Performance

Off-Roading

For the first time ever, the Equinox gets an off-road-ready trim: the ACTIV, which has previously appeared on other Che0y models. As if the Equinox wasn’t already an impressively versatile model, with its available all-wheel drive configuration (which it still has), the Equinox is now ready to explore even more terrain with its rugged ACTIV trim.

The ACTIV has a special off-road-tuned suspension, making it ready to tackle bumpy, uneven paths with ease. It also gets beefy all-terrain tires so it can seamlessly channel dirt, mud, and sand away from your vehicle, letting you go down the messiest of terrain with command and maintaining your traction at all times.

As for the available all-wheel drivetrain, the Equinox comes in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Drivers who opt for a front-wheel-drive model will get a continuously variable transmission, while those who go for the all-wheel-drive model get an eight-speed automatic transmission. This gives drivers an option for their behind-the-wheel experience and their vehicle’s capabilities. Of course, if you do drive somewhere that sees a lot of rain or you want to leave paved roads, we recommend an all-wheel-drive model.

Capabilities

The 2025 Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lbs, too. So, if you want to bring a small camper, boat, ATV, or other vessel that boosts the fun factor for you, you can with your Equinox. Under its hood, you’ll find the same turbocharged 1.5L I-4 engine we had in the 2024 model, kicking out 175 hp and a torque of 203 lb-ft. This engine is also known for solid fuel economy figures. The EPA evaluated the 2025 model’s fuel economy at 26 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway (for 27 MPG combined) in front-wheel drive or 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway (for 26 MPG combined) in all-wheel drive.

Combining all-wheel drive capabilities, an accommodating towing figure, and an off-road-ready trim, the 2025 Equinox is ready to get you where you’re going without spending too much on gas, and it’ll help you explore further once you get there. We haven’t even yet mentioned the newly added selectable drive modes! You can access these using a rotating dial on the center console, and they allow you to choose between Normal and Snow mode for front-wheel-drive models, while there’s an additional Off-Road mode for all-wheel-drive models.

Technology

Cabin Tech

Let’s step inside the cabin of the 2025 Equinox, which is a tech lover’s dream. Chevy designed the 2025 model with many of the features drivers already loved about the 2024 model—because why mess with perfection? Accessing the information you need and want on the road is a breeze in the 2025 Equinox.

Google Built-In means that drivers can access their favorite search engine products that they already use at home and on their phones right here in the Equinox. That means you can use Google Maps to get where you’re going, enjoying all of its features you appreciate. You can use Google Assistant to set reminders, look up information, and more. Of course, you can use Google Play to listen to the tunes that get you excited for your day or help you unwind after a long one. You’ll listen to those on the standard six-speaker audio system that delivers sound to every corner of the Equinox.

Wireless smartphone compatibility for both Apple and Android phones gives drivers the power to sync their devices up to this vehicle’s touchscreen, controlling all of their favorite apps right there on the large display—and it’s a big display. The 2025 Equinox boasts an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, bringing you navigation graphics, playlist details, and more on a screen that’s bigger than ever for this model. Plus, there’s an 11.0-inch driver information center where you can see important driving stats and vehicle health data.

If you need to charge your smartphone on the go, you can use the standard USB charging ports. However, if you like a clean, cord-free driver center, you can also get the available wireless charging pad and leave the USB cords at home.

Finally, the 2025 Equinox continues this nameplate’s tradition of offering OnStar, which gives drivers tons of entertainment and convenience features, as well as important safety features that can help you after a collision, including 24/7 access to OnStar Advisors. While we hope you never need it, we think this feature adds great peace of mind for drivers.

Convenience

Cargo Space

The 2025 Equinox might be a small SUV, but it brings large cargo capabilities. Chevy smartly utilized every inch of the 2025 Equinox to give drivers and passengers a place to stash their items, inside and out.

First, we’ll look at the interior. With the rear seats down, you can create up to 63.5 cu.ft. of cargo volume. When it’s just you and a co-pilot, you can fold down both rear seats and bring tons of luggage, coolers, and other bulky items with you. You can also employ a 60/40 rear seat split to create some extra cargo space while still leaving one or two rear seats open for a passenger or two.

That’s not the end of the interior cargo space, though. Look down, and you’ll find hidden cargo space inside the rear floor. This is the perfect place to store valuables that you want hidden from prying eyes, like laptops or pricey equipment. It also gives you extra room for your belongings when you’ve maxed out the trunk and cabin area.

Further Function

There are tons of spots to keep small items inside the cabin, too. There’s an available center console with a pass-through feature, making it the perfect place for keeping road trip essentials like snacks, sunglasses, and more, and you can easily send items to the rear seat through the pass-through feature.

Chevy also designed the 2025 Equinox with a range selector electronically (not mechanically) linked to the transmission. As a driver, this means more storage space below the infotainment screen and in front of the center console for things like beverages and tchotchkes. If you look on top of the Equinox, you’ll find roof rails, which create tons of additional cargo solutions for transporting dirt bikes, kayaks, strollers, and the like.

On the comfort front, drivers can enjoy available heated and ventilated front seats, keeping you cozy on cold days and refreshed on hot ones. Even rear outboard passengers can enjoy heated seats. As the driver, you can use memory settings to have your seat recall your preferred angle, height, and distance from the steering wheel.