EQUINOX RATES AMONG BEST SELLERS
IN COMPETITIVE COMPACT SUV SEGMENT
Introduced in 2004 as a 2005 model, the Chevrolet Equinox has enjoyed a pretty good run for the “bow tie” people despite facing some stiff competition in the compact SUV segment.
Though the gap was wide between top sellers Toyota RAV 4 and Honda CR-V and the rest of the field, the Equinox was comfortably among the top 3 in the segment in U.S. sales for 2024 and holds the same spot halfway through this year.
According to figures from goodcarbadcar.net, the Equinox is Chevrolet’s No. 2 selling vehicle so far this year behind only the Silverado pickup.
No doubt at least partly responsible for that surge was the makeover The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox got to move into its fourth generation. The four trim levels in the previous generation have been cut to three with LS and RS returning and a new ACTIV trim that caters to mild off-roading capability added. The Premier and LT trims have been dropped.
This review is based on the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS.
All trims get the same drivetrain and are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. A 1.5 turbocharged 4-engine produces 175 horsepower and torque of 184 pound-feet with FWD and 203 with AWD.
FWD models get a continuously variable transmission and AWD models such as my test vehicle get an 8-speed automatic. The difference in torque and the 8-speed transmission over the CVT helped give my test 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS a slight boost in performance.
Fuel mileage figures are not outstanding but OK. FWD models are rated at 26 miles-per-gallon city, 28 highway, and 27 combined with AWD trims delivering 24/29/26 both using regular octane gasoline.
Inside the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS gets a new, larger 11.3-inch touchscreen that includes navigation, built-in Google, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wi-fi hot spot for connecting to the internet.
Dual-zone climate control, a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, roof rails and LED headlights and taillights also are standard.
Starting MSRP for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox AWD RS is $36,395 including the destination and delivery fee. My test model added the Safety and Technology Package (HD Surround Vision, rear pedestrian alert, rear camera mirror), Convenience Package II (8-way power front seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats), and a couple of stand-along options (red tintcoat, universal home remote) ran the final bottom line to $40,370 including destination and delivery.
The ACTIV trim is similarly priced. The base LT starts at just over $31,000.
What I liked about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD: The cabin is quiet and comfortable. Considered a compact SUV, it is still very roomy. Infotainment features are user-friendly but with a quick learning curve. Switching from all-wheel to 2-wheel drive is as simple as pushing a button. Auto hold and stop/start functions also are activated by pushing clearly marked buttons, though you have to reactivate the Auto Hold function after restarts. The HD surround view camera in the optional Safety and Technology package makes the $1,085 cost worth it. The exterior is sharp with its contrasting roofline and profile.
What I didn’t like about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD: The interior has a lot of hard surfaces. There’s an all-electric version of the Equinox, but a hybrid drivetrain would be nice to make the gas version more appealing.
Would I buy the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox RX AWD? Competitors, mostly from Japanese automakers, have a big advantage in interior refinement and are competitive in price as well so I would start my shopping with them.