Chevy’s Equinox may be a hot item in the U.S. carmaker’s lineup — second in sales only to the Silverado pickup — but it lagged in pizzazz and tech among rivals in the super-competitive compact-crossover field.

The fourth-generation 2025 Equinox addresses just that. Chevrolet redesigned the Equinox inside and out (at long last — it’s been 7 years), and added the new Activ trim with a more rugged, truck-like look and new transmission. It also expanded safety and driver-assist technology. Sporting two-tone color choices, too, the Equinox now rocks with style.

In Activ trim, it looks like it just returned from 13 weeks of military boot camp. It has a more upright and broader stance: It’s 2.3 inches wider and the chassis has been lifted slightly. The hood is more chiseled, the grille is bolder. Wheel arches are squared off.

But don’t expect too much off-road despite its rugged good looks. It is not a rock climber and has no skid plates to protect the underbody. It does have General Grabber all-terrain tires, an extra inch of ground clearance, and all-wheel-drive models now have an off-road drive mode in addition to the normal and snow modes.

On the road, where most will roll, Equinox offers the same solid, confident ride and reliable handling. It has more pep this year, thanks to the new transmission, but no additional horsepower.

Just one powertrain serves the Equinox family and it’s the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-banger from the last generation. It’s ample, though, serving up 175 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque in the Activ trim — that’s 19 better than the front-wheel-drive models. The tow rating tops out at 1,500 pounds.

Linked to a new and quick-shifting eight-speed transmission, the Activ feels spirited around town. But acceleration is casual, with 0-60 mph happening in 8.6 seconds and the quarter-mile in 16.6 seconds.

While short of sporty, Equinox is quick to respond to the pedals and steering maneuvers. It also handles curves and corners as well as any in the segment. A retuned suspension assists with stability and softens the bumps and potholes. And it’s surprisingly quiet considering the chunky tires.

The all-wheel-drive system is front-wheel biased but, on rougher terrain, just push a button to keep it in all-wheel mode.

EPA-rates fuel economy at 24 mpg city, 29 highway, for 26 mpg combined. Those numbers are competitive in the market, though the other guys offer more fuel-conscious hybrids (no Equinox hybrid yet). The FWD Equinox does slightly better.

The cabin is stunning for this segment, highlighted by rich-looking two-tone seats and two larger screens on the dash.

The Activ gets GM’s Evotex faux-leather seats in Maple Sugar with black microfiber inserts. Orange piping runs over the shoulder seat backs and “Activ” is stitched onto the head rests.

With the Convenience Package ($950), front seats get eight-way power adjustment with two-way lumbar setting and memory settings. Seats throughout are contoured for comfort, and rear seats are heated, ventilated, and have unusually good leg room.

Two broad screens light up when you hit the ignition: An 11.3-inch infotainment screen replaces the 7-incher from last year, and an 11-inch configurable driver display subs for the smaller, outdated 4-inch panel. Both are angled toward the driver and represent major improvements. There is no head-up display, though.

The multimedia screen is home to GM’s Google-based system which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is painless to learn and use, but Equinox kept its physical buttons and knobs for easy climate adjustments while driving.

The shifter has wisely been moved to a stalk on the steering column, freeing up space on the center console for storage and drive-mode dial. As for the steering wheel, it is truck-like, chunky and heated.

Rear storage is adequate with nearly 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.5 cubes with the rear seats folded. But some others in the segment do better if total cargo space is a priority. Access is easy with a wide rear opening and automatic lift back.

Equinox has an expansive package of standard safety tech, maybe one of the broadest among small crossovers. It includes Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, which scans ahead for vehicles blowing stop signs.

Also included are bicycle/pedestrian braking, rear cross-traffic braking, blind zone steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist with lane departure warning.

Equinox also is available in the base LT and sportier RS trims. But, with its distinctive style and rugged character, the Activ trim will attract the active-minded.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ AWD

BASE PRICE: $35,000

AS TESTED: $39,875 (Includes options like panoramic sunroof, $1,495; Safety/Technology package,$1,085; Convenience package, $950)

What's all the excitement about? New Activ trim brings rugged character and style to the brand with beefy tires and steering wheel, two-tone microfiber seats, strong safety package.

Powertrain: 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produces 175 hp, 203 pound-feet of torque; mated to 8-speed automatic transmission.

How's the performance? Not sporty but responsive; all-wheel-drive adds grip, retuned suspension helps maintain stability on corners and comfort; optional General Grabber tires tackle light off-roading.

Fuel economy: Competitive in segment with 24 mpg city, 29 highway, 26 mpg combined

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC