The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's most significant problem area centers around transmission performance, with multiple owners reporting harsh, jerky shifts particularly during the 2nd to 3rd gear transition around 2,000 RPMs and highway speed shifts from 7th to 8th gear. These issues appear most prevalent in ACTIV trim models and manifest within the first few thousand miles of ownership, suggesting potential programming or mechanical issues with the 8-speed automatic transmission.

Audio system inadequacy represents perhaps the most universally criticized aspect of the 2025 Equinox. Owners consistently describe the standard sound system as 'horrendous,' 'garbage,' and inferior to $30 Bluetooth speakers. The removal of the previous generation's available Bose system has left even higher-trim models with disappointing audio quality that owners consider unacceptable for vehicles costing $35,000-$40,000.

Brake system behavior problems plague multiple trim levels, with owners reporting unpredictable, grabby braking that can engage aggressively with minimal pedal pressure. This inconsistent brake feel creates safety concerns and requires drivers to adapt their braking technique to compensate for the system's erratic response.

Electrical system malfunctions appear widespread in early production units, including liftgates opening without command, navigation systems failing to function, complete MyChevrolet app disconnection, and AWD system warning lights appearing on vehicles that haven't used all-wheel drive functionality. These issues suggest broader quality control challenges with the vehicle's electronic systems.

Excessive moisture accumulation inside the cabin during rain conditions has been reported by multiple owners, indicating potential seal issues or inadequate ventilation design. Additionally, road noise levels above 70 mph and overall wind noise penetration suggest inadequate sound insulation for a modern crossover SUV.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's interior comfort receives overwhelming praise from owners, with multiple reviews highlighting the exceptionally comfortable seats that provide excellent support for long-distance driving. Owners consistently report no fatigue even on 500+ mile trips, with seats that strike an ideal balance between firmness and softness. The interior materials quality has significantly improved over previous generations, with multi-textured finishes that owners say feel premium and belong in higher-end vehicles.

The redesigned technology interface earns strong appreciation from owners, particularly the large dual-screen setup that provides excellent visibility and functionality. The infotainment system's integration with Apple CarPlay is consistently praised as superior to GM's native controls, and the ability to display navigation directly in front of the driver rather than only on the center screen is a frequently mentioned favorite feature. The colorful, customizable display options and comprehensive safety features as standard equipment impress even former luxury car owners.

Surprising performance capability delights owners who expected modest power from the 1.5L turbo engine. Multiple reviews mention impressive highway merging power and responsive low-end torque that exceeds expectations for daily driving needs. The ACTIV trim's AWD system and General Grabber off-road tires provide confidence in challenging conditions, with owners comparing traction capabilities favorably to dedicated off-road vehicles like Jeeps.

The vehicle's dramatic styling transformation for 2025 generates genuine enthusiasm among owners, who describe the new design as 'eye-catching,' 'sexy,' and 'masculine.' The sculpted hood, low dashboard for improved visibility, and distinctive color combinations like the ACTIV's Cacti Green with white roof create a premium appearance that owners feel stands out positively in the competitive crossover segment.

Real-world fuel economy in the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox consistently underperforms EPA estimates, with most owners reporting 23-28 MPG in mixed driving conditions. This represents disappointing efficiency for a compact crossover, with some owners noting their fuel economy matches their previous 2013 Honda CR-V AWD, suggesting minimal advancement in efficiency over the past decade. Highway-focused driving can achieve the higher end of this range, but city driving and AWD models tend toward the lower figures.

Maintenance costs appear reasonable based on owners' previous Equinox experience, with one owner reporting trouble-free operation through 150,000 miles on their 2018 model. However, early reliability issues with transmissions and electrical systems could potentially lead to warranty claims and dealer visits that impact long-term ownership satisfaction even if covered under warranty.

Insurance costs benefit from the Equinox's strong safety ratings and comprehensive standard safety equipment, which owners note exceeds what was previously available only on premium trims. The vehicle's advanced driver assistance systems and five-star safety ratings should help maintain reasonable insurance premiums compared to competitors with fewer standard safety features.

Depreciation patterns remain to be established for the redesigned 2025 model, but owners' strong satisfaction with interior quality, technology features, and styling suggest better residual value potential than previous generations. However, early reliability concerns and quality control issues could negatively impact resale values if not addressed through warranty repairs and potential recalls.

Audio system upgrades represent the most common and necessary modification for 2025 Equinox owners, with multiple reviews specifically mentioning plans to install aftermarket speakers through professional sound shops. The universally criticized factory audio system drives owners to seek third-party solutions, with professional installation recommended given the vehicle's complex electronic integration.

While specific modification communities are still developing around the new 2025 platform, owners mention accessing dedicated forum groups that share optimization tips and tricks not covered in official Chevrolet tutorials. These communities provide valuable insights into maximizing the vehicle's technology features and discovering hidden functions within the infotainment system.

The ACTIV trim's rugged styling and capability suggest potential for light off-road modifications, though specific aftermarket support is still emerging for the redesigned platform. The factory General Grabber tires and AWD system provide a solid foundation for owners interested in enhanced off-road capability.

Interior customization options appear limited in early ownership reports, though the multiple trim levels and package options provide factory personalization. The distinctive color combinations and interior treatments available from Chevrolet seem to satisfy most owners' aesthetic preferences without requiring aftermarket modifications.

Real-world fuel economy in the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox consistently disappoints owners, with most reporting 23-28 MPG in mixed driving conditions regardless of transmission type. One owner with 5,000 miles reports averaging exactly 28 MPG, while another notes achieving 28 MPG on a 500-mile mostly-highway trip with moderate headwinds. However, mixed driving scenarios typically result in fuel economy closer to 23 MPG, which owners consider poor for a modern compact crossover.

The 1.5L turbocharged engine's efficiency falls short of competitive expectations, with owners noting their fuel economy matches significantly older vehicles like 2013 Honda CR-Vs. This suggests minimal advancement in efficiency despite a decade of technological development, leaving owners feeling shortchanged by the Equinox's fuel economy performance relative to class competitors.

Driving conditions significantly impact the Equinox's efficiency, with highway driving enabling the higher end of the 28 MPG range while city driving and AWD operation push consumption toward the lower figures. Wind conditions notably affect highway efficiency, and the vehicle's aerodynamics don't seem optimized for maximum fuel economy despite the redesigned exterior styling.

Prospective 2025 Chevrolet Equinox buyers should prioritize higher trim levels that include essential convenience features, as base LT models lack important functionality like power liftgate operation that owners consider fundamental for a family SUV. Multiple owners express frustration with the LT trim's manual-only liftgate operation, noting the absence of even an interior release button creates significant inconvenience when hands are full or when trying to allow others to access the cargo area.

Trim selection significantly impacts the ownership experience, with ACTIV and RS models providing more comprehensive feature sets and distinctive styling that owners appreciate. However, buyers should be aware that even higher trims suffer from poor audio system quality, making aftermarket speaker upgrades a likely future expense regardless of trim level chosen.

Test driving is essential to evaluate personal comfort with the redesigned controls, particularly the steering column-mounted gear shifter that replaces the traditional console shifter. Some owners report difficulty adapting to this change and concerns about confidently confirming park engagement, suggesting extended test drives to ensure compatibility with personal preferences.

Buyers should seriously consider competitive alternatives, as multiple owners who cross-shopped models like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 noted strong competition in the segment. However, those prioritizing interior comfort, technology features, and distinctive styling will likely prefer the Equinox despite its efficiency and reliability concerns.

Owners who cross-shopped the 2025 Equinox against the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 consistently chose Chevrolet based on superior interior comfort and styling appeal, despite acknowledging competitive disadvantages in reliability and efficiency. Multiple owners note the Equinox's seats significantly exceed Honda's comfort levels, and the technology integration surpasses what competitors offer in similar price ranges.

Former Honda CR-V owners particularly appreciate the Equinox's improved heating and air conditioning systems, better camera quality for both front and rear views, and superior Bluetooth call clarity that their previous Honda couldn't match. However, these same owners acknowledge missing Honda's renowned reliability and better fuel economy, representing the primary trade-off in choosing the Chevrolet.

Surprisingly, one owner traded a Mercedes GLC300 for the Equinox ACTIV, citing the Mercedes as their 'worst vehicle ever owned' while praising the Chevrolet's safety features, comfort, and traditional physical controls over the German luxury SUV's problematic touch-sensitive interfaces. This suggests the Equinox can satisfy even luxury vehicle expectations when competitors fall short in practical usability.