Jump to content
News
Reviews
Discussons
Activity
Create New...
Close
  • Drew Dowdell
    Drew Dowdell

    By Drew Dowdell •

    Chevrolet Gives the Equinox Fresh Looks for 2025

      The 2025 Equinox gets a new ACTIV trim and more visual distinction between trim levels.

    The hottest and most competitive segment in the auto industry is the compact crossover, with every mainstream brand fielding at least one or more entries.  Fresh off updating the Trax, Trailblazer, Blazer, and Traverse in the last two years, Chevy is circling back to update its bread-and-butter Equinox.  Equinox's current platform came out in 2018 with a mild nip-tuck in 2022.  For 2025, the Equinox gets a major redesign, inside and out, on the same platform.2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV - Full Dash

    The headliner for this release is the new ACTIV trim. Representing a ruggedized version of the Equinox, the ACTIV has a unique front fascia, blacked-out badging, 17-inch machined aluminum wheels,  a Maple Sugar / Black interior scheme, and an available white roof.

    The current LT and RS trims also each have distinctive front fascias, a C-pillar shark fin, All-LED lighting, and several wheel choices up to 20 inches for RS.  The RS is also available with a black roof.

    The Equinox's interior has received a major refresh focusing on tech.  New is an 11-inch diagonal, reconfigurable instrument cluster and an angled 11.3-inch infotainment screen featuring Google built-in.  CarPlay and Android Auto device mirroring will be offered.

    2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS - FrontThe gear selector has been moved to the steering column in a stalk on the right side of the wheel, opening up room for more console storage in the center. All models have standard heated steering wheels and front seats.  RS buyers get a flat-bottomed steering wheel and can add ventilated front seats and rear heated outboard seats.

    The Equinox comes standard with a host of automatic detection and reaction systems, including:

    • Automatic Emergency Braking
    • Forward Collision Alert
    • Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking
    • Following Distance Indicator
    • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
    • IntelliBeam

    Additional standard safety and driver assistance features include:

    • Side Bicyclist Alert
    • Rear Vision Camera
    • Rear Seat Reminder
    • Adaptive Cruise Control
    • Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
    • Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking
    • Rear Cross Traffic Braking
    • Rear Park Assist
    • Enhanced Lane Keep Assist

    The 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder carries over from last year's model, producing 175-horsepower at 5,600 RPM.  Torque and transmission specifications vary by driveline with the front-wheel drive models producing 184 lb-ft and routing through a CVT while all-wheel drive models make 203 lb-ft and use a traditional 8-speed automatic. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds. View the gallery below to see more of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox

    Expect the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox to be available in mid-late 2024.

    • Like 2
    • Thanks 1
    Go to articles

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    G. David Felt

    It will be interesting to see how this little auto lasts with a weight of 3,428 lbs. or 1555kg, I feel it is a bit fat for the little 1.5 turbo engine. Maybe this also explains the low trailering specifications. 

    At least they did drop a little weight as the 2024 model was 3,465 lbs. with the same engine.

    Interesting is that at the start of the Equinox in 2005 you had two V6 engine options with a maximum trailering of 3,500 lbs. and even in the outgoing 2024 model with the optional 2.0 turbo engine you still had a 3,500 lb. trailering capability and now we have only 1,500 lbs. and a single engine choice, no options.

    I wonder if this is GMs way of pushing people into bigger higher-level autos to get the same trailering capabilities.

    Interesting that the Blazer EV has a 3,500 lb. trailering capacity in RWD models but drops to 1,500 lbs. in the AWD models.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell
    32 minutes ago, David said:

    It will be interesting to see how this little auto lasts with a weight of 3,428 lbs. or 1555kg, I feel it is a bit fat for the little 1.5 turbo engine. Maybe this also explains the low trailering specifications. 

    At least they did drop a little weight as the 2024 model was 3,465 lbs. with the same engine.

    Interesting is that at the start of the Equinox in 2005 you had two V6 engine options with a maximum trailering of 3,500 lbs. and even in the outgoing 2024 model with the optional 2.0 turbo engine you still had a 3,500 lb. trailering capability and now we have only 1,500 lbs. and a single engine choice, no options.

    I wonder if this is GMs way of pushing people into bigger higher-level autos to get the same trailering capabilities.

    Interesting that the Blazer EV has a 3,500 lb. trailering capacity in RWD models but drops to 1,500 lbs. in the AWD models.

    I doubt it has anything to do with trailering at all. They did build the 2.0T which was efficient and fast, but people didn’t want to spend the money on it.  That said, I think GM has really hamstrung themselves on this platform by not offering a hybrid. The CRV and RAV4 hybrids have waiting lists. Kia, Hyundai, Ford, and Mazda all offer hybrids in this class. The only other holdouts are the Rogue and Tiguan, but both offer more powerful engines than the Chevy. 
     

    The 2025 Equinox looks really good though and they’ve knocked it out of the park with that interior.

    • Thanks 1
    • Agree 3
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Paolino

    I really like the changes. Think a plug-in hybrid will show up? I don't want to go full electric, but a plug-in would be ideal for me as I could stay all electric with my commute, but have the range of a gas engine for trips to the parents.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    G. David Felt
    1 hour ago, Paolino said:

    I really like the changes. Think a plug-in hybrid will show up? I don't want to go full electric, but a plug-in would be ideal for me as I could stay all electric with my commute, but have the range of a gas engine for trips to the parents.

    Doubt it as GM has made it very clear that the resources $$$ would have to be pulled away from their existing EV buildup of battery plants, power trains and the Ultium Platform or from other ICE projects to build Hybrids.

    I see GM selling ICE till the transition is complete with EVs and nothing in between other than the Hybrid Corvette.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell
    3 hours ago, Paolino said:

    I really like the changes. Think a plug-in hybrid will show up? I don't want to go full electric, but a plug-in would be ideal for me as I could stay all electric with my commute, but have the range of a gas engine for trips to the parents.

    GM has basically said "no hybrids". It's all EV or all ICE.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    smk4565

    I wonder how long this knobby tires and plastic body cladding like it's a 90s Pontiac Montana minivan will continue?  Everyone does it, Subaru Wilderness, Kia X-pro, Ford Timberline, Honda Trailsport, etc.  And none of those crap can go off road, nor are the people that guy these going to try.

    Also sick of headlights in the bumper and running lights up on the hood.  Why not just make one headlamp assembly and cut manufacturing cost and cut repair costs?  For example, if you have a front end impact with a Hyundai Tucson, because you have 4 light assemblies, 2 of which are over $1000 and 2 are over $1500, you are looking at $5,000 just for lamps, on a Subaru Forrester you'd pay less than $2,000.

    Otherwise I find all these small crossovers boring, they all look the same, have the same features, the same mini displacement turbo 3 or 4 cylinder engine, etc.  Yawn.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell
    1 hour ago, smk4565 said:

    Also sick of headlights in the bumper and running lights up on the hood.  Why not just make one headlamp assembly and cut manufacturing cost and cut repair costs?  For example, if you have a front end impact with a Hyundai Tucson, because you have 4 light assemblies, 2 of which are over $1000 and 2 are over $1500, you are looking at $5,000 just for lamps, on a Subaru Forrester you'd pay less than $2,000.

    10000% with you on that!  And add more money if any of those assemblies are "active".

    • Sad 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Robert Hall

    Looks good inside and out, definitely shows a family resemblance to other Chevy CUVs.

    Interesting that it has Car Play and Android Auto..thought GM was going to discontinue support for those to push their own crap.

    Edited by Robert Hall
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    daves87rs

    Having a Nox- I hated the look at first. But the more I look at it, it is growing more on me. Rugged look gives some cred against the Bronco Sport. The 1.5 will do for now, but they should add another engine sooner than later. Hybrid would be wise too. CVT requires care, or they don’t last. Just ask Nissan. Hoping all models are getting the roof racks, especially with the more rugged look. I really do like the inside of the Nox though….

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    surreal1272
    1 hour ago, Robert Hall said:

    interesting that it has Car Play and Android Auto..thought GM was going to discontinue support for those to push their own crap.

    Only their EVs are getting that non-sense.

    Edited by surreal1272
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Robert Hall

    It will be interesting to compare this w/ the current one eventually.  My sister loves her '23 LT, it has about 6k miles..she's had it a year now.    I've driven it a fair bit, gets around just fine for a compact CUV, very comfortable on road trips. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell
    6 hours ago, Robert Hall said:

    It will be interesting to compare this w/ the current one eventually.  My sister loves her '23 LT, it has about 6k miles..she's had it a year now.    I've driven it a fair bit, gets around just fine for a compact CUV, very comfortable on road trips. 

    They do get fantastic MPGs. Some of the best of the non-hybrids.  My sister has a Terrain and regularly gets 35mpg running up and town the Florida Tpk with her lead foot.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    trinacriabob

    Pros:

    Front grill lamps and clean looking lattice, side sculpting, rear treatment, and just about all the assist features one would want

    Cons:

    I don't really like the engine (especially for this application), the dash to the right of the main cluster looks too much like that of the BMW 2 series or the more recent Buick Envision, and the outboard circular vents look cheap and say Nissan Sentra

    In short, it's the vehicle's exterior appearance that is markedly improved.

    Edited by trinacriabob
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    G. David Felt
    58 minutes ago, trinacriabob said:

    Pros:

    Front grill lamps and clean looking lattice, side sculpting, rear treatment, and just about all the assist features one would want

    Cons:

    I don't really like the engine (especially for this application), the dash to the right of the main cluster looks too much like that of the BMW 2 series or the more recent Buick Envision, and the outboard circular vents look cheap and say Nissan Sentra

    In short, it's the vehicle's exterior appearance that is markedly improved.

    Interesting your thoughts on the interior as that has received many positive comments by auto reviewers so far.

    I do agree with you that the circular vents do not impress me as I thought they looked cheap in Mercedes which uses them everywhere and still look cheap also.

    Exterior will always be a personal style as lots of folks like it, meh to me, but a nice look overall. I am still on the sideline about the styling trend of these SUVs, really a cuv.

    • Agree 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    trinacriabob

    The other thing is the engine.

    People used to say a 350 V8 should last this long, a 3800 V6 should last this long, and the 1.8 and 2.5 in past Corollas and Camrys, respectively,  should last this long ...

    If I'm not mistaken, the 1.5 T was released around 2017, for the refreshed Malibu.  I don't know what longevity this engine can attain. I  haven't heard any numbers tossed out.  How many miles have any of these units racked up and have they had any mechanical quirks?

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Drew Dowdell
    11 hours ago, trinacriabob said:

    The other thing is the engine.

    People used to say a 350 V8 should last this long, a 3800 V6 should last this long, and the 1.8 and 2.5 in past Corollas and Camrys, respectively,  should last this long ...

    If I'm not mistaken, the 1.5 T was released around 2017, for the refreshed Malibu.  I don't know what longevity this engine can attain. I  haven't heard any numbers tossed out.  How many miles have any of these units racked up and have they had any mechanical quirks?

    The first year the 1.5T was out it was burning up cylinder heads in the Malibu and Equinox, sometimes requiring complete engine replacement.  GM addressed the issue pretty quickly and I think it's been put to bed.  Other than that, they are just as needy about on-time oil changes as any small displacement turbo trying to move 3800lbs vehicles, but seem fairly reliable.

    • Thanks 1
    • Educational 1
    Link to comment
    Share on other sites


    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

    ×



  • Subscribe to Cheers & Gears

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001 we've brought you real content and honest opinions, not AI-generated stuff with no feeling or opinions influenced by the manufacturers.

    Please consider subscribing. Subscriptions can be as little as $1.75 a month, and a paid subscription drops most ads.*
     

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      This is too funny and I HOPE HOPE HOPE Amazon moves forward with this as all the auto's on Amazon for sale will have a TRUMP TARIFF line that shows how much TARIFF tax they will pay. Trump’s ‘Pottery Barn rule’ problem
    • trinacriabob
      New Toyota Prius HEV LE model - 3 days of motoring

      By trinacriabob · Posted

      I don’t know if this vehicle, a Toyota Prius Hybrid HEV, represented an upgrade.  It’s just what I was assigned as a mid-size rented vehicle for 3 days.  I had a general idea that this vehicle was recently refreshed and that it looked a lot better.  As I got closer to it and got into it, I was able to get a better look.  The new Prius looks a lot better than I recall a Prius ever looking.  It looks sleek, sporty, and even sort of low-slung.  Interesting exterior features show that they made this a priority.  The front lights and fascia are thin and understated, working well with the more unified exterior.  The rear fascia is definitely Prius’s own and it gives the car some interesting, angled vantage points.  They even incorporated gullwing handles into the sedan’s rear doors and, having once had these in the last rendition of the W-body Buick Regal coupe, I like their look and just plain using them. Its low-slung aspect can present a slight demerit.  The windshield and profile of the front doors is very raked and, as a person of average height, I had to duck a little more than usual to enter the car.  Similarly, the rear backlite borders on almost being horizontal.  This does give the rear storage area a little more usable height. Inside, the front pillars’ rake is mitigated by fixed renditions of what used to be vent windows in older cars.  However, they still seem to block an instinctive sight line compared to more upright vehicles like the current Camry and Corolla.  Inside, the feeling is more cockpit-like.  Similarly, the rear view has the thicker pillars and flatter backlite that require more proactive work – looking over the shoulder attentively and using the amber traffic monitoring warnings in the outside mirrors.  A complementary feature is the chime that assisted lane changes. The Prius has a 4-cylinder engine that seems to spend more time in EV mode than did the hybrid Camry.  That means good fuel economy and, over 3 days, I only added 6 gallons for between 200 and 300 miles of motoring.  In terms of power, handling, and roadability, the Prius gets mixed comments from me.  It does have agility when the pedal is pressed and it moves from eco to power mode.  It also eases upward to higher than anticipated highway speeds if not paying attention!  The transmission is a CVT with a “faux” first gear and it works well.  The Prius has a more noticeable wheezing sound when in reverse gear, which actually advises those inside the car and near it.  However, when pushed, the powertrain gets buzzy, as in noisy.  But at steady speed, any engine noise is not that noticeable.  The vehicle’s handling, smoothness, and quietness vary.  Handling is always nimble and, even at highway speeds, it maneuvers adeptly.  The ride is mostly smooth.  However, noise control could use some improvement.  Some of that can come from the tires they equip the car with, fitted with aluminum wheels that hearken to the ones on Tesla products.  That said, it’s hard to tell if the drone is tire thum or wind.  However, if you prioritize handling among these, I was surprised to see how well the Prius handles … on the highway, on city streets, and even in tight parking spaces, where 3-point attempts are rarely necessary. The cockpit is unusual and very different from yesterday’s Priuses, which I’ve only seen and never driven or been a passenger in one.  I remember how the first model had an oval main instrument pod set up on the cowl in the middle of the dashboard but angled toward the driver.  Today’s Prius has thin and smaller pods, almost set on ledges that seem to staircase down as the cowl approaches the driver.  The main panel looks like a small tablet that is set quite far from the steering wheel.  Depending on how the wheel is titled, there could be some visibility issues seeing all the information.  This required adjusting the wheel and the seating height.  Also, the front seat can be very far from the pedals.  So, while the door is low, taller drivers might like this potential distance.  The infotainment center sits slightly forward of the main instrument screen and is conventionally placed atop the center stack.  Thankfully, it continues with touch operation as opposed to being operated via a remote dial.  Most functions are the ones you’ve known for a while, so setting things up doesn’t take long.  I did struggle a little with the Android Auto, even though the Bluetooth pairing was quick.  Note that, while the Camry has USB-C ports, the Prius does not.  Further down on the center stack, the climate control is easy to work with (not the 3-dial type that so many exports and even domestics have) and the A/C blows colder a little quicker than in the last Camry I drove.  The console deck is about the right height and its overall dimensions, including the box, are generous.  The compactness of the shift lever is sort of fun … think of a small underpowered low-cost EV Corvette! When going into gear, it’s not about moving the selector linearly.  A quick jog to the left and up toward the instrument panel is for reverse while that same quick jog followed by a rearward move puts the vehicle in drive.  It doesn’t take long to get used to this.  Also, the park feature is easy to work with.  Just push in P when stopped and, whether in reserve or drive, the gear selector goes to park.  The only thing is that it is not forgiving when shifting the lever … your foot must be firmly on the brake, so no slipshod maneuvers.  The seating is comfortable and the buckets seem a little high, but this offers support from top to bottom.  The same is true in the rear of the cabin and the headrests do intrude with an already thicker rear sail panel / C-pillar.  Legroom in the rear also seems good and the length of the vehicle allows for that.  Space is sensibly distributed in the 3 volumes from front to back. I always thought a Prius would have something daunting or different about it.  Its look is different in that it lost its first-gen look that looked like an upright Nissan Versa of 2016 … sort of like the runt of the litter that is on the run because it has been kicked in the rump.  This Prius looks planted.  Upon pushing the prominent and easy to use “power” button on the dash, there will be no noise and the dash will literally tell you when it, and you, are “ready” to go. It's a smaller but roomy vehicle where the price isn’t a bargain, but not that steep in today’s terms.  I find there are a few things that I wasn’t crazy about – the height, the main instrument pod sitting in the distance, and not the best noises suppression – but I liked most other things about it.  With so many Priuses going the long haul, this one will probably do the same … and look a lot more presentable while doing it. - - - - - PHOTOS FORTHCOMING  
    • trinacriabob
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By trinacriabob · Posted

      I'm laughing.   There are always reasons why things are "discounted." With me, it's DFW and Austin that give me heartburn.  San Antonio, too, even though I don't know it as well.  I just don't like the look of the DFW area, whether natural or built.  I don't like Austin for being the governmental engine of a big red place next to a massive university with over 50,000 students that is a big blue place.  I'm more of a moderate and don't want extremes in either element.  I also don't like the "way cool" leanings in Austin. Houston has its negatives, but I'd take it for nearby Galveston, and water in general, the extensive pinewoods, the dark red brick homes, an attractive downtown, and for being America's most ethnically diverse city that has always rolled with that spirit.  There is no "you shouldn't be here" factor.  IIR, I've heard of a saying about Madrid that goes, 'When you're in Madrid, you're from Madrid.'  Having lived in various places, I pay attention to those subleties.
    • G. David Felt
      Random Thoughts Thread

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Very cool to see This Hyundai Ioniq 5 Owner Managed 413,991 Miles In Under Four Years, With One Big Catch
    • G. David Felt
      Tariff Tuesday - Big Trouble in Little Crossovers

      By G. David Felt · Posted

      Removing tariffs that idiot47 caused so much pain with for getting nothing in return show how stupid a person can be in not understanding true business and how to negotiate.  A real man with Business sense would have put together a package of tariffs to present to China to address specific areas that are an imbalance not just attack everything and see what falls out. As such, incompetence in not understanding the long road map to building greatness shows how foolish the current administration is and now they are going to sign an exception list for the auto industry. Destroy good trading partners just to cause Chaos! Never a sound business strategy. Trump to Sign Order Later Tuesday Easing Auto Tariff Impact

  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online

  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

I've whitelisted
Continue without support

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search