2025 Chevrolet Equinox Gets the Pseudo-Rugged Treatment

• Chevrolet has been systematic about updating its crossover and SUV lineup for 2025 with all-new looks and interior features.

• Rounding out the makeovers is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, with a new Activ trim, wider stance, and trim-specific front fascias.

• Little has changed underneath the 2025 Equinox, however, as Chevy retains its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant.

Chevrolet's Equinox EV and other Ultium-platformed crossovers and SUVs have been in the news, well, a lot lately. But in this transitional period between internal combustion and battery-electric, Chevy continues to produce gasoline versions of its popular crossover models.

After refreshing the Trax, Trailblazer, and Blazer for 2025, the midsize Equinox was next in line, and Chevy's put its modern design touch on the Equinox for 2025. And it appears that GM's designers have noticed just how popular models like the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness and Toyota RAV4 Woodland are.

Introducing the new Equinox Activ trim for 2025, Chevrolet hopes to join the ranks of automakers that capitalize on the adventure look and lifestyle. "Inspired by customers whose passions start where the pavement ends," the Equinox Activ features 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires, a beefed-up front fascia, and blacked-out badging.

Prospective Equinox buyers don't have to spring for the Activ trim to reap the benefits of this new design, either. All 2025 Chevrolet Equinox models feature a new front fascia, though the LT, RS, and Activ trims each have distinct versions for the new model year. However, a few key features carry through the entire Equinox lineup.

Notably, the crossover is 2.3 inches wider, creating a more planted stance. Squared wheel openings and enlarged fender flares add additional muscle to the Equinox, while a C-pillar shark fin visually links it to its big brother Traverse. Plus, LED lighting is standard from front to rear, regardless of trim level.

Beyond a handsome exterior, the Equinox also receives upgrades inside, namely a new 11.3-inch-diagonal infotainment. According to Chevrolet, that's 30% more screen, and it's paired with an 11-inch-diagonal driver instrument cluster, too. Google will provide the software that powers and operates these devices.

Other interior improvements include the standardization of a heated steering wheel and front seats, hidden rear cargo floor storage, and a standard six-speaker audio system. With the rear bench seats folded down, Chevrolet claims a cargo capacity of 63.5 cubic feet, falling short of competitors like the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan.

The former 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant will remain the only available engine in the 2025 Equinox. Good for 175 hp and 184 to 203 lb-ft of torque (FWD versus AWD), the engine has been described as lackluster and only musters a combined 26 mpg. Even so, Chevy quotes a towing capacity of 1500 pounds for AWD models.

While the engine certainly isn't the star of the show, the Equinox drivetrain will receive choice improvements for 2025. For the first time on the Equinox, RS and Activ owners will have driver-selectable modes, altering "propulsion system performance" for the conditions at hand. We suspect these changes will primarily focus on the throttle response and fuel mapping.

Last but certainly not least, Chevy is equipped with the 2025 Equinox with a host of standard driver safety features. Known as Chevy Safety Assist, the suite includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking, Following Distance Indicator, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure.

All trims will also come equipped with Teen Driver technology, which allows parents to tailor vehicle settings and monitor their child's driving performance. Pricing for the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is not available just yet, though the refreshed version of Chevy's second most popular crossover will be available shortly.

Do you like the direction that GM's design team is heading with its new crossovers? Why or why not? Please share your thoughts below.