Chevrolet Equinox First Drive

Based on the available information, here’s a summary of the first drive impressions and key aspects of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, keeping in mind the current date of April 16, 2025:

Overall Impressions:

Modern and More Rugged Design: The 2025 Equinox has undergone a significant redesign, featuring a more contemporary and somewhat rugged exterior styling. This marks a clear departure from the previous generation.
Significantly Improved Interior: The interior has been thoroughly updated with a new dashboard layout, including prominent circular air vents and a more streamlined center console, facilitated by the adoption of a column-mounted shift lever. Reviewers often note the improved material quality compared to the previous generation, with fewer hard plastics in prominent areas.

Enhanced Technology Suite: A key highlight is the integration of new standard technology, featuring an 11-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The inclusion of Google built-in (Google Assistant, Maps, and Play Store) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is widely praised for its seamless integration. Importantly, physical climate controls have been retained, which is appreciated by many users.

Comfortable and Stable Ride: The Equinox is generally lauded for providing a comfortable and stable ride quality, making it well-suited for daily commuting and longer journeys. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.

Adequate but Not Exhilarating Performance: All trims are powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While sufficient for everyday driving tasks, acceleration is frequently described as “tepid” or “uninspiring,” especially when compared to some rivals offering more potent engine options.

Transmission Choices: Front-wheel-drive models are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while all-wheel-drive versions benefit from a traditional eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed is generally considered smoother and more responsive than the CVT.
Strong Focus on Value: The 2025 Equinox is positioned as a strong value proposition within the competitive compact SUV segment, offering a comprehensive list of features for its price point.

Distinct Trim Personalities: Chevrolet offers three primary trim levels: LT, RS, and Activ. The LT serves as the base model, the RS incorporates sporty styling elements, and the Activ adopts a more rugged, off-road-inspired aesthetic with all-terrain tires on smaller 17-inch wheels. However, the underlying mechanical components remain largely consistent across these trims.