The 2025 Equinox is the first year of a full redesign, not a routine trim shuffle. It looks more trucklike, the cabin is far more screen-focused, and Chevrolet organizes the range around LT, ACTIV and RS. All three use the same basic 175-hp 1.5-liter turbo engine, so the upper trims buy equipment, appearance and tire choices—not a faster powertrain.
The Equinox was the most popular non-pickup in iSeeCars' 2025 used-sales ranking. Rental, fleet and personal-use examples can land on the same search-results page, which makes prior use and condition as important as trim.
Which Equinox configuration gives you what?
| Configuration | Why buyers choose it | What it adds | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT FWD | Lowest price and strong everyday efficiency | The redesigned cabin and core safety/convenience equipment without trim premiums | Fewer luxury features; FWD may not match a steep or unplowed route |
| LT AWD | Practical four-season family use | All-wheel traction while retaining the LT value proposition | Higher purchase and operating cost; matching tires matter |
| ACTIV AWD | Rugged styling and rough-road confidence | 17-inch wheels with all-terrain-oriented tires, trim-specific details and available two-tone look | It is not a body-on-frame off-roader; inspect tire noise and off-pavement wear |
| RS FWD | Sportier street appearance | Black/red design details and larger-wheel styling | Large wheels mean pricier tires and a firmer ride without extra engine output |
| RS AWD | Top street-style configuration with four-season traction | RS cabin/appearance plus AWD | A well-optioned price can overlap roomier or more powerful competitors |
The drivetrain difference is larger than the trim difference
Front-drive 2025 Equinoxes pair the turbo engine with a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel-drive versions use an eight-speed automatic. That changes how the vehicle feels leaving a stop and during passing. Drive both if transmission response matters to you; a trim badge alone will not tell you which behavior you prefer.
| Item | What the 2025 offers | Why it matters used |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbo, 175 hp | The same basic output across LT, ACTIV and RS keeps the decision focused on drivetrain and equipment |
| Transmission | CVT with FWD; 8-speed automatic with AWD | Test the exact drivetrain rather than assuming every Equinox drives alike |
| Cargo | 29.8 cu ft behind the rear seat; 63.5 cu ft maximum | Bring a stroller, crate or mobility device if fit is a deciding need |
| Towing | Up to 1,500 lb on properly equipped AWD models | Suitable for a small utility trailer, not a reason to treat it like a midsize tow vehicle |
LT, ACTIV and RS are use cases, not a ladder
An LT with the equipment you use can be the best Equinox even when an RS costs more. The ACTIV's smaller wheel and taller tire sidewall may suit broken pavement better than the RS's appearance-oriented wheel. The RS makes sense for someone who values its look enough to accept tire cost and ride differences. Compare the actual option content because packages can move an LT surprisingly close to an upper trim.
Check the first-year-redesign details
A first-year vehicle deserves a complete electronics check. Pair a phone, use wired and wireless functions where fitted, test every camera, adjust driver-assistance settings, operate both displays and make sure no warning message returns after a restart. A frozen screen in a short demonstration is not something to dismiss with “they all do that.”
Start the Equinox cold and drive it at neighborhood, highway and parking-lot speeds. Listen for suspension noise, check smooth takeoff and passing response, and verify that an AWD model engages without binding or warning lights. Four matching tires with even tread are especially important on AWD.
- Confirm the in-service date and remaining factory coverage; model year is not the warranty start date.
- Inspect the cargo floor, seatbacks and lower trim for fleet use or hard loading.
- Look underneath an ACTIV for impact damage; rugged styling does not prove gentle use.
- Price the exact wheel-size tires on an RS before agreeing that the cosmetic upgrade is free.
- Check the VIN for recalls and compare service records with time and mileage requirements.
Equinox versus Rogue, RAV4 and CR-V
The Nissan Rogue emphasizes cargo volume and a stronger published engine output. Toyota's RAV4 has a broad used supply and available hybrid, while the Honda CR-V is a spacious, easy-driving benchmark with hybrid choices. The Equinox answers with a clean redesign, useful cabin technology and straightforward trim logic. A buyer who wants a conventional automatic may prefer AWD Equinox behavior; a high-mileage commuter should compare real EPA ratings and insurance across all four.
The configuration I would put first
An LT AWD is the sensible starting point for a household that actually needs four-season traction. In a warm climate on maintained roads, LT FWD avoids paying for capability that may never be used. Choose ACTIV for its tires and look, or RS for its street styling, only after driving those exact wheel-and-tire combinations.
The strongest used Equinox is not automatically the highest trim. It is the one with the drivetrain you want, a clean electronic and mechanical inspection, documented history and a price that leaves room for the first set of tires.