PHOENIX — Who knew that apart from  the Silverado pickup truck, the Equinox compact crossover/SUV is Chevrolet's best selling model? With more than 200,000 Equinox sold last year, its best sales year ever, It has remained virtually unchanged since its last redesign in 2017. Now for the 2025 model year Chevrolet has introduced a completely redesigned fourth-generation Equinox.

It's designed to better compete with segment sales leaders Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V revealing a modern exterior styling, and more refined interior that looks and feels generations ahead of the outgoing and dated styled Equinox.

For 2025, Chevrolet offers just three available trim levels: LT, RS and our model tested here the ACTIV. Each of the three has its own distinct features - the base LT, the RS, a sporty looking model with black accents, a wide grille and 19-inch wheels, and ACTIV trim with an off-road inspired look with a more rugged front end treatment, black trim and 17-inch wheels shod with knobby all-terrain tires and an avail updated Blazer EV, Trax, midsized Traverse and freshened Tahoe and Suburban large SUVs.

Regardless of trim level, all Equinox are powered by the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 175 horsepower output, the same engine that powered the previous generation model. All trims are front-wheel drive and paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). All-wheel drive is optional (add $2000) on all three trims, and comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.



Most notable and welcomed is the interior that's a significant upgrade and improvement. The dash features two generously large sized screens, an 11-inch panel for the instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch panel for the infotainment that includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Google built-in. SiriusXM is standard on our ACTIV model.

The instrument panel is flanked by a large circular air vent on each side. The shift control is now a stalk to the right of the steering wheel and no longer a lever on the center console. There's an oversized dial located on the center console for driving mode selectors to choose from Snow, and Off-Road conditions (AWD models only).



In front of the console is a wireless charger that worked wonderfully for my iPhone 14 Pro. In addition to the touchscreen operations for most functions, Chevrolet has supplemented the operations with numerous physical buttons for climate control settings, audio volume and track station buttons, and a physical knob mounted up above the infotainment screen for those adjustments.

What looked especially nice, fresh and upscale on our ACTIV was the faux leather and sueded microfiber seating surfaces finished in a Maple Sugar and black color scheme.

After a week of testing it's easy to say there is much to like about the new Equinox and is definitely a far better SUV than the one it replaces. It delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience with just adequate power and acceleration for passing. There's ample head and legroom for both rows of seats and our ACTIV came with a long list of standard features most buyers will want in their vehicle.

Equinox competes in a segment loaded with viable alternatives and several with a stronger value proposition than the Equinox. There's also a fully electric Equinox EV available for those with that mindset.  While certainly improved over the outgoing Equinox, the 2025 breaks now new ground to rise it to the level of the class standouts.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $35,000 (ACTIV Trim)
Price as Tested: $39,875
Engine/Transmission: 175-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 24/29/26 MPG - City/Highway/Combined
Seats: 5
Where Built: San Luis Potosi, Mexico

Crash Test Safety Rating: The 2025 Equinox has not been rated by either the US government or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as of this writing.

Competes With:
Ford Bronco Sport
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Compass
Kia Sportage
Mazda CX-5
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4

Likes:
Attractive new styling inside and out
Loaded with standard no extra cost features
Roomy, comfortable, easy to drive

Dislikes:
Engine could use more horsepower
So-so fuel economy
Rearward visibility not the best

— Jim Prueter