2025 Chevrolet Equinox

A weak engine and slow-shifting transmission plagued the previous Equinox, but we have reason to hope for an improved driving experience on the new model. Although horsepower remains the same at 175, Chevy ditched the previous model's frustrating six-speed automatic. On the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, FWD models receive a CVT automatic and AWD models feature an eight-speed automatic. Torque, however, is lower on FWD models than before. While the AWD Equinox retains its previous 203 lb-ft rating, the FWD model now only has 184 lb-ft of torque.

These changes should help improve fuel economy over the previous model. What we hope hasn't changed is the Equinox's competent handling. In a segment as competitive as the compact SUV class, Chevy's updated Equinox battles the excellent Nissan Rogue as well as the popular Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

With similar cargo measurements to its predecessor, the 2025 Equinox will continue to offer less cargo room than key competitors. There is 29.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.5 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, considerably less than what's offered in the 2024 Toyota RAV4 and 2024 Honda CR-V. We expect passenger quarters to remain spacious, though.

There's some room for improvement here. The outgoing 2024 Equinox earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but it didn't impress as much in IIHS testing. It nabbed Good scores in four categories, but it received a Poor rating in the updated moderate front overlap test, a Mediocre rating in the updated side test, and a Poor headlight rating. Hopefully the new 2025 Equinox will improve on these results.

Standard safety features on the 2025 Equinox are abundant. Take a deep breath: enhanced automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, following distance indicator, front pedestrian and bicyclist braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, automatic high-beams, side bicyclist alert, adaptive cruise control, lane change alert with side blind-zone alert, rear cross-traffic braking, rear park assist, and enhanced lane keep assist.

Chevrolet will offer an Equinox EV later this year, and it will pack more power than the gas Equinox. A total of 210 hp and 242 lb-ft of torque is expected, and that's just for lower models. There should also be a version with 290 hp and 346 lb-ft. See the Equinox EV here.

The new 11.3-inch infotainment screen is a big upgrade from the previous 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch offerings. This screen will feature built-in Google technology. The 2025 Equinox will also feature a new, much larger 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver.

For 2025, Chevrolet will offer the Equinox in three trims: LT, RS, and Activ. Previously, the trim lineup read LS, LT, RS, and Premier. We expect prices will start at around $32,000, making the base model slightly less expensive than Equinox EV 1LT, which will start at $34,995 before tax credits.

Chevrolet offers an Activ trim on some of its SUVs, and the Equinox joins the club for 2025. Billed as a more rugged alternative, the Equinox Activ features all-terrain tires for off-pavement adventure. Most of the other upgrades are cosmetic, though, including a special grille design, black badging, 17-inch aluminum wheels, Activ interior embroidery, and a Maple Sugar and Black interior color scheme. To keep drivers toasty in the winter, the Equinox Activ comes standard with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.