The first-generation Chevy Equinox that debuted for 2005 was the automaker’s first car-based crossover and offered a roomy interior that catered as much to rear passengers as those in front. It felt equal parts concept car and jacked up Malibu, but was immensely successful. Now in its fourth generation, and seemingly larger than the previous, the latest 2025 version feels more downsized Traverse than puffy sedan.
All previous Equinox models barely hid their car-based underpinnings, wearing sleek sheetmetal that looked about as rugged as a trip to Urban Outfitters. This one is considerably more outdoorsy with a glint of Corvette too. A drive from Indianapolis to Memphis and back provided plenty of seat time.
We didn’t have much choice since the Equinox is selling so well, but we chose the most basic LT trim. It still looked pretty fancy with its large honeycomb cross-bar grille, thin horizontal driving lights, and angled-in headlamps in the lower facia. The side profile projects toughness with bolstered fenders, gray cladding, and blade-like C-pillar that tie it to the larger Traverse and smaller Trailblazer. ACTIV trim looks tougher still, but even with 17” wheels and fat black tires, our ride looked smart.
I think Chevrolet uses too much hard plastic on its dash and doors, but the rest of the interior is posh. Configurable flatscreen gauges flow into a 11.3-inch infotainment screen to echo Corvettes, and it’s pretty sporty with large round air vents and thick three-spoke steering wheel. Climate control is manual, but blew ice cold. Moving gear selection back to the column frees up cubbies of space in the console for cupholders and other stuff. Connect devices via Google built-in and a smattering of USBs. If you like Apple CarPlay, too bad; GM says no. Cloth seats are all-day comfortable and heated too. There’s no fancy brand on the 6-speaker audio system, it doesn’t sound bad.
When the Equinox debuted for 2005, it won praise for its roomy interior that neatly split the difference between compact and mid-size. Rear passengers had stretch-out legroom for three across and the cargo hold held much. Same was true for the second generation in 2010, but Chevrolet decided to downsize the last generation that came for 2018. This one feels back to bigger with plenty of space for families and all their stuff.
Out on the highway, either on board-flat Indiana highways or fast hilly Tennessee passes, the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine provided pep. It delivers 175 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque to the front- or all-wheel-drive system through a continuously variable (FWD) or eight-speed (AWD) automatic transmission. Our car was front-drive, which is fine for most snowy conditions given traction and stability control. Fuel economy is rated 26/31-MPG city/highway.
Those fat tires don’t let you carry quite as much speed through curves, but that’s not really the point. Attached to the ends of a four-wheel independent suspension, they sop up rough pavement while encouraging feet deeper into the accelerator. And the turbo provides enough torque to lift through hills and mountains with surprising ease. Automatic emergency braking stands by to keep travelers safe.
The Equinox has been immensely successful for Chevrolet. In fact, my parents have owned three of them. It’s affordable enough for young drivers yet sophisticated enough for growing families and empty-nesters. Our base model was comfortable enough for days on the highway, but add options as you please. The base and as-teste price were $28,600. Compare to the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester.
Storm Forward!
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