The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has arrived with a fresh look and a renewed focus on appealing to the practical crossover buyer. The Activ trim, in particular, attempts to inject a bit of rugged flair into the lineup with all-terrain tires and a slightly lifted stance. But beyond the adventurous aesthetics, does the Equinox deliver where it counts? We delve into a comprehensive review to help you decide if the 2025 Chevy Equinox deserves a spot on your shopping list.
Equinox Basics: A Familiar Name, A New Generation
The Chevrolet Equinox is a long-standing contender in the fiercely competitive compact SUV segment, going head-to-head with giants like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. For 2025, the Equinox enters its fourth generation with a complete redesign, aiming to capture the attention of modern crossover shoppers. The Activ trim, featured in this review, is Chevrolet’s attempt to tap into the growing trend of adventure-ready crossovers, offering a more visually rugged option without compromising the Equinox’s core mission as a comfortable and practical daily driver. While it may sport all-terrain tires and off-road drive modes, it’s crucial to understand that the Equinox Activ is not designed to tackle serious off-road trails like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. Its strengths lie in its urban and suburban capabilities, with a touch of added confidence for light-duty adventures.
Visually, the 2025 Equinox Activ distinguishes itself from the base model with unique styling cues that hint at off-road aspirations. While the standard Equinox presents a more conventional crossover appearance, the Activ trim adopts a more adventurous persona, appealing to buyers who appreciate a touch of ruggedness in their everyday vehicle.
Inside the 2025 Equinox Activ: Comfort and Tech Take Center Stage
Stepping inside the 2025 Chevy Equinox Activ reveals a cabin that prioritizes comfort and user-friendly technology. The interior design aligns with Chevrolet’s modern aesthetic, offering a familiar and functional layout. Material quality is generally good for its price point, and the two-tone tan and black seats in the Activ trim add a touch of visual appeal. Ergonomics are well-considered, with controls logically placed and easy to reach. Ample storage cubbies throughout the cabin ensure there’s space for everyday essentials and road trip snacks.
The infotainment system is a highlight of the Equinox interior. Featuring Chevrolet’s intuitive and responsive interface on a large touchscreen, it’s easy to navigate through menus and access features. Smartphone integration is seamless, and the system’s overall responsiveness is commendable. However, the digital gauge cluster might be less impressive for some. While it packs a lot of information into a compact space, the display can feel a bit cluttered and less immediately legible than traditional analog gauges.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Equinox Activ’s interior is a pleasant and functional space, well-suited for daily commutes and family road trips. It emphasizes practicality and user-friendly technology, aligning with the needs of its target audience.
Driving Dynamics: Adequate Power, Comfort-Focused Ride
Under the hood, the 2025 Chevy Equinox relies on a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While not a powerhouse, the engine provides adequate power for everyday driving situations. Acceleration is reasonable for the class, though it might not inspire enthusiastic driving. The engine noise is generally well-managed and unobtrusive in typical driving conditions. Fuel economy is also within the expected range for a compact crossover.
Paired with the engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission that performs smoothly and efficiently. Gear changes are seamless, and the transmission is responsive when you need a bit more power for passing or merging. The driving experience in the Equinox Activ prioritizes comfort. The ride is compliant, absorbing bumps and road imperfections effectively. The taller ride height and all-terrain tires of the Activ trim contribute to a comfortable, if not particularly sporty, driving experience.
However, the Equinox Activ’s driving dynamics are not without their shortcomings. The steering feel is vague and lacks feedback, which can detract from driver engagement. The brake pedal feel is also on the softer side, and braking performance could be more confidence-inspiring. Handling is predictable but not particularly agile, with noticeable body roll in corners due to the soft suspension. While these characteristics are typical for the crossover segment, drivers seeking a more engaging driving experience might find the Equinox Activ lacking compared to some competitors.
High Points and Drawbacks of the 2025 Equinox Activ
The 2025 Chevy Equinox Activ has several appealing aspects. Its updated styling, particularly in the Activ trim, gives it a more distinctive and attractive appearance compared to previous generations. The interior is comfortable and well-equipped with user-friendly technology, especially the infotainment system. The Equinox also represents a good value proposition, particularly in its lower trims, offering a lot of features for the price. The Activ trim adds a unique visual appeal and some added versatility with its all-terrain tires and drive modes, although its off-road capabilities are limited.
However, the Equinox Activ also has its downsides. The engine performance is adequate but not particularly exciting, and the driving dynamics are comfort-oriented to the point of feeling somewhat bland. The seating position might not be ideal for all body types, and the rear seat design could be improved for child seat installation and passenger comfort. While the Activ trim aims for a rugged image, its actual off-road capability is minimal, making it primarily an aesthetic upgrade.
Equinox Features, Options, and Market Competition
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offers a range of features and options, allowing buyers to customize it to their needs and preferences. Even the base model is reasonably well-equipped, including desirable features like a large infotainment screen and heated front seats. Moving up to higher trims like the Activ adds more premium features, including a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, and available safety and technology packages that include a digital rearview mirror and surround-view camera.
The compact SUV segment is crowded with strong competitors. The Equinox Activ faces rivals like the Subaru Outback Onyx Edition, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Hyundai Tucson XRT, and Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, all of which offer similar adventure-oriented trims. These competitors often match or exceed the Equinox in terms of off-road capability or driving engagement, making the Equinox Activ’s appeal primarily based on its styling and value proposition.
Fuel Efficiency: Competitive in its Class
Fuel economy for the 2025 Chevy Equinox Activ is competitive within the compact SUV segment. EPA estimates are around 26 mpg combined, which aligns with real-world driving experiences. While not class-leading, these figures are on par with many of its non-hybrid competitors. Hybrid versions of rivals like the Toyota RAV4 offer significantly better fuel economy, but for a traditional gasoline-powered crossover, the Equinox Activ’s efficiency is respectable.
Verdict: A Solid Choice for Practical Crossover Buyers
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is a well-rounded compact SUV that caters to the needs of practical buyers. It offers a comfortable ride, user-friendly technology, and a good value for money, particularly in its lower trims. The Activ trim adds a dose of visual appeal and a slightly more adventurous persona, but its off-road capabilities are limited.
For those seeking a stylish and feature-rich crossover for daily commuting and family duties, the 2025 Chevy Equinox is a worthy contender. However, if you prioritize engaging driving dynamics or genuine off-road prowess, you might want to explore other options in the competitive compact SUV market. The standard Equinox, without the Activ trim’s price premium, may represent the sweet spot in the lineup for value-conscious buyers who appreciate the Equinox’s overall package.
| 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 SUV designed for the everyday needs of American families. While the Activ trim offers visual appeal, the standard Equinox might be the smarter choice for most buyers.
