2025 Chevrolet Equinox Review + Video

It takes something special to stand out in the sea of small sport utility vehicles.

For segment leaders like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, it’s reputations for reliability that set them apart from the rest, while a rival like the Subaru Forester is widely considered to be a pretty sensible choice. Indeed, carving out a niche — and keeping it — matters with so many excellent entries vying for your attention.

Call it a cheap trick if you must, but the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox turns heads the old fashioned way: through stunning style. In fact, whether finished in sport-inspired RS trim like the one seen here or done up in adventurous-looking Activ guise, there are two entirely different ways the redesigned Equinox earns the title of the segment’s most stylish SUV.

Graciously, this Chevy has more going for it than looks alone, with a user experience that’s equal parts cutting edge and elementary, while the cabin space is used well. It’s almost enough to overshadow the few ways the Equinox comes up short, although there’s one glaringly obvious absence hiding in plain sight.

Fuel Economy 6 / 10

Toyota RAV4. Honda CR-V. Subaru Forester. Ford Escape. Hyundai Tucson. Kia Sportage. Mazda CX-50. That’s the list of SUVs this size offered with conventional hybrid power, putting this Chevy at a distinct disadvantage if you’re shopping for something small and miserly. (In fact, the brand doesn’t sell a single gas-electric vehicle in North America.)

As it stands, the Equinox offers subpar efficiency in its class, with the turbocharged 1.5L engine under its hood officially rated to burn 10 L/100 km in the city, 8.2 on the highway, and 9.2 combined, according to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). That’s with all-wheel drive; the base trim that’s offered with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive has marginally better numbers at the expense of extra traction.

A highway-heavy 200-km evaluation drive to kick off this week-long test saw the 2025 Equinox RS burn an indicated average of 7.9 L/100 km — but then that was with the selectable all-wheel-drive system disengaged. Running it that way instead of powering the front wheels alone saw that same number register at 10.4 L/100 km over the next 180 km.

For what it’s worth, that compares to an NRCan combined rating of 8.0 for a similarly equipped RAV4 (6.0 for the hybrid), and 7.6 for the all-wheel-drive Nissan Rogue that, like the Equinox, isn’t available with hybrid technology. (Interestingly, it’s also powered by a turbocharged 1.5L motor, although that displacement is spread across three cylinders instead of four.)

Power 8 / 10

Despite its shortcomings at the pumps, the engine does a fine job moving the Equinox in everyday scenarios. No, it’s not exactly exciting, but then few — if any — SUVs in this segment are. More importantly, with 203 lb-ft of torque kicking in at just 2,000 rpm, there isn’t much time waiting for what shove the four-cylinder is capable of, which comes in handy for the all-important 80-to-100 km/h passing manoeuvre and beyond. 

Driving Feel 7 / 10

The main issue when it comes to the mechanical parts is the transmission, which has a tendency to feel unsorted in certain situations. Rolling onto the throttle in order to build momentum progressively is rewarded with smooth shifts from the eight-speed automatic, whereas more sporadic input — say, when moving away from a stop at a congested intersection — is met with what almost feels like indecision.

Otherwise, the Equinox drives the way a sport utility like it should. There’s an underlying vagueness to the on-road experience that will no doubt feel familiar to those with previous General Motors (GM) experience, although it’s contrasted by nicely weighted steering that builds just enough resistance to be noticeable as velocity increases.

Body roll is mostly well managed, although the Activ trim that rides on squishy all-terrain tires can feel a little loose when cornering. But then the brakes are smooth, progressive, and adequately powered for this application, and they have no problem hauling the Equinox down from highway speeds in a hurry if necessary.

Comfort 7 / 10

While there’s that inherent vagueness that’s attributed at least in part to soft suspension tuning, even moderately deep sewer grates, potholes, or cracks in the pavement can be disproportionately disruptive — an issue the heavy 19-inch wheels the RS trim rides on only makes worse. While the Equinox isn’t the worst offender, with the likes of the Mazda CX-50 feeling even stiffer, there are smoother-riding entries in the segment, including the Toyota RAV4.

Styling 10 / 10

Despite some cheap plastic here and there, the cabin looks and feels leaps and bounds better than what the old Equinox had to offer. That’s especially true of the RS or Activ trims, the latter of which comes with a stylish tan upholstery. But even the base Equinox LT (not shown here) has some character, while this RS version has all kinds of red highlights inside, including cool vent bezels on the dashboard.

The exterior aesthetic is even more stunning, with just enough aggression hidden in the headlights and gaping grille opening while remaining tasteful overall. Once again, the Activ trim steals the show with its halo seafoam green and contrast finished white roof and mirror caps — a combined $1,145 upgrade that’s worth every penny — but this red tester with its black roof ($1,245 combined) manages to stand out in its own right.

Practicality 7 / 10

While this sport utility’s proportions are unquestionably stylish, they leave a bit to be desired in the cargo area, which is considerably smaller than most other entries in its segment. That’s true of the volume listed on the Equinox’s spec sheet, where it offers 845 L behind the back seat versus 1,059 L in the RAV4, as well what’s visible to the naked eye, where it’s quite obviously cramped in comparison.

Conversely, there’s more rear-seat space in the Equinox, with 1,013 mm (39.9 in) of legroom to the Toyota’s 960 mm (37.7 in). Meanwhile, the front half of the cabin offers decent small-item storage, including a pass-through cubby under the centre console that’s big enough to hold a handbag, and an available wireless phone charger that rests in a cradle up top.

Features 8 / 10

That wireless charger isn’t standard, although it’s optional in the base LT trim (and comes in the other two versions). More importantly, wireless smartphone connectivity is included across the lineup courtesy of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus there’s a Wi-Fi hotspot and satellite radio, both of which require paid subscriptions.

A heated steering wheel and front seats are standard, while ventilation can be added in the Activ and RS trims — along heated rear seats — through an optional package. Otherwise, alloy wheels of varying sizes, LED exterior lighting, and proximity power door locks are also standard, as is the 11.3-inch touchscreen and slightly smaller digital instrument display, both of which work together using a Google-based interface.

Safety 9 / 10

Chevy has stuck a full advanced driver-assistance suite in the 2025 Equinox, with lane departure warning and keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and steering help with rear cross-traffic alert and braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control all included across the three-trim lineup. There’s also a rear-seat reminder, plus a so-called safety seat that vibrates to communicate alerts to the driver.

User-Friendliness 9 / 10

Most features and functions inside the Equinox are easy to understand and use, with the infotainment interface in particular boasting a learning curve that’s about as flat as a prairie plain. Even those who’ve never used a Google-based system like it should have no trouble mastering this one, which is as straightforward as they come.

The integrated Google Maps navigation will feel familiar to anyone who’s used it on a smartphone or computer, plus it can be called up on either screen with the simple press of a button on the steering wheel. And while the combined displays represent a lot of digital real estate, that they’re mounted low on the dash means they don’t distract from the road ahead. Similarly, the tall seating position provides a good view of what’s happening outside.

Value 7 / 10

Opting for either the Activ or RS trims means the same pricing: $40,699 before freight ($2,300), options, and taxes. In the case of the one tested here, a whole host of extras was added, bringing it to a total of $48,524 before the government’s share. That’s not exactly inexpensive, but then any one of the Equinox’s rivals can cost the same with similar equipment. 

The Verdict

The small SUV segment is exceptionally competitive, and there are plenty of good options to pick from, most of which have their unique merits. But where the previous Equinox was just kind of so-so, this redesigned version looks great and utilizes an excellent new interface that’s about as easy to use as they come.

It’s all enough to make the relatively cramped cargo area worth looking past for those who don’t need the utmost space for stuff in the class. Alas, it’s the lack of a hybrid powertrain that’s the biggest hangup, with this Chevy suffering at least a little as a result — and not just because it isn’t especially efficient otherwise. But with so many others in the segment offered that way, the Equinox remains a step behind in spite of how new this fourth-generation version is.

That doesn’t mean the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox should be kept off your shortlist, but it’s the kind of fact that should be considered carefully before deciding which sport utility is right for you.