General Motors officially unveiled the 2025 Chevy Equinox in January 2024, introducing the fourth-generation of the Bow Tie brand’s compact crossover. As GM Authority readers already know, there is an extensive list of changes and updates to the next-gen model, including a revamped trim level structure. In this GM Authority Feature Spotlight, we’re taking a look at what sets the RS trim apart from the other trims.
First and foremost, RS – short for Rally Sport – is the sporty-looking trim within the 2025 Equinox lineup. It’s joined by LT, which is the new base, and the rugged Activ.
- See more about the 2025 Equinox LT
- See more about the 2025 Equinox Activ
Starting with the exterior, the front fascia of each trim level is unique. In the case of the RS, the front end boasts a blacked-out look and a unique front grille. Black mirrors, moldings, emblems, and badging elements are found throughout. There’s also a black roof (resulting in a two-tone treatment for most colors), along with glossy black roof rails.
19-inch aluminum wheels will be equipped as standard, while 20-inch wheels will be optional.
We should note that the RS does not deliver any performance enhancements over LT or Activ, with the potential exception of a minor handling advantage offered by its larger wheels and lower profile tires. That task would be reserved for the SS model, which – from what we know currently – is not in the plans.
Moving to the interior, the Evotex seating surfaces – GM’s synthetic leather – is finished in Torch Red and Santorini Blue stitching. The Evotex front seats also feature debossed “RS” logos on the headrests.
A heated, flat-bottom steering wheel and heated front seats are standard. Heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats are optional.
Under the hood, all 2025 Chevy Equinox models – including the RS – feature the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LSD gasoline engine, rated at 175 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in front-wheel-drive (FWD) variants, or 203 pound-feet of torque in all-wheel-drive (AWD) units. Speaking of drivetrain configurations, FWD units are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while AWD examples are matched to the GM eight-speed automatic transmission. An additional upgrade for the new generation includes Electronic Precision Shift on the steering column, which enables additional storage space underneath the infotainment screen.
Note that the engine carries over from the last generation, while the transmissions are all-new. A more powerful engine option is not offered (check out Chevy’s reasoning for that).
The fourth-gen Chevy Equinox rides on an updated variant of the GM D2 platform, where the wheelbase, length, and width have all been stretched for the all-new generation. Production will kick off at the GM San Luis Potosà plant in May 2024. The plant will be the exclusive facility to build the new Equinox for North America. Pricing figures and a complete feature set are expected to be released closer to the start of production.
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Comments
Don’t call anything “sporty” with a 1.5L engine
It doesn’t have to be fast. But what a f****** joke.
All show no go sporty looking but not sporty driving
Trifecta tune is necessary to have the power of the 2.0L turbo. Can’t imagine a whole family and luggage trying to pass…
Man that’s a sharp looking SUV. Wish they would have offered it with new 2.5L from traverse and call it an SS!!! That thing would be a rocket
The 1.5L is a joke to be put in an RS or higher trim level!!!
175 just get a trax for less
I am usually a fan of column shifters, but I can see the placement of that right stalk being a possible issue for some at least initially as it is where the windshield wiper controls are on the last 3 generations.
Nice looking. I’d replace the 19s with silver spoked aluminum functional17s. But that’s just me .
The new Equinox is getting the 1.5 liter Turbo Plug in Hybrid, they’re building it right now in China for the 3025 Equinox. I bet it produces well over 200 hp, perhaps 250.
Why hasn’t GMC revealed the 2025 Terrain?
As a long term Chevy owner of the Equinox, Tahoes, Suburbans and Trucks I have no use for a 1.5L engine. Chevy has missed the boat. They could have introduced a Hybrid with the 1.5L that would give it some get up and go. That is why we went with the Honda CRV Hybrid. I would have loved to continue with Chevrolet but a 1.5L engine in an Equinox won’t get out of its own way under emergency acceleration.
SORP starts in May? You’re killing me!!
The new Equinox is getting the 1.5 liter Turbo Plug in Hybrid, they’re building it right now in China for the 3025 Equinox. I bet it produces well over 200 hp, perhaps 250.
A sporty looking, under powered box. Oh boy!