The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has arrived, sporting a fresh redesign and a bolder look, especially in its adventurous Activ trim. This compact SUV aims to compete in a crowded segment against giants like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. But does the revamped Equinox have what it takes to stand out? We delve into a comprehensive 2025 Chevy Equinox Review, exploring its features, performance, interior, and overall value to help you decide if it deserves a spot on your shortlist.
The Equinox has been a staple in Chevy’s lineup for two decades, and this fourth generation model is looking to make a statement. The Activ trim, in particular, with its all-terrain tires and slightly lifted suspension, attempts to inject a dose of ruggedness into the everyday crossover. While it might not be tackling extreme off-road trails, the 2025 Equinox Activ presents itself as a stylish and capable option for those seeking a bit more than just a basic commuter.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Front View
Chevy Equinox 2025: Basics and What’s New
The 2025 Equinox enters a highly competitive market, vying for attention against established rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. This model year marks a complete redesign, bringing the Equinox into its fourth generation. The Activ trim, which we’re focusing on in this review, adds a touch of off-road flair with all-terrain tires, a subtly raised ride height, and specialized drive modes for off-road and snow conditions. It’s crucial to understand that the Equinox Activ isn’t intended to challenge hardcore off-roaders like the Ford Bronco or Toyota Land Cruiser, but rather to offer a more adventurous aesthetic and some enhanced capability for light trails and varied weather conditions.
Visually, the 2025 Equinox makes a stronger impression than its predecessor. The base models are inoffensive, but the Activ trim elevates the design with a more rugged and appealing persona. Think of it as a stylish upgrade, swapping out the mundane for something a bit more exciting and outdoorsy.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Angled Front View
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Side Profile
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Rear View
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Wheel Detail
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Front Badge Detail
Inside the 2025 Equinox Activ: Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the 2025 Chevy Equinox Activ, you’ll find a cabin that largely mirrors the standard models and aligns with the modern Chevrolet design language. This isn’t a drawback, however. The interior is well-executed for its price point, featuring attractive tan and black two-tone seats in the Activ trim and decent quality materials throughout. Ergonomics are well-considered, and there’s ample storage for everyday items.
The dashboard is dominated by Chevrolet’s user-friendly infotainment system, displayed on a large screen that’s become a common feature across the Chevy lineup. This system is responsive and intuitive, making it easy to navigate menus and access features. The gauge screen, however, might be a point of contention for some. It attempts to pack a lot of information into a compact display, which can make it somewhat cluttered and difficult to read at a glance. Despite this minor critique, the interior of the 2025 Equinox is a pleasant and functional space, suitable for daily commutes and longer journeys.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Interior Dashboard
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Interior Front Seats
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Interior Steering Wheel and Gauge Cluster
Driving Dynamics: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Performance Review
Under the hood of the 2025 Equinox lies a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While “powerhouse” might not be the first word that comes to mind, this engine provides adequate motivation for everyday driving. It’s not going to win any races, but it gets the Equinox up to speed without excessive strain. Most drivers will likely find the power sufficient for their needs, and the engine noise is reasonably subdued. Fuel economy is also in line with segment expectations, making it a practical choice in terms of running costs.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Front Badge Detail
One highlight in the driving experience is the eight-speed automatic transmission. It operates smoothly and efficiently, shifting gears quickly and unobtrusively. It responds promptly to throttle inputs, making the most of the engine’s 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
From a ride comfort perspective, the Equinox Activ delivers a pleasant experience. The taller ride height and tires with generous sidewalls contribute to a comfortable and compliant ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road. The elevated seating position also provides good visibility, which is a feature many SUV buyers appreciate.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ On Road Driving
However, the driving experience isn’t without its shortcomings. The throttle pedal is quite sensitive, making it easy to apply more acceleration than intended. The brake pedal also lacks firmness, and the braking performance could be stronger. The steering is notably vague, offering minimal feedback to the driver. Furthermore, the soft suspension, while comfortable, results in noticeable body roll during cornering and less-than-composed handling in dynamic driving situations. While these aspects might not be deal-breakers for the average crossover buyer, those seeking a more engaging driving experience might find the Equinox lacking compared to some competitors.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Cornering View
Pros and Cons: 2025 Equinox Activ Review Summary
The 2025 Chevy Equinox Activ certainly has curb appeal. Its updated styling, particularly in the Activ trim, gives it a more playful and attractive look. The availability of colors like green adds to its youthful vibe. Inside, the tech features are impressive for its class, making it feel more premium than its price suggests. It’s also well-equipped with features and should offer decent winter traction thanks to the all-terrain tires on the Activ model. For younger buyers or those prioritizing style and technology in an affordable package, the Equinox Activ presents a compelling option as a daily commuter.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Rear Seats
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Interior Rear Legroom
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Child Seat Installation
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Cargo Space
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Rear Cargo View
However, the Equinox Activ isn’t without its drawbacks. The driving experience is unremarkable, and the seating position might not suit all body types. The rear seats are also quite flat, which could impact child seat installation. The seatbelt placement in the rear can also make buckling up challenging for children.
2025 Chevy Equinox: Features, Trims, and Competition
The base 2025 Equinox, in front-wheel-drive configuration, starts at a competitive price point, offering features like 17-inch alloy wheels, Chevrolet’s excellent 11.3-inch infotainment system, and heated front seats. All-wheel drive is available for a modest price increase, making it an attractive and well-equipped crossover for a broad range of buyers. The Activ trim, while adding rugged styling and features, comes at a higher price.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Front Driving
The Activ trim does include additional features like a heated steering wheel, active noise cancellation, and wireless phone charging. Optional packages further enhance the tech, with features like a digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and rear pedestrian alert. While the Activ trim offers appealing features, it’s important to consider whether the added cost is justified for your needs, especially when compared to the well-equipped and more affordable standard Equinox models.
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ faces stiff competition from other “soft-roader” crossovers such as the Subaru Outback Onyx Edition, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Hyundai Tucson XRT, and Nissan Rogue Rock Creek. These competitors offer similar levels of equipment and off-road-inspired styling at comparable price points. This intense competition means the Equinox needs to be exceptional to truly stand out, and while it’s a solid offering, it may not be class-leading in every aspect.
Fuel Economy: 2025 Equinox MPG
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ EPA Fuel Economy Label
The 2025 Equinox Activ achieves respectable fuel economy figures. EPA estimates are 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, which aligns with real-world driving experiences. These numbers are similar to the Hyundai Tucson but slightly lower than the Subaru Outback. The Toyota RAV4 Woodland, being a hybrid, achieves significantly better fuel economy.
Verdict: Is the 2025 Chevy Equinox a Good Buy?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox presents a strong value proposition. It’s a good-looking, well-built crossover with impressive technology and a generous list of standard features. For those seeking a practical and affordable daily driver in the compact SUV segment, the standard Equinox is a compelling choice.
However, the Activ trim, while visually appealing, doesn’t significantly enhance the driving experience to warrant its price premium. Unless you specifically need the all-terrain tires or prefer the rugged aesthetic, the standard Equinox offers better overall value. While the 2025 Equinox might not be the most exciting to drive compared to some rivals, it excels as a feature-packed, value-oriented crossover, particularly for buyers who prioritize style and technology over dynamic performance.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ Badge and Tail Light Detail
| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Specs | FWD | AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price (Activ as tested) | $29,995 | $31,995 ($37,480) |
| Powertrain | 1.5-liter turbo-four | continuously variable automatic | front-wheel drive | 1.5-liter turbo-four | 8-speed automatic | all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 175 @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,800 rpm | 203 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,000 rpm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Cargo Volume | 29.8 cubic feet behind second row | 63.5 cubic feet behind first row | |
| Curb Weight | 3,428 pounds | 3,583 pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 800 pounds | 1,500 pounds |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 26 mpg city | 29 highway | 27 combined | 24 mpg city | 29 highway | 26 combined |
| Score | 7/10 |
Quick Take: A practical and affordable crossover that caters to value-conscious buyers. While the Activ trim offers a rugged look, the standard Equinox provides a more compelling value proposition.
