2025 Chevrolet Equinox Review: Budget-Friendly and Loaded with Technology, but Driving Experience Could be Better

      The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ is quite an adorable little vehicle. It's compact, features a contrasting white roof, and Chevy even omitted the "e" from its name. With its robust all-terrain tires and a ride height that's slightly taller than the standard Equinox, the Activ resembles a cute off-roader.

      The Activ trim suggests a sense of rugged ability with its all-terrain tires and bold five-spoke wheels. However, it's essentially just a fun variation of the regular Equinox. When disregarding any expectations of true off-road toughness, the standard Equinox proves to be a decent vehicle.

      Beneath its charming soft-roading design, the Equinox is fundamentally an economy car, built for commuting. There's nothing wrong with that, and the market definitely needs more affordable, straightforward cars nowadays. While competition is fierce, the Equinox stands out as a sensible choice for those seeking a stylish, compact crossover.

      The Basics

      The Chevy Equinox is General Motors' response to long-standing favorites such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Having been in the market for two decades, it has undergone a complete redesign for 2025, marking its fourth generation. The tested Activ trim includes all-terrain tires, a slightly elevated ride, and a drive mode selector with off-road and snow options. It's clear that it isn't robust enough to compete with vehicles like the Ford Bronco or Toyota Land Cruiser, and that’s not its intention.

      Nonetheless, it has a cool aesthetic. The standard Equinox is acceptable but somewhat bland—like a middle-aged dad in Dockers and white New Balances. The Activ, however, swaps those out for hiking boots, cargo pants, and a flannel shirt.

      Inside the Activ, however, there aren't many distinct off-road design elements. The cabin looks nearly identical to that of the standard model and aligns with most modern Chevys, which is a positive. Once you settle into its attractive tan and black two-tone seats, you'll notice decent materials for its price range, good ergonomics, and ample storage for your snacks.

      The dashboard features the same infotainment screen found in nearly all new Chevys, and it functions as flawlessly as expected. The gauge display is similar, but it's less appealing due to its crowded information layout, making it difficult to read. Other than that, occupants will likely enjoy their time in the Equinox—perhaps browsing for used kayaks on Facebook Marketplace while parked at Trader Joe's.

      Driving the Chevrolet Equinox

      What noise is coming from under the tall hood? With all that space upfront, surely Chevy fitted a sizable engine there, right? Not quite. Claiming that the 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powers the Equinox is generous. It merely wheezes along, getting the car to speed at a modest yet uninspiring rate. However, I believe most buyers will find its power sufficient, its noise tolerable, and its fuel economy reasonable, as these qualities have become standard in this segment.

      One aspect that excels is the eight-speed automatic transmission. A quality transmission in a vehicle like this should quietly perform its duties, like a discreet butler, and it does just that. The eight-speed provides quick, smooth shifts and is always ready to downshift when you press the accelerator, making full use of the engine's 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.

      As for driving, the Equinox Activ is comfortable, boasting a tall ride height and cushioned high-profile tires. Many American drivers prefer a higher seating position with a good view, which this model offers. Unfortunately, that’s where the driving positives largely end.

      The throttle is overly sensitive, making it easy to accidentally accelerate too quickly at green lights. The brake pedal feels soft, and the brakes themselves lack strength. While I don't expect precise steering from a crossover, the Activ's steering is among the least responsive I've encountered in years. Additionally, its soft suspension causes noticeable body sway and tipping during non-linear driving.

      There is certainly a place for bland, vague economy vehicles, and many consumers may not be bothered by these issues. However, even by standard crossover benchmarks, there are better-driving alternatives to the Equinox, such as the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V. For a truly capable crossover on muddy roads, a Subaru Outback or Forester would outperform the Activ.

      The Highs and Lows

      Isn't it a charming little vehicle? Few people have likely exclaimed, “Wow, look at that Equinox.” Yet, the Activ inspires such sentiments. Its nearly square, chubby design gives it a cheerful appearance, as if it's eager for adventure. Chevy deserves credit for offering it in green. While the interior may not be the most exciting, its impressive technology enhances the perception of value. It's well-equipped and is suited for snowy conditions thanks to those tires. For younger buyers, the Equinox Activ appears to be a fun, stylish, and tech-savvy commuter