The fourth-generation Chevrolet Equinox has made its big debut, flaunting a new look that adds some much-welcomed muscle with a rugged undertone. But unfortunately, the brawny new sheetmetal doesn't carry over under the hood, as the Equinox is still powered by a rather uninteresting 1.5 liter turbo-four engine.
If you thought the new gas-powered Equinox would share its looks and components with the sleek Equinox EV, you would be sorely mistaken, as the two share nothing but their names. Instead, the latest gas-burning Equinox builds on its predecessor, featuring the same 175-hp 1.5 liter turbo-four as before, though Chevrolet claims to have polished off the engine for the new generation.
What's changed is the transmission, as the old six-speed automatic gets swapped out for a CVT in front-wheel drive models, while all-wheel drive Equinoxes upgrade to an eight-speed automatic. There's a slight difference in torque between the two drivetrains, with FWD models delivering 184 lb-ft of torque and AWD models producing 203 lb-ft.
On the outside, the Equinox now packs a much boxier appearance that would pass for a mini Traverse (which in itself is essentially a mini Tahoe). As a result, the compact SUV carries on the same theme as its larger counterparts, adding a more squared-off grille, slim DRLs that are positioned high above the real headlamps, and a chunky greenhouse.
The trim lineup has been simplified to comprise of just three models––LT, RS, and Activ––as the LS and Premier variants are now gone. The Activ is a new addition to the Equinox lineup, adding the usual psuedo-rugged looks that are very popular among SUVs of all sizes. The model features an exclusive front fascia design, an optional white two-tone roof, and 17-inch wheels paired with all-terrain tires. The sportier RS is a return player for 2025, adding its own unique front fascia, an optional black roof, and standard 19-inch wheels that can be upgraded to 20 inches.
Inside, the Equinox follows the rest of GM's recent models in adding a much-needed touch of class to the interior. The star of the dashboard is a newly-standard dual-display setup that consists of an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Also standard on all trims are a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control. Luckily, the Equinox does not follow GM's controversial move to eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which means you can still hook up your phone to the gas-powered Equinox, whereas the Equinox EV forces you to make do with its own in-house system. Other changes include a new column-mounted shifter, which frees up space on the center console for the drive mode selector.
Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but with the absence of the base LS model leaving an impressive array of standard features in its wake, the 2025 model will undoubtedly raise its starting price to the $30,000 mark.
Image Credits: Chevrolet
Revealed
Feb 11, 2024
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2025 Chevrolet Equinox Adds More Muscular Styling But Keeps Bland Engine
A rugged Activ model also joins the lineup.
The fourth-generation Chevrolet Equinox has made its big debut, flaunting a new look that adds some much-welcomed muscle with a rugged undertone. But unfortunately, the brawny new sheetmetal doesn't carry over under the hood, as the Equinox is still powered by a rather uninteresting 1.5 liter turbo-four engine.
If you thought the new gas-powered Equinox would share its looks and components with the sleek Equinox EV, you would be sorely mistaken, as the two share nothing but their names. Instead, the latest gas-burning Equinox builds on its predecessor, featuring the same 175-hp 1.5 liter turbo-four as before, though Chevrolet claims to have polished off the engine for the new generation.
What's changed is the transmission, as the old six-speed automatic gets swapped out for a CVT in front-wheel drive models, while all-wheel drive Equinoxes upgrade to an eight-speed automatic. There's a slight difference in torque between the two drivetrains, with FWD models delivering 184 lb-ft of torque and AWD models producing 203 lb-ft.
On the outside, the Equinox now packs a much boxier appearance that would pass for a mini Traverse (which in itself is essentially a mini Tahoe). As a result, the compact SUV carries on the same theme as its larger counterparts, adding a more squared-off grille, slim DRLs that are positioned high above the real headlamps, and a chunky greenhouse.
The trim lineup has been simplified to comprise of just three models––LT, RS, and Activ––as the LS and Premier variants are now gone. The Activ is a new addition to the Equinox lineup, adding the usual psuedo-rugged looks that are very popular among SUVs of all sizes. The model features an exclusive front fascia design, an optional white two-tone roof, and 17-inch wheels paired with all-terrain tires. The sportier RS is a return player for 2025, adding its own unique front fascia, an optional black roof, and standard 19-inch wheels that can be upgraded to 20 inches.
Inside, the Equinox follows the rest of GM's recent models in adding a much-needed touch of class to the interior. The star of the dashboard is a newly-standard dual-display setup that consists of an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Also standard on all trims are a heated steering wheel and adaptive cruise control. Luckily, the Equinox does not follow GM's controversial move to eliminate Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which means you can still hook up your phone to the gas-powered Equinox, whereas the Equinox EV forces you to make do with its own in-house system. Other changes include a new column-mounted shifter, which frees up space on the center console for the drive mode selector.
Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but with the absence of the base LS model leaving an impressive array of standard features in its wake, the 2025 model will undoubtedly raise its starting price to the $30,000 mark.