These days, given customer preferences and the current state of our car market in this country, the announcement of a new Equinox is as important to GM’s bottom line as was rolling out a new Impala back in the day.
Playing in the murderously competitive compact crossover segment, the Equinox represented a huge chunk of Chevrolet volume in the 2023 calendar year. Shifting 212,701 units, it was the largest seller – by a wide margin – of any model not named Silverado. Save for that pickup truck, the next best-selling rigs were the Malibu (oddly) and Traverse at roughly 130K and 123K units, respectively.
New sheetmetal headlines the ’25 changes, with LT and RS getting their own front fascia treatments plus an Activ trim shown here in the light green. This ‘nox is 2.3 inches wider than the old one and all but identical in length/wheelbase, showing up for duty in a set of clothes inspired by the brand’s truck line and taking much from the handsome new Traverse. Squared wheel openings and flared fenders do add a measure of visual impact while that C-pillar is clearly a case of Equinox designers looking over the shoulders of those working on the three-row Traverse.
The interior is revamped, as you’d expect, increasing the amount of digital real estate and making the most of that newfound width. Ahead of the driver is an 11.0-inch gauge cluster, abutted by a new 11.3-inch infotainment screen angled slightly toward the driver. The shifter moves to the steering column, though not like Uncle Walt’s old Silverado, heat is standard on the wheel and front seats, there’s hidden storage under the rear cargo floor, and one can open up 63.5 cubes of room with the rear seats folded. There’s just shy of 30 with them up.
Under the hood is a 1.5L turbocharged four banger making 175 horsepower and either 184 or 203 lb-ft of torque depending on the number of driven wheels. Equinoxesessses with all-wheel drive get the larger number along with an eight-speed automatic compared to the front-driver’s continuously variable transmission. When shod with AWD, the Equinox can tow 1,500 pounds which is comparable to other four-cylinder competitors but well south of a RAV4 V6 which can haul 3,500 lbs when equipped with a towing pack. Front-drive is good for just 800 pounds.
Given GM’s laser focus on EVs, don’t expect a V6 in the Equinox gasser any time soon. There was no mention today of a hybrid variant, flying in the face of Honda trotting out a CR-V Hybrid and Toyota doing big business with the twin successes of RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime plug-in. At least the Chevy no longer has a six-speed ‘box, I guess.
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox will be available sometime later this year – probably sooner rather than later. Additional details, including pricing, will be available closer to the start of production.
[Images: Chevrolet]
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