2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD - Popular For Good Reason

Quick, name GM’s top-selling vehicle, which is not a truck. Well, the headline probably gave away the answer. Yes, the liquid-fueled Chevy Equinox five-passenger crossover is the top-selling non-truck made by GM and has been for a while. Last quarter, the gasser Equinox outsold all the EVs made by GM combined by more than 2 to 1. Its deliveries are equal to all of Cadillac. If Equinox were a stand-alone brand, it would be larger than many long-running U.S. brands. Not long ago, the Equinox was also listed as the top-selling vehicle of any type in many U.S. states. We spent multiple days in the Equinox and rediscovered why this vehicle has been so successful. 

2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD - Decoding Its Name
Equinox is a liquid-fueled, five-passenger crossover “SUV.” RS is supposed to indicate that it is sporty (rally sport). AWD means that it has optional and selectable AWD. It can also operate in 2WD mode.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD - The Price
Our tester had a price, including the Destination Charge of $38,915. That price does not include dealer-added content or the dealer doc fee.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD - The Drive
The Equinox has good habits on the road. It is comfortable to be in, easy to see out of, and makes no wrong moves. The suspension feels a bit stiff, but we think many drivers will like it that way. Acceleration is average for its peer group. One thing GM did right was to use a geared transmission. No CVT in this crossover. On the highway, Equinox is very comfortable and can gobble up miles in a relaxed manner.

2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD - Powertrain & Fuel Efficiency
The 1.5-liter engine is fine. Not great. Fine. The geared transmission is a welcome change from the droning mess that most of its peers come with today, but you only get it with AWD versions. Unfortunately, this is quickly becoming yesterday's technology. The best in the segment use a hybrid engine with far more torque and power and way better fuel economy. The EPA says to expect 26 MPG. That is very low for 2025. A RAV4 Hybrid at this price point offers 39 MPG. GM has an all-electric Equinox, but we have not tested one. 

2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD - Infotainment & Technology (Biggest Advantage)
The infotainment and technology found in the 2025 Equinox RS are among the very best we have ever tested at any price point. You get a fantastic digital driver information display that can show you your map or many other views, depending on your preference. The center information display is huge and crystal clear, and the touch menus are super simple to use. 

This vehicle has GM’s new Google Built-In, so you can go that route if you wish. After a quick try, we opted to use the wireless Android Auto, since it is better than Google Built-in and has a better Nav function. By using Android Auto, we don’t have to use the vehicle’s WiFi, load each app, and input every password. Instead, Android Auto works instantly, and it remembers any destinations I search for on any of my many Chrome devices. There is a perfect wireless phone charger/holder in the center console. GM also gives you a volume knob (yeah!), and the HVAC controls are separate from the touch screen (Yeah again!). This is as good as it gets, folks. We are close to saying this setup is perfect. Ok, let’s just say it - perfect. If you swing Apple’s way, CarPlay is there and also wireless. What’s not to love? This outstanding setup elevates the Equinox above the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 and the Subaru Forester/Outback twins. 

2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD - Notable Stuff
Chevy gives you a spare tire in the Equinox RS AWD. You won’t find that in the EV version of Equinox. There are a couple of odd things controls-wise. The right-stalk shifter steals the spot that 95% of vehicles on the road today use as your wipers. So, expect to put your car into neutral when you try to wash the windshield using muscle memory. The headlights are in the touch screen (Top left). If you loan this car to a friend, point that out. 

2025 Chevrolet Equinox RS AWD - Conclusion
We are very happy that GM sent this vehicle our way for testing. It was a fantastic reminder of why this is GM’s top-selling vehicle not named Sierra or Silverado. GM simply did everything just right. It gives the shopper exactly what they want and need in a vehicle size that is the most popular in America. We will say it again: the infotainment system in this GM vehicle should be the benchmark for all systems in all vehicles. It is that good. Back in the 1970s GM had a marketing tagline something like “GM, making transportation solutions for people.” This Equinox fits that theme perfectly. If GM had a 40 MPG hybrid version of this vehicle, it could easily elevate the Equinox line to be the top-selling nameplate in all of America. 

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John Goreham is a credentialed New England Motor Press Association member and expert vehicle tester. John completed an engineering program with a focus on electric vehicles, followed by two decades of work in high-tech, biopharma, and the automotive supply chain before becoming a news contributor. He is a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE int). In addition to his eleven years of work at Torque News, John has published thousands of articles and reviews at American news outlets. He is known for offering unfiltered opinions on vehicle topics. You can connect with John on Linkedin and follow his work on our X channel. Please note that stories carrying John's by-line are never AI-generated, but he does employ Grammarly grammar and punctuation software when proofreading. 

Images of 2025 Equinox RS courtesy of Chevrolet. We would have done our own, but foul weather precluded decent photography.