In what we think is a strategic move to balance the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and the ongoing reliance on internal combustion options, Chevrolet unveils a redesigned 2025 Equinox, keeping gas-powered vehicles in the lineup. Recognizing that not everyone is ready to embrace EVs, and with General Motors (GM) navigating the introduction of Ultium electric models, the Equinox continues to offer a gas-powered alternative.
The redesign is extensive, covering both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Chevrolet emphasizes that the 2025 Equinox features not only a fresh look but also a new platform, marking a significant departure from its predecessor. The SUV adopts a more robust and upright stance, characterized by a larger grille, squared-off wheel arches, pronounced fender flares, and sharp creases throughout. The design includes a distinctive floating roof appearance, heightened by available contrasting colors and triangular sail-shaped C-pillars.
Distinguishing between trims, Chevrolet caters to different preferences. The RS, designed to exude a sportier vibe, boasts a black roof, black mesh grille, and 19-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the Activ trim, sharing many features with the RS, introduces a bold front fascia, 17-inch wheels with aggressive all-terrain tires, and a white roof.
The interior of the 2025 Equinox is as meticulously crafted as its exterior. Sporting an all-new design, it incorporates a standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Notably, the interior retains a user-friendly approach with physical buttons and knobs for climate control. We suspect that the new Equinox will get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration as the infotainment system used looks to be the same interface of current GM vehicles, which do include the smartphone integration. The angular dash features unique protruding trim pieces, turbine-inspired air vents, and translucent plastic trim with different colors based on trims. The Activ and RS trims showcase distinctive interiors, with contrasting black and tan leatherette for the Activ and black and red for the RS, each featuring unique perforated patterns and stitching details. The interior also adopts a column-mounted electronic shifter.
Under the hood, the 2025 Equinox retains the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, albeit with updates. Expected to deliver around 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, the engine now comes paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive models receive the CVT, while all-wheel-drive variants are equipped with the automatic transmission. This marks an upgrade from the previous six-speed unit and is anticipated to contribute to improved fuel economy.
Chevrolet places a strong emphasis on safety, making a comprehensive suite of features standard across all trims. This includes front and rear automatic emergency braking, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist, and rear parking sensors. Optional safety features encompass surround view cameras, digital rearview mirror, traffic sign recognition, speed assist, and rear pedestrian detection.
While pricing details are yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated that the new base trim of the LT will start between $28,000 and $30,000. The exact availability date is still pending, but the 2025 Equinox is expected to hit the market this year, offering consumers a refreshed and technologically advanced option in the gas-powered SUV segment.
