2025 Chevrolet Equinox

MSRP: $28,600

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Overview

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact crossover SUV that's entering its fourth generation this year, and the redesign delivers a more modern and truck-inspired exterior, along with a substantially improved cabin. The fresh dashboard debuts big new dual digital displays for the gauge cluster and infotainment, with Google Built-In and improved connectivity, while there's also significantly more standard safety equipment.

Under the hood, there's a good deal less excitement, with the same 175-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the old Equinox carrying over. Performance is no more than adequate, but at least you can upgrade from FWD to AWD for extra traction, and the ride is comfortable. The rivals are tough in this segment, and include the Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-50.

Best suited for: First-time SUV buyers and budget-conscious families looking for modern tech and value at mainstream prices.

What's New for 2025?

The 2025 Equinox is redesigned, though it sits on an evolution of the same platform and carries over its engine. The bold exterior styling is new and has been inspired by Chevy's trucks, and the interior is thoroughly modern, with an 11-inch digital gauge cluster and 11.3-inch infotainment display standard on all three trims; these are LT, RS, and the all-new ACTIV, which is an outdoor-inspired variant. The engine is the same as before, but the transmissions have changed, with FWD models using a CVT automatic and AWD versions a conventional eight-speed automatic.

Exterior

Taking its styling cues from Chevrolet trucks, the new Equinox makes a good first impression with a confident stance and strong lines, very much like a shrunken Traverse. Grille treatment varies by trim. The LT is the sensible option, the RS has a sporty appearance with unique styling elements, and the new ACTIV has rugged, off-road-inspired looks; it features vertical grille inserts and can be had in two-tone paintwork. All trims wear 17-inch wheels, but 19s appear higher up the trim line.

Interior

Impressive as it looks from the outside, the Equinox's most dramatic makeover is in the cabin, where the 11-inch digital gauge cluster and 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen immediately catch the eye. The contemporary dashboard design features round air vents on either side of the dashboard, and a column-mounted gear shifter frees up additional space for cupholders and storage in the center console. Cloth covers the seats, but Evotex leatherette is available for the RS, while the ACTIV uses a sueded microfiber material. Rear legroom is exceptional for this class, and the cargo area can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats.

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Price Range and Best Value Trim

Pricing starts at $28,600 for the LT, but the front-wheel-drive RS is the sweet spot, adding sportier exterior treatment, bigger wheels, and features such as a wireless charging pad, a sunglasses holder, a power driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, roof rails, and a hands-free power liftgate for its $4,600 premium.

Key Specs

Powertrain

Fuel Economy (MPG)

Warranty

Chevrolet's warranty coverage is fairly average for the segment, but the fact that the first maintenance visit is included for free is a nice bonus not offered by its rivals.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Attractive redesigned exterior and interior
• Strong standard safety and tech features
• Competitive base pricing
• Spacious cabin with flexible cargo area

Cons:

• Underpowered engine with tepid acceleration
• Below-average fuel economy for the class
• Noisy cabin at highway speeds
• CVT standard on FWD models

Verdict

Chevy's compact SUV takes a significant step forward and addresses many of the criticisms levelled at the old model with its bold styling, more refined interior, and plentiful cabin tech, such as the dual digital displays with Google Built-In. Interior space is also right at the top of the class, and the neat road manners make it painless to drive. The cherry on top is that the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's price is also pleasantly low, allowing you to upgrade to the RS with its nice extra features without breaking the bank.

However, the weak 1.5-liter turbo-four provides tepid acceleration in a segment where most rivals are way quicker, and it has to work hard on the highway to climb and pass, where engine buzz adds to the overall noise levels. Despite the downsized engine, fuel consumption isn't a stand-out feature either, and no hybrid option is available. While the Equinox doesn't stand out as a class leader, it can still be a sound choice for people looking for solid everyday urban transport, and who prioritize value, cabin tech, and comfort over thrills.

Competitors

• Honda CR-V
• Toyota RAV4
• Mazda CX-50
• Ford Bronco Sport
• VW Tiguan

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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 12:07 PM.