Is the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox a Good SUV? 6 Pros, 2 Cons
The Chevrolet Equinox was treated to a much-needed redesign for 2025, something it hasn’t had since way back in 2018. No small improvement, the update takes the Equinox from also-ran status to offering a combination of features, comfort and value that few other entries in the hyper-competitive compact SUV category can match. Better still, it’s wrapped up in an attractive, more rugged-looking package.
Related: 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Review: Substance Over Speed
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2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ AWD | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
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Along with the stylish new look that keeps it more in line with current Chevrolet design themes, the 2025 Equinox has grown wider and more spacious while gaining added safety features and a nicer interior. All of that should help keep the Equinox on buyers’ radar in the face of worthy competition from the Ford Escape (soon to be discontinued), Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4 and others. The Equinox continues for 2026 with no major changes.
Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman traveled to a media event to sample the reinvented Equinox and found a lot to like, even if the less-than-inspiring old engine soldiers on. (Per our ethics policy, Cars.com pays for its own travel and lodging when attending such manufacturer-sponsored events.) Tap the link above to read Aaron’s expert review; read on for a quicker look at six things we like about the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, and two things we do not.
What Do We Like About the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
1. Choose Your Style
The Equinox lineup has been simplified to just three trims for 2025, each with its own distinctive look and personality. Base LT models are nicely equipped, if reserved in appearance, with a chrome grille and available two-tone paint for a splash of style. Sporty RS trims get larger 19- or 20-inch wheels and blacked-out trim, while the new range-topping Activ trim boasts a more rugged off-road appearance with all-terrain tires, a unique grille and more. Underneath, however, all three are very similar and feel largely the same from behind the wheel.
2. Refined Ride
Engineers have dialed in a much-improved driving experience, resulting in a hushed, comfortable and nicely controlled ride regardless of trim. The Equinox makes easy work of potholes and broken pavement, with impressive isolation and minimal fuss even with big 19-inch wheels. The steering is nicely weighted without too much boost, and the chunky wheel feels good in your hands.
3. Impressive Interior
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ AWD, front row, front row | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
Chevrolet has made major improvements in interior quality with its recent offerings, and the redesigned Equinox is the latest to get the treatment. Materials quality and feel are as impressive as anything in the class, especially in RS and Activ trims with touches such as contrasting trim and faux-suede seat inserts. The cabin is spacious and welcoming, with excellent visibility all around and an available panoramic sunroof that adds to the airy feel.
4. Commendable Controls
A new 11.3-inch multimedia screen and 11-inch configurable instrument display are vivid and easy to use, with simple menu structures that make it easy to find what you want and offer customization options. Like other recent Chevrolet offerings, the multimedia system is Google-based, but wireless Apple CarPlay is still included. We also appreciate that Chevy has included physical buttons and knobs for audio and climate functions.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ AWD, center stack display | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
5. Full of Features
Chevrolet has added a number of safety and convenience items to the redesigned Equinox, adding to its impressive value for the price. The Chevy Safety Assist suite is standard with all trims, with new features including intersection automatic emergency braking, an HD backup camera, rear park assist, rear cross-traffic braking and adaptive cruise control. A 360-degree camera system is available, along with traffic-sign recognition, rear pedestrian alert and a rearview camera mirror.
6. Priced Right
With the average price of a new car closing in on $50,000, the 2025 Equinox’ starting price of $29,995 for an LT trim with front-wheel drive is especially appealing given its bang for the buck. Adding all-wheel drive to any trim adds $2,000. Stepping up to an RS or Activ with AWD will set you back $36,395 (all prices include a $1,395 destination fee). Even loaded with options, the Equinox is something of a bargain. Just make sure you’re OK with its leisurely acceleration.
Read More Chevrolet Equinox News:
- What’s the Best Compact SUV for 2025?
- How Much Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox?
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
- All-New 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Priced From $29,995
- Research the Chevrolet Equinox
What Do We Dislike About the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox?
1. Poky Powertrain
2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ AWD, engine | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
The only powertrain offered uses a carryover turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 175 horsepower and 184 pounds-feet of torque with FWD or 203 pounds-feet with AWD. The difference is FWD models get a continuously variable automatic transmission, while AWD models use an eight-speed automatic. Neither powertrain is anything to write home about, with no better than adequate performance. Oddly, the CVT version felt livelier and more responsive than the eight-speed automatic, which runs out of steam quickly and is slow to downshift.
2. No Off-Roader
Most compact SUVs don’t end up spending a lot of time off-road, but buyers increasingly are asking that SUVs at least look like they’re ready for the Rubicon. The Equinox in Activ trim is exactly that, an “off-road” trim with the looks but not the equipment. Beyond the chunky General Grabber tires and unique suspension tuning, the Activ does without more serious off-road gear like underbody protection, locking differentials, or even a raised ride height.
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Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and spon
Is the 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant a Good Car? 4 Pros, 2 Cons
By Jim Travers
August 29, 2025
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2024 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance | Cars.com photo by Brandon Lim
For the 2024 model year, Audi made some notable updates to the performance-focused RS 6 Avant wagon, not the least of which squeezed yet more power out of its already potent twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine. The juiced-up wagon’s other changes include a weight loss program that shaved about 60 pounds from its overall weight. The net result is a sharp-handling car with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.3 seconds.
Related: 2024 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance Review: Long Roof, Long Fun
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The American market has never embraced the idea of a performance station wagon as much as its European counterpart, but we still have the privilege of choosing between upscale alternatives such as the BMW M5 Touring and upcoming 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid Wagon. All provide better handling and a more dynamic driving experience than an SUV while still offering seating for five occupants, more cargo room than a sedan and standard all-wheel drive. For 2025, the RS 6 Avant GT joined the Performance trim in the lineup and added goodies such as a carbon-fiber hood and front fenders.
Cars.com’s West Coast Editor Conner Golden spent time with an RS 6 Avant Performance on both the crowded highways and the twisty canyons of Southern California, and he came away impressed with this wagon’s performance — but not all is perfect. Tap the link above to read his expert review; for a quicker rundown, read on to learn four things we like about the Audi RS 6 Avant and two things we do not.
What Do We Like About the Audi RS 6 Avant?
2024 Audi RS 6 Avant | Cars.com photo by Brandon Lim
1. Old-School Powertrain
With a honkin’ twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 under the hood, the RS 6 Avant takes a more old-school approach to horsepower than most modern performance cars and their hybrid or all-electric powertrains. Instead of adding a battery and electric motors, engineers gave the V-8 larger turbos and other tweaks, sizzling the wick for another 30 hp. Combined with its 48-volt mild-hybrid system, the wagon’s total output increases to 621 hp and 627 pounds-feet of torque. With an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, the RS 6 Avant is ferociously quick yet refined, all the while cranking out evocative V-8 thunder.
2. Commendable Cabin
The RS 6 Avant’s interior vibe is typical of a modern Audi, with quality materials and an upscale ambiance that combines traditional luxury cues with modern tech. A heavily digitized dashboard combines three vivid displays and Audi’s excellent MMI infotainment interface. If that’s not enough, an available Executive Package adds soft-close doors, extended leather and heated rear seats. Other options include a Bang & Olufsen sound system and night-vision tech.
3. Weight Loss Program
Reduced sound insulation, a new wheel design and a lighter center differential all add up to shave about 60 pounds in curb weight, which helps keep this Audi barely under the 5,000-pound mark. While it’s no lightweight, the RS 6 Avant is respectably agile for a five-seat wagon, and 621 hp is more than enough to make this car incredibly quick.
4. Canyon Carver
With massive P285/30R Continental SportContact 7 summer tires mounted on 22-inch wheels, the RS 6 Avant serves up buckets of grip and smooth power transfer to help rip through corners with ease. An adaptive air suspension helps smooth out the rough stuff, but it’s still on the firm side even in its most civilized setting. The Audi’s electric power steering is accurate (though it lacks feel), while massive disc brakes provide lots of stopping power and are easy to modulate.
Read More Audi News:
- 2025 Audi A5 and S5 Review: Bigger and Better
- How Much Are the 2025 Audi Q6, SQ6 Sportback e-Tron?
- All-New 2026 Audi A6: Refining a Sports Sedan Favorite
- Going Gray: 2025 Audi S6, S7 Add Nardo Sport Editions
- Research the Audi RS 6 Avant
What Do We Dislike About the Audi RS 6 Avant?
2024 Audi RS 6 Avant | Cars.com photo by Brandon Lim
1. Big-Tire Blues
The RS 6 Avant’s standard adaptive air suspension does a commendable job smoothing out rough surfaces, but it can only compensate for those big 22-inch wheels and fat summer tires so much. Even on the suspension’s softest setting, we experienced more road noise and impact harshness than expected.
2. Act Now
Wagons have been on the endangered species list for years, and that goes double for performance wagons. Add in that the RS 6 Avant is still powered by a V-8 when others have gone to more fuel-efficient powertrains and its days would seem to be more limited than most. If a long roof with the performance of a sports sedan is on your shopping list, it might be wise to start shopping soon.
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2026 Subaru Solterra Review: Necessary Improvements
By Brian Normile
August 25, 2025
2026 Subaru Solterra | Cars.com photo by Leslie Cunningham
Is the 2026 Subaru Solterra a Good Electric SUV?
- The redesigned Solterra is certainly much more competitive, with more power (including a new XT variant with 338 horsepower), significantly more range, improved charging capabilities and a new Tesla-style North American Charging Standard. Pretty much everything that could be improved was.
How Does the 2026 Subaru Solterra Compare With Other Electric SUVs?
- While its significant upgrades make the new Solterra much better than the first-generation model, they don’t do anything to raise the ceiling of the segment. Rather, they raise the floor. A Ford Mustang Mach-E is a bit sportier with longer available range, the Volkswagen ID.4 is more comfortable on-road, and the well-rounded Hyundai Ioniq 5 remains a leader in the class. But seeing a Solterra on the road will no longer elicit surprise — at least if it’s the new one.
Subaru announced the redesigned 2026 Solterra this year, and it impressed us when we first saw it in person. The second-generation Solterra, like the first, is the result of a joint venture between Subaru and Toyota, and it shares much of its improvements with its 2026 Toyota bZ cousin. Those include battery, efficiency, charging and interior tech updates that make the Solterra much more than just a vehicle that lets Subaru tick the “sells an electric vehicle” box. And the Solterra, unlike the bZ, comes exclusively with dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Related: Updated 2026 Subaru Solterra EV Boasts More Than 285 Miles of Range
To find out as much as I could about the 2026 Solterra’s improvements — and to give it something of a quick and dirty efficiency test — I headed to Denver to drive the new Solterra on twisty mountain roads both paved and unpaved, on highways and even on a light off-road course (per Cars.com’s ethics policy, we pay for all travel and lodging when attending such manufacturer-sponsored events).
Read on to learn how the Solterra performed.
What Are the 2026 Solterra’s Power, Range and Charging Stats?
Stats matter for EVs, though it’s never a guarantee that an EV will always deliver on its promises. But when the previous Solterra had less than 230 miles of EPA-estimated range in every configuration, a maximum power output of 215 horsepower and a maximum DC fast-charging rate of 100 kilowatts, it never even offered on-paper competitiveness. Compare those numbers to these:
2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Premium AWD Extended Range
- 370 hp
- 300 miles of range
- 150-kW max DC fast-charging rate
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 SEL AWD
- 320 hp
- 290 miles of range
- 235-kW max DC fast-charging rate
2025 Volkswagen ID.4 AWD Pro S
- 335 hp
- 263 miles of range
- 175-kW max DC fast-charging rate
Compared with its predecessor, the 2026 Solterra improves on every single one of these stats, with an estimated 288 (Premium) or 278 (Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT) miles of range, 233 or 338 (XT) hp, and a 150-kW DC fast-charging rate. Not one of those specs blows away the Ford, Hyundai or Volkswagen (if they exceed them at all), but at least they’re all competitive now.
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