What's New in the Chevy Equinox? A Deep Dive into the Redesigned SUV

If you’re looking for a family-friendly SUV that perfectly combines modern style, advanced technology, and everyday comfort, the newly redesigned Chevrolet Equinox deserves your full attention. This popular crossover has received a major overhaul, bringing a bold new look and a host of upgrades that make it a compelling choice for modern families.

A Sleek, Modern Redesign for the New Generation

The most immediate change you’ll notice is the Equinox’s completely new exterior. Chevrolet has moved away from the softer, more rounded look of the previous generation in favor of a tougher, more truck-like appearance. This design language, inspired by popular models like the Chevy Traverse and Silverado, gives the Equinox a more confident and rugged stance on the road.

Key design updates include a more prominent front grille, sleek new LED lighting signatures, and squared-off wheel arches that add to its robust character. The new model is also slightly wider than its predecessor, which not only enhances its visual presence but also contributes to a more stable ride and increased interior space.

Chevrolet is offering distinct styling for different tastes with its new trim levels:

  • ACTIV Trim: For those who enjoy a more adventurous look, the new ACTIV trim is a standout. It features a unique front fascia designed for better approach angles, all-terrain tires, and an available two-tone roof for a custom look.
  • RS Trim: The RS trim continues to offer a sporty, street-inspired aesthetic. It boasts blacked-out exterior trim, a unique grille design, and stylish 19-inch wheels, giving it a dynamic and assertive appearance.

Upgraded Interiors: Comfort Meets Technology

Step inside, and the transformation is even more dramatic. The interior has been completely reimagined to be more modern, spacious, and tech-forward, directly addressing the needs of today’s connected families.

The old dashboard design is gone, replaced by a clean, driver-focused layout dominated by two large screens. A standard 11-inch configurable digital instrument cluster sits directly in front of the driver, providing clear, easy-to-read vehicle information. Beside it, a large 11.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen serves as the hub for entertainment, navigation, and vehicle settings. This screen is powered by Google built-in, offering seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store.

To create a more open and airy feel in the front cabin, Chevrolet moved the gear selector from the center console to a stalk on the steering column. This simple change frees up significant space for more convenient storage, cupholders, and a wireless charging pad. The materials throughout the cabin have also been upgraded, with more soft-touch surfaces and stylish trim pieces that give the interior a more premium feel.

Advanced Safety Tech Built for Families

For any family vehicle, safety is the top priority. The redesigned Equinox comes equipped with an extensive suite of standard safety and driver-assistance features to provide peace of mind on every journey.

Every new Equinox includes the Chevy Safety Assist package, which bundles several crucial technologies:

  • Automatic Emergency Braking: Can help you avoid or reduce the severity of a front-end collision with a vehicle you’re following.
  • Forward Collision Alert: Warns you if it detects a potential front-end collision.
  • Front Pedestrian and Bicyclist Braking: Provides alerts and can automatically apply hard emergency braking to help avoid collisions with pedestrians or cyclists.
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: Uses gentle steering corrections to help you stay in your lane.
  • IntelliBeam Auto High Beams: Automatically turns the high-beam headlamps on and off according to surrounding traffic conditions.

Beyond this standard package, numerous other advanced safety features are available, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and HD Surround Vision, ensuring you have a clear view of your surroundings when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.

Capable and Efficient Performance

Under the hood, the new Equinox is powered by a familiar and reliable engine. It features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower. This powertrain is engineered to provide a good balance of responsive acceleration for city driving and fuel efficiency for long road trips.

Buyers will have a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). FWD models are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that maximizes fuel economy. For those who need extra traction in bad weather or on unpaved roads, the available AWD system is paired with a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, a notable upgrade from the previous generation’s six-speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the 2026 or 2025 model? While you may see it referred to as the 2026 model, this completely redesigned, fourth-generation Equinox is officially launching as the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox. It is expected to arrive in dealerships starting in mid-to-late 2024.

What is the expected price? Official pricing has not been released by Chevrolet yet. However, industry experts anticipate a slight increase over the previous model to reflect the significant upgrades. The starting price is expected to be in the low $30,000s, with higher trims like the ACTIV and RS reaching into the upper $30,000s.

Will there be a hybrid or EV version of the new Equinox? For the 2025 model year, the Equinox will only be available with the 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. However, Chevrolet is launching a separate, all-electric model called the Equinox EV, which is built on a different platform and is a distinct vehicle from the one discussed here.