The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is aimed toward somebody like me: A dad with a rising child who’ll quickly be capable to drive. The Equinox isn’t attempting to be all the things to everybody. As an alternative, Chevrolet makes an attempt to broaden this SUV’s attraction with a brand new, rugged Activ trim and a recent design.
The up to date Equinox is sufficient—sensible sufficient, secure sufficient, and highly effective sufficient for folks to really feel comfy ferrying their children to highschool earlier than they’re sufficiently old to take action themselves, all with out breaking the finances. What it lacks in efficiency (what did you count on from the 175-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder?) the Equinox makes up for in security and know-how.
Chevy Security Help, which incorporates enhanced automated emergency braking, entrance pedestrian and bicycle braking, ahead collision alert, lane-keep help with lane departure warning, and extra, is commonplace tools alongside a number of different security tech. Rear park help, adaptive cruise management, and reverse automated braking are simply among the different goodies you get within the entry-level LT trim that begins at $29,995 (with the $1,395 vacation spot cost included).
The RS and Activ trims begin at $34,395. All three aforementioned trims can be found with front-wheel drive and a constantly variable transmission, or all-wheel drive and a brand new eight-speed automated. The Activ, with its 17-inch Continental all-terrain tires, felt essentially the most adept at absorbing the bumps and potholes that littered the streets of Minneapolis once I drove it final week alongside the RS.
I assumed the chunkier tires would have translated into extra highway noise within the cabin, however there was no audible distinction between the Activ and the RS fashions. The 1.5-liter engine is identical as earlier than, able to scooting you into site visitors or previous a semi with out hesitation, however don’t count on a kick within the butt if you slam the accelerator. You’re properly conscious of when the engine is working—simply give it time to do its job.
Anthony Alaniz / Motor1
Execs: Tons Of Customary Security Tech, Worth-Oriented, Improved Styling
The transmission has no bother selecting a cog regardless of the 2 further ahead gears, however the ‘field feels prefer it wants a second to carry out the mandatory calculations earlier than shifting. It’s like Chevy programmed the pc to measure twice and shift as soon as. However as soon as the ECU has determined what the transmission ought to do, it shifts shortly.
All-wheel-drive Equinox fashions get the additional benefit of a brand new Off-Highway mode, along with Regular and Snow modes. Off-Highway mode permits extra wheel spin and automobile yaw, however the filth highway Chevy chosen for us, with its 20-mile-per-hour posted velocity restrict, didn’t actually enable for evaluating these claims. Not that I used to be anticipating to scale a mountain in rural Minnesota.
Anthony Alaniz / Motor1
Anthony Alaniz / Motor1
The Equinox’s wider platform and all-new exterior design assist give it a extra workmanlike look, borrowing the squared-off wheel wells from the Silverado and Colorado. It additionally makes the rear opening barely bigger. Every trim has a novel fascia and bumper, with the Activ carrying the widest one. The 2-tone white roof is on the market on the LT and Activ, whereas the black roof is an choice on the LT and RS.
Inside, the Equinox Activ options Evotex fake leather-based and suede microfiber seating that feels premium sufficient for the worth level. It’s gentle and supple, like many of the necessary touchpoints contained in the cabin. Nonetheless, there’s additionally loads of arduous plastic on the ahead door playing cards, pillars, and anyplace else you’d count on an automaker like Chevy to save lots of a couple of pennies. Solely the driving force seat options an adjustable-height seatbelt.
Anthony Alaniz / Motor1
Cons: Underwhelming Powertrain, Low-cost Plastic In Spots, Lackluster Off-Highway Trim
Chevrolet moved the shifter to the steering column, releasing up room within the middle console for the outsized driving-mode selector that now sits behind a finicky wi-fi charging pad. Its upright, horizontal orientation made inserting my cellphone in the best spot troublesome, hampering charging.
The 11.0-inch driver’s show and 11.3-inch infotainment display screen had been giant and straightforward to learn, and the tactile HVAC controls beneath the central display screen had been simple to make use of. It was a breeze partaking the non-compulsory ventilated seats and preserving the automated local weather management set to Lo with out trying away from the highway.
The RS was the sportier of the 2 trims I drove, however provided that you counted its appears. The flat-bottom steering wheel, crimson trim, and crimson and blue accent stitching evoked a racier aesthetic that didn’t translate to the driving expertise. Cruising round felt unremarkable, however possibly that’s the purpose.
Anthony Alaniz / Motor1
The brand new Equinox doesn’t get in the best way of what you want it to do. It has an all-new design inside and outside, however Chevy didn’t wish to alienate the consumers who’ve made the Equinox the model’s best-selling SUV. It has bought three million Equinoxes in 20 years, and I can not think about consumers will shrink back from this new one—they simply have to choose the trim they like the most effective.
It would come wrapped in a brand new package deal, but it surely’s nonetheless the acquainted Equinox beneath, and that’s very comforting to many consumers.
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Anthony Alaniz / Motor1
