2025 Chevrolet Equinox First Drive Review and Video

With an all-electric crossover of the same name arriving just in time to steal the spotlight, it would be easy for the gas-powered 2025 Chevrolet Equinox to get lost in the mix.

After all, it’s up against the likes of the best-selling Toyota RAV4, not to mention the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and any number of other entries in this competitive segment of small crossovers (including the Equinox EV). But with its stylish new design, spacious interior, and updated technology, the new Equinox has everything it needs to take on its peers. Except a hybrid powertrain, that is.

Same Engine, New Transmissions

Yes, the addition of the Equinox EV — alongside the similarly-sized Blazer EV — gives Chevy an emissions-free advantage in the segment; but with public sentiment about electrification shifting toward general skepticism as of late, the lack of a gas-electric Equinox to take on hybrid versions of the RAV4 and CR-V, among others, now looks like a slightly more glaring shortcoming.

Instead, the same turbocharged four-cylinder from before carries over, for better or worse. The 1.5L spins up 175 hp, while the torque count is different depending on which of the two new transmissions it’s paired with. Opting for all-wheel drive brings with it an eight-speed automatic and 203 lb-ft of torque, while the entry-level LT trim in front-wheel drive uses an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT) to send 184 lb-ft of torque to the surface below.

While the power output in particular is slightly short of what most competitors are capable of, overall performance is perfectly adequate in everyday occurrences — think passing and merging on the highway, or zipping around town. However, the engine’s small displacement can leave it sounding a bit strained with a heavy foot applied to the throttle pedal.

Demure Driving Dynamics

There aren’t many entries in this segment that feel especially punchy or personality-filled — except, of course, electric ones when it comes to the former — and so there’s nothing wrong with describing the drive experience here as simply sufficient. The ride is reasonably supple, although the suspension isn’t especially supportive, with quite a bit of body roll when cornering even casually.

That’s true not just of the new Activ trim and its squishy all-terrain tires but also the RS that rides on 19-inch alloys wrapped in lower-profile rubber. But then the 2025 Equinox hits back with reasonable steering response that’s a credit — at least in part — to the slightly wider track this time around. (While the platform that underpins the Equinox is the same as before, it’s been tweaked here and there, including the wider track and slightly longer wheelbase.)

With its all-terrain tires, the Activ trim exhibits noticeably more road noise than the rest of the lineup — especially on the highway — although it isn’t much louder than a similarly equipped competitor like the Subaru Forester Wilderness. More surprising is that the CVT-equipped front-wheel-drive version doesn’t sound as strained as its conventionally geared counterpart, bucking just about every historical trend out there.

Driving a few different versions of the Equinox Activ and RS trims also uncovered some bizarre transmission behaviour that was less than flattering for the new eight-speed. While it was mostly fine, there were a few awkward moments in the city when the transmission felt as if it was caught deciding whether or not to change gears, with the Equinox lurching awkwardly as a result. Of course, this could easily be a result of these early production units being barely broken in at the time of this test.

Tons of New Technology

Beyond the new transmission choices, the 2025 Equinox has been fitted with the latest features and technology including a Google-based infotainment interface run through an 11.3-inch touchscreen. More importantly, unlike the all-electric Equinox EV and Blazer EV models that use the same system sans Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both smartphone mirroring systems are included here — and they’re wireless.

Even so, the Google Maps integration within the infotainment system itself is excellent, with a full map view available on the 11-inch digital instrument display. There’s also a Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite radio, both of which require paid subscriptions, plus an entire advanced safety suite. Forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control that works in stop-and-go traffic is all included.

Segment-Leading Style

Look, the same old refrain that’s been uttered countless times before applies here: styling is a subjective matter. But then it’s hard to think of a more visually striking entry in the segment than the 2025 Equinox Activ finished in seafoam green with a contrasting white roof and mirror caps. There’s something about the way the look comes together that really sets this crossover apart, with the off-road-inspired styling working well with the flatter, bolder body lines of the Equinox’s new design.

Tucked inside those tidy dimensions is a spacious cabin that benefits from some of the technological enhancements included this time around. For example, the move to a shift-by-wire stalk on the steering column has opened up space beneath the centre console for more storage. The space also looks good, at least in the Activ and RS trims, with the former featuring two-tone finishes — including microfibre upholstery on the seats — and the latter getting red accents galore.

Elevated Entry Point

In introducing a new Equinox, Chevrolet scrapped the entry-level LS version in favour of a trio of trims. While it leads to a simplified lineup, the move also makes it a more expensive crossover, with a starting price of $34,599 — including a non-negotiable freight charge of $2,000 — for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox LT. That compares to $30,945 for the outgoing version’s cheapest trim. But then the 2024 Equinox finished in the same LT trim has a pre-tax price of $34,445.

Adding all-wheel drive to the entry-level Equinox is a $2,300 upgrade, pushing the price tag to $36,899 before options and taxes, while both the Activ and RS trims are offered only with four-wheel traction and have the same $41,699 point of entry. Options for those two trims are limited to a package that adds ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, among a few other features ($1,095), a panoramic sunroof ($1,695), plus some premium paint choices and accessories.

Final Thoughts

There’s no question the compact crossover segment is a competitive one, but the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is undoubtedly a more competitive offering overall. Despite a few driveability concerns and the lack of hybrid power, the changes here are substantial enough to elevate the Equinox in the right ways. Finished in adventurous-looking Activ trim, it also happens to be exceptionally stylish, helping it steal back some of the spotlight from its all-electric sibling, not to mention its rivals.