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Test: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Review – Fuel Economy & Value

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

Test: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Review – Fuel Economy & Value

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox continues to solidify its position as one of the most compelling compact SUVs on the market. With a fresh redesign, improved fuel economy, and an emphasis on value, Chevrolet aims to outshine key competitors like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson. This in-depth review dives into the 2025 Equinox's fuel efficiency, pricing, features, performance, and overall value proposition to help consumers make an informed decision.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox fuel economy and value highlights

Redesigned for Efficiency and Style

The 2025 Equinox receives a complete redesign, marking a significant evolution from previous models. Chevrolet has reimagined the SUV with a sleeker exterior, a more refined interior, and most importantly, a new powertrain lineup focused on maximizing fuel economy. The redesign aligns with the automaker’s strategy to offer more efficient, tech-savvy, and affordable vehicles in a segment that's growing increasingly competitive.

Outside, the 2025 Equinox features a modern front grille, slender LED headlights, and aerodynamic body lines that reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency. The overall stance is more athletic, reflecting a trend toward bolder, more expressive compact SUV designs. Available in multiple trims—including LS, LT, RS, and Premier—the Equinox caters to a wide range of buyers, from budget-conscious families to young professionals seeking a stylish daily driver.

Fuel Economy: A Major Upgrade in 2025

Fuel economy has long been a strong suit of the Equinox, but the 2025 model takes it to the next level. This year, Chevrolet introduces a new standard engine: a turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-4 that delivers both responsive performance and outstanding efficiency. The engine produces 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting continuously variable transmission (CVT).

According to EPA estimates, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox achieves:

These figures represent a notable improvement over the 2024 model, which managed around 26–27 mpg combined. The gains are attributed to the new CVT, improved aerodynamics, and engine tuning focused on efficiency. For drivers who frequently commute or take long road trips, this fuel economy translates into real savings at the pump—potentially hundreds of dollars per year compared to less efficient rivals.

In real-world testing, the Equinox consistently delivered close to EPA estimates. On a mixed 400-mile drive including city traffic, highway cruising, and hilly terrain, our test vehicle achieved 33.5 mpg with FWD. The fuel tank capacity of 13.7 gallons allows for a driving range of over 500 miles on a full tank—making the Equinox a strong contender for road-trip enthusiasts.

How It Compares to Competitors

When compared to other compact SUVs in its class, the 2025 Equinox’s fuel economy holds its own—and sometimes leads the pack.

While the RAV4 Hybrid offers superior efficiency (41 city / 38 highway), it comes at a higher starting price. The standard gas-only Equinox outperforms most rivals in combined ratings, especially in highway driving. For buyers who want strong fuel economy without the premium price tag of a hybrid, the 2025 Equinox is a standout choice.

Powertrain and Driving Experience

Beyond fuel economy, the driving dynamics of the 2025 Equinox are impressive. The turbocharged 1.5L engine provides sufficient power for merging, passing, and climbing inclines. Turbo lag is minimal, and the CVT does an excellent job of keeping the engine in the optimal power band. Chevrolet has tuned the transmission to simulate gear shifts under hard acceleration, reducing the “drone” often associated with CVTs.

The Equinox’s ride quality is another highlight. It strikes a balance between comfort and control, absorbing bumps and road imperfections without feeling floaty. Steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight parking lots or during city driving. Noise insulation has also improved, with noticeably less wind and road noise at highway speeds—contributing to a more refined cabin experience.

Available all-wheel drive enhances traction in adverse weather conditions. While AWD reduces fuel economy slightly, it adds peace of mind for drivers in regions with snow, ice, or heavy rain. The system operates seamlessly, automatically sending power to the rear wheels when slip is detected.

Interior Space and Practicality

The interior of the 2025 Equinox has been completely overhauled, featuring higher-quality materials, intuitive controls, and a minimalist design language. Soft-touch plastics, contrast stitching, and available ambient lighting elevate the cabin feel, making it competitive with more premium brands.

Front occupants enjoy generous legroom and headroom, with supportive seats that reduce fatigue on long drives. Rear passengers benefit from 38.9 inches of legroom, which is slightly above average for the segment. Taller adults can sit comfortably behind a forward-adjusted driver’s seat, a rarity in some compact SUVs.

Cargo space remains a strong point, with 28.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.7 cubic feet with the 60/40-split rear seats folded. This is ample room for groceries, sports gear, or weekend luggage. The lower load floor makes it easier to lift heavy items, and the hands-free power liftgate (available on higher trims) adds convenience when your hands are full.

Technology and Infotainment

Chevrolet equips the 2025 Equinox with a modern tech suite centered around a standard 11-inch diagonal infotainment touchscreen. The system runs on Google Built-In, offering seamless integration with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. This means users can access Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play apps directly from the dashboard without needing to connect a phone.

The interface is responsive, with crisp graphics and intuitive menu navigation. Google Maps provides real-time traffic updates, accurate routing, and EV charging station locators—useful for both daily commutes and longer trips. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates ensure the system stays current with new features and security patches.

Additional tech highlights include:

Safety tech is also comprehensive. The 2025 Equinox comes standard with Chevrolet Safety Assist, which includes:

Optional advanced safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, and a Surround Vision camera system. These features enhance driver confidence and help prevent accidents, especially in congested urban environments.

Pricing and Trim Breakdown

One of the most compelling aspects of the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is its value proposition. Starting at just $27,995 for the LS trim (including destination), the Equinox undercuts many rivals while offering a generous standard feature set.

Let’s break down the available trims:

LS (Starting at $27,995)

LT (Starting at $29,995)

RS (Starting at $32,495)

Premier (Starting at $35,995)

With destination fee included, even the top-tier Premier trim remains under $37,000—a competitive price for a well-equipped compact SUV. Chevrolet also offers several optional packages, such as the Technology Package (adds advanced safety features) and the Convenience Package (adds wireless charging and remote start).

Value Compared to the Competition

The 2025 Equinox delivers excellent value when compared to other SUVs in its class. For example:

Additionally, Chevrolet frequently runs manufacturer incentives, such as low APR financing or cashback offers, which can further improve the Equinox’s affordability. These promotions make it even more attractive for budget-conscious shoppers.

Sustainability and Future-Ready Design

While the 2025 Equinox is not an electric vehicle, Chevrolet has designed it with sustainability in mind. The improved fuel economy reduces CO2 emissions, and the use of recyclable materials in the interior aligns with broader environmental goals. Moreover, the integration of Google Built-In supports eco-friendly route planning and efficient driving habits through real-time feedback and navigation optimization.

Looking ahead, Chevrolet is expected to release an all-electric version of the Equinox in late 2024 or early 2025, based on the same platform. Dubbed the Equinox EV, it will offer an estimated 300 miles of range and fast-charging capability. This move signals Chevrolet’s commitment to electrification while keeping the gas-powered Equinox relevant for buyers not yet ready to go fully electric.

Who Should Buy the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is ideal for a wide range of buyers:

Whether you prioritize value, efficiency, or technology, the