The SUV is easily the most popular of all vehicles on the marketplace; competition is fierce among the various brands, especially regarding the subcompact and crossover models, which appear to be increasing yearly. For Chevy, one of the most respected brands on the marketplace, this is something they take very seriously, and as such, the 2025 Chevy Equinox will come with a trim simply titled ACTIV. It will offer all of the benefits of what Equinox is already known for, such as style, maneuverability, and practicality, while also offering some new features that will benefit those who enjoy some light off-roading.
It’s an exciting time to be a fan of Chevy, and today, we’re going to see how this new trim stacks up against some of its most notable rivals in the industry. Exceptional quality is always easy to find whenever you visit a Chevy dealer, and now the big question is whether Chevy’s new trim has what it takes to be one of the hottest items from the 2025 model year.
Capable and Cunning: The Basics of the 2025 Chevy Equinox
The 2025 Chevy Equinox has undergone quite a few enhancements as it begins its fourth generation of production. The first noticeable item is the exterior design, which merges some of the stylistic features of the Trailblazer and Blazer to formulate a much sportier look than in recent years. The front grill, headlights, and two-toned color scheme appeal to our love of aesthetics.
Under the hood, the Equinox still uses an economical powertrain to facilitate city driving. The 1.5L four-cylinder engine produces 175 hp and is paired with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for drivers who opt for FWD or an eight-speed automatic transmission for those who prefer AWD. Performance and exterior presentations aside, Chevy has revitalized the interior to adhere to driver expectations. A standard 11.3-inch infotainment system is standard across the board, features brand-new technology powered by Google, and has access to a wi-fi hotspot and Google Maps. For the first time in Chevy’s history, the Equinox will come with Adaptive Cruise Control and lane-centering technology as standard items to allow drivers the best peace of mind.
Stacking Up Against the Competition
There’s no denying that the competition in the subcompact and crossover vehicle class is palpable, and the Chevy Equinox’s Activ trim has some rivals that it will be contending with. Among these are the Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Forester. Right off the bat, the Equinox establishes one of the facets that make it an excellent choice for the 2025 model year, offering drivers a better option regarding versatility.
Drivetrain
The CX-50 and Forester are known for having a standard AWD drivetrain, allowing drivers to disembark from the payment and handle the potential winter road conditions for those in colder climates. AWD is an excellent drive train for the activities we just mentioned, but for the driver who calls suburbia home and merely needs a method of the daily commute, AWD might not be necessary. The Equinox, with its standard FWD and CVT, which have demonstrated ideal options for conservative fuel economy, allows drivers to choose what works best. Having the ability to have variety makes all the difference when choosing the right vehicle. You have two drivetrains and two corresponding transmissions available for the Equinox ACTIV, which means it appeals to a broader audience.
Engines
The engine is the heart and soul of any car, truck, and SUV. Choosing an engine that ideally balances practicality and performance is a significant aspect of the selection process. Some drivers prefer the feeling of adrenaline, but an SUV is seldom geared towards high performance unless it’s a vehicle like the Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon, which necessitates a domineering powertrain for forward momentum and towing and storing copious amounts of weight.
The Chevy Equinox embodies Chevy’s ability to do more with less. Some might gawk at the 1.5L four-cylinder engine, but having a scaled-down powertrain allows you to go farther between fill-ups. While AWD-exclusive, both the CX-50 and the Forester can limit fuel economy, their engines focus more on performance, negatively affecting drivers who prefer to focus on practicality and economy.
With its standard 187-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, the Mazda CX-50 might be preferable to drivers with a heavy foot and a compulsion to get wherever they need to go ten minutes ahead of schedule. Still, its EPA-estimated ratings of 25 MPG in the city are less than admirable economically. The Forester’s powertrain resembles what you’ll find in the Chevy Equinox ACTIV, as it utilizes a 2.5L BOXER four-cylinder with 180 hp. This also might sound appealing, but according to testing conducted by Car and Driver Magazine, the Forester is not as enjoyable to drive. This certainly pales compared to the Chevy Equinox, which has a long-standing reputation for handling more like a sedan than an SUV.
The Mazda CX-50 might appeal to drivers who favor performance above all else, but having a practical and efficient means of transportation makes all the difference, which you’ll undoubtedly find with the powertrain of the Chevy Equinox. On the same note, the economical powertrain that the Forester is equipped with is hampered by its poor handling, something that the Equinox has always been praised for.
Technology
There’s much more to what makes an SUV ideal than just performance and practicality. Modern drivers look for technological aspects that keep them connected and enhance their driving experience. For many drivers in the market for a new SUV, these items can make or break a crucial decision about purchasing.
All three SUVs offer similar items that drivers tend to gravitate towards. All three have intuitive and user-friendly infotainment setups that provide compatibility with Apple and Android products. However, the Equinox offers 5G connectivity and Active Noise Cancellation, ensuring a consistent connection. The new system that Chevy has developed with Google brings the world’s most powerful search engine to provide navigation, music, and so much more.
Regarding the safety features, the Chevy Equinox once again proves its superiority by offering more. The Forester and Equinox provide Adaptive Cruise Control as a standard feature, but Chevy also includes Enhanced and Intersection Automatic Braking and Blind Zone Steering Assist. All vehicles offer technology and features on the cutting edge of innovation, but Chevy has made a considerable stride to provide more to keep up with the many changes occurring in the marketplace.
The ACTIV Trim Is a Fantastic Addition to the Equinox Lineup
If there’s one thing that Chevy has been known for all these years, they can outperform the competition in many ways. As we’ve seen today, the 2025 Chevy Equinox ACTIV simply offers more. More variety in drivetrain options and more standard safety features than the Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Forester. Outperforming the competition isn’t always limited to the aspects of performance; sometimes, it’s having practical items and versatility that allow a vehicle to rise above its competitors. That practicality, coupled with great performance and features, make the ACTIV a must-have model for those looking for a versatile compact SUV. Earlier, we asked you if the 2025 Chevy Equinox ACTV had what it takes. It’s quite clear that the answer is yes.
