The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ certainly grabs your attention. It’s a compact SUV that sports a charming aesthetic, complete with a contrasting white roof and a name that’s shed its final “e” for a more dynamic feel. Equipped with robust all-terrain tires and a slightly elevated stance compared to the standard Equinox, the Activ model seems to be playfully mimicking a capable off-roader.
However, beneath the surface of its rugged appearance, the Activ trim is essentially a styling package for the regular Equinox. If you set aside any expectations of serious off-road prowess, what you’re left with is a fundamentally sound, if not particularly exciting, economy car. In today’s market, where genuinely affordable and straightforward vehicles are increasingly scarce, the Equinox occupies an interesting space. It faces fierce competition, but for those seeking an attractively designed, budget-friendly small crossover, the Equinox presents a compelling option.
Delving into the Basics of the Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox represents Chevy’s contender in the highly competitive compact SUV segment, rivalling top sellers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. With two decades under its belt, the Equinox has been completely redesigned for 2025, marking its fourth generation. The Activ trim, the focus of this review, distinguishes itself with all-terrain tires, a marginally increased ride height, and a drive mode selector that includes off-road and snow settings. It’s important to clarify that the Equinox Activ isn’t engineered to challenge vehicles like the Ford Bronco or Toyota Land Cruiser in off-road scenarios, and it’s not intended to.
Despite its modest capabilities, the Equinox Activ boasts undeniable visual appeal. While the standard Equinox might be described as conventionally styled, the Activ trim injects personality with its rugged touches, akin to swapping everyday wear for outdoor adventure gear.
Inside the Equinox Activ: Cabin and Technology
Stepping inside the Equinox Activ, the off-road theme from the exterior doesn’t dramatically carry over. The cabin design closely mirrors the standard Equinox and aligns with the contemporary Chevrolet interior aesthetic. This isn’t necessarily a drawback. The Activ trim features attractive tan and black two-tone seats and generally employs decent materials for its price bracket. Ergonomics are well-considered, and there’s ample storage for small items.
The infotainment screen, a familiar fixture in recent Chevy models, is user-friendly and responsive. However, the gauge screen might be less impressive. It attempts to condense a considerable amount of information into a compact display, potentially hindering readability. Aside from this minor critique, occupants are likely to find the Equinox cabin a pleasant environment for daily commutes and errands.
Driving Dynamics: Performance and Handling in Equinox Reviews
Opening the hood of the Equinox Activ might lead one to expect a substantial engine, given the available space. However, the reality is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Describing its output as “powering” the Equinox might be an overstatement. The engine delivers adequate acceleration for everyday driving, but it’s far from exhilarating. Nevertheless, for most consumers in this segment, the power is likely to be considered sufficient, the engine noise acceptable, and fuel economy reasonable – meeting established expectations for small crossovers.
A standout feature is the eight-speed automatic transmission. In a vehicle like the Equinox, a good transmission should operate seamlessly and unobtrusively, and the eight-speed unit in the Activ excels in this regard. It provides quick, smooth, and intelligent shifts, readily downshifting when needed to maximize the engine’s 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
From a driving comfort perspective, the Equinox Activ is compliant, benefiting from its taller ride height and compliant tires. The elevated seating position and outward visibility are likely to appeal to many drivers. However, the positive aspects of the driving experience are somewhat limited beyond comfort.
The throttle pedal is overly sensitive, making smooth acceleration starts challenging. The brake pedal lacks firmness, and overall braking performance is not particularly strong. While razor-sharp steering isn’t expected in this vehicle category, the Activ’s steering feel is notably vague. The soft suspension contributes to noticeable body roll in corners and during quick maneuvers.
While there’s certainly a market for unpretentious and straightforward economy crossovers, and many buyers may not prioritize dynamic driving characteristics, the Equinox, even within its segment, is surpassed by competitors like the Hyundai Tucson and Honda CR-V in terms of driving engagement. For those seeking genuine light off-road capability in a crossover format, the Subaru Outback or Forester would offer a more substantial advantage over the Equinox Activ.
High Points and Drawbacks of the Equinox Activ
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ possesses a distinct and appealing design. Its somewhat boxy and robust styling gives it a playful and cheerful character. Chevrolet deserves recognition for offering the Activ trim in vibrant colors like green. While the interior design might be understated, the integrated technology enhances the perceived value. The Equinox Activ also comes well-equipped and should offer reasonable winter traction thanks to its all-terrain tires. For younger buyers, the Equinox Activ could be seen as a fashionable, technologically advanced, and practical commuter vehicle.
Beyond the unremarkable driving experience, there are minor shortcomings. The driving position feels somewhat awkward, even for drivers of average build. The rear seat is flat, which can cause child car seats to sit too upright. Furthermore, the rear seatbelt placements are positioned too far towards the doors, potentially making it challenging for children to fasten their seatbelts.
Features, Options, and Competition in the Equinox Market
The base front-wheel-drive Equinox starts at a competitive $29,999. This entry-level model includes attractive 17-inch wheels, Chevrolet’s excellent 11.3-inch infotainment system, and heated front seats, representing good value. Adding all-wheel drive increases the price to $31,995. However, the Activ trim elevates the price to $36,395. While still reasonably priced, this positions it closely to the Subaru Outback Onyx Edition, which can be slightly less expensive.
The Activ trim does include appealing features such as a heated steering wheel, active noise cancellation, and wireless phone charging. Opting for the additional Safety and Technology Package ($1,085) adds a digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and rear pedestrian alert, further enhancing its feature set.
The Equinox Activ competes within a crowded segment against models like the Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Hyundai Tucson XRT, and Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, all priced similarly and offering comparable equipment levels. This intense competition necessitates a standout offering, and the Equinox, in this review, falls slightly short of that mark.
Fuel Economy Considerations
The Equinox Activ’s fuel economy is respectable, with EPA ratings of 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined, aligning with real-world observations. This is comparable to the Hyundai Tucson but slightly less efficient than the Subaru Outback, which achieves a combined 28 mpg. The Toyota RAV4 Woodland, a hybrid, significantly outperforms the others with a combined 37 mpg.
Value Proposition and Final Verdict on Equinox Reviews
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox undeniably offers considerable value for money. It’s visually appealing, feels well-constructed, incorporates impressive technology, and comes generously equipped. For the majority of crossover buyers seeking a practical daily vehicle, the standard Equinox is a strong contender. However, unless all-terrain tires are a necessity, the Activ trim, in this review, doesn’t justify its price premium with significant functional improvements.
While the Equinox Activ may not excel in driving dynamics compared to some rivals, for buyers prioritizing affordability, features, and styling over driving engagement, the standard Equinox remains a solid choice, particularly for those drawn to its design.
| 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Specs | FWD | AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price (Activ as tested) | $29,995 | $31,995 ($37,480) |
| Powertrain | 1.5-liter turbo-four | continuously variable automatic | front-wheel drive | 1.5-liter turbo-four | 8-speed automatic | all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 175 @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,800 rpm | 203 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,000 rpm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Cargo Volume | 29.8 cubic feet behind second row | 63.5 cubic feet behind first row | |
| Curb Weight | 3,428 pounds | 3,583 pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 800 pounds | 1,500 pounds |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 26 mpg city | 29 highway | 27 combined | 24 mpg city | 29 highway | 26 combined |
| Score | 7/10 |
Quick Take
A sensible and budget-friendly crossover designed for practical, value-conscious consumers. However, the Activ trim may not be the most compelling choice within the Equinox lineup.
