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
The 2025 Equinox is powered by the same engine as the 2024 model, a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 175 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive models get a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive models get an eight-speed automatic, and more torque at 203 pound-feet.
The Equinox is not thrilling to drive, but it is easy to get the family from point A to point B, which is what most drivers of smaller SUVs are looking for. The ride is compliant and smooth, even over rougher roads. Acceleration can be leisurely – there’s enough power to merge and pass at highway speeds but it can take a bit longer than you might expect. The engine can also get loud when you floor the accelerator. Steering is a bit light but precise, and there is some body lean when cornering.
When properly equipped, the Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds when equipped with AWD.
Fuel economy is good for the class. EPA ratings for my tester are 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with a combined rating of 26. I got 25 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving. Front-wheel drive models get 26 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined.
The interior is much improved over the outgoing model. Yes, there are still hard plastics throughout the cabin, but plenty of soft-touch materials as well. My tester has handsome two-tone seating. Both rows boast good leg- and headroom and supportive, comfortable seats. Even a couple taller adults should be comfortable in the second row.
Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, 11-inch digital instrument panel, infotainment system with 11.3-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four USB ports (one USB-A and one USB-C in front and two USB-C in the rear), a Wi-Fi hot spot, active interior noise cancellation, and automatic high-beam headlights
Available features include a surround-view camera system, rear-camera synthetic leather seating, power-adjustable front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, wireless device charging, fog lights and a universal garage door opener.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with steering intervention, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, rear park assist, rear-seat alert, and safety alert seat (the driver’s seat will vibrate when a potential crash risk is detected.
Teen Driver is also included on all trims. Chevrolet says this feature allows parents to coach their new driver and instill safe driving habits — even when they’re not there. From the infotainment screen, parents can activate various vehicle settings and view their teen’s driving performance.
Available driver assistance technologies include traffic-sign recognition and rear pedestrian detection.
The Google-based infotainment system looks good with its large 11.3-inch touchscreen. The system is user-friendly and has relatively snappy response times to touch and voice commands. The system can also be controlled with a large black dial in the center stack, between the front seats. There are physical controls for volume and climate settings. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
Cargo space is below average for the class. There are 29.8 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place. That expands to a decent 63.5 cubes with the second row folded. There’s a handy storage area under the cargo floor for storing smaller items. A hands-free power liftgate is available on the base model and standard on all of the higher trims.
The good:
Handsome looks
Relatively low price
Attractive and comfortable cabin
User-friendly infotainment system
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Meh performance
Below average cargo space
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $35,000. The Safety and Technology Package is $1,085 and adds an HD surround vision camera system, rear pedestrian alert, traffic sign recognition, front fog lamps, rear camera mirror, and rear camera mirror washer. The front license plate bracket is $40. There’s a $50 discount for a non-functional universal garage door opener. The destination charge is $1,395, bringing the grand total to $37,470.
Bottom line:
The 2025 Chevy Equinox is much improved over the outgoing model. It’s an affordable family hauler that looks cool with its rugged exterior, is pleasant to drive, has a comfortable cabin, comes with many standard features and tech, and gets good gas mileage. Performance is just so-so, and the interior isn’t as nice as some rivals, but the 2025 Equinox will appeal to those who want a stylish and well-equipped crossover that won’t break the bank.
