After GM pulled the covers off in January, 2025 Chevy Equinox is on sale now, sporting an all-new design inside and out, plus a ton of new technology and safety features. The new Equinox is longer and wider than the outgoing model, and is currently offered in three trim levels, starting with the base LT. The Y-trim level strategy then splits out into RS for a sporty road-going vibe, and ACTIV with a rugged, outdoorsy character. But, does Chevrolet have room to go higher?
Over the past few years, High Country has emerged as the range-topping trim for the Bow Tie brand’s utilities and trucks. As of this writing, High Country is offered on the Tahoe and Suburban as well as the Silverado trucks, while the Chevy Traverse will regain the High Country trim for the 2025 model year. In that regard, we don’t think an Equinox High Country would be a bad idea, so we rendered one to see what it could look like.
On the outside, our imaginary 2025 Chevy Equinox High Country contains a trim-specific grille with chrome and bronze accents, along with a backlit golden Chevy Bow Tie; the bottom of the front end is a unique lower fascia insert.
At the side, notice the chrome roof rails and Day Light Opening (DLO) trim, along with High Country badging on the shark fin-style C-pillar. We opted for black mirrors caps (as opposed to chrome ones) because our rendering features a black-painted roof, which is an actual option on the production model currently. The ensemble rides on a set of trim-specific 20-inch chrome wheels with bronze accents. Note that production 2025 Equinox now offers 20-inch rollers as a factory option for the very first time.
Out back, notice the backlit Chevy Bowtie (also finished in gold, much like at the front) along with a unique lower fascia insert with a faux dual exhaust treatment. Alas, the actual exhaust pipe continues to be tucked under the vehicle, just like on the production models.
But the exterior is only part of the equation. Inside, our hypothetical Equinox High Country would offer three colorways, including:
- Jet Black/Umber with Perforated Leather
- Jet Black/Nightshift Blue with Perforated Leather
- Jet Black/Maple Sugar with Perforated Leather
These first two of these colorways (not the materials) are straight off the 2024 Silverado High Country (see 2024 Silverado interior colors), while the last one is inspired by the 2025 Equinox ACTIV’s Maple Sugar configuration, while replacing Sueded Microfiber with actual leather. Unique materials and accents would complete the cabin’s journey upmarket.
To complete the range-topping positioning, the Equinox High Country would gain as standard equipment that’s optional on the RS and ACTIV trims, including the 8-way power front seats with ventilation and 2-way lumbar support, heated outboard rear seats, surround-view camera, dual-zone AC, and a dual pane power sunroof. We’d also like to see a ten-speaker Bose audio system, replacing the unbranded six-speaker system in the current model.
The Equinox High Country would not see any powertrain changes over the LT, RS and ACTIV trims, inheriting the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LSD engine that’s rated at 175 horsepower. The same goes for the transmissions, with front-drive models getting the CVT (and its 184 pound-feet of torque), while all-wheel-drive models would get the eight-speed automatic (and 203 pound-feet of twist).
Surprise! The CVT in the Equinox is actually pretty good. Read our first drive review, with a video, right here.
With a potential starting MSRP at right around $40,000, the 2025 Equinox High Country would deliver a luxurious punch without a scary price. How does that proposition sound to you?
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Comments
I agree with most of this render except it would require the 2.0L and twin clutch AWD system that is used in the XT4.
We’ve been over this. A bigger engine is not needed by customers in this space. The priorities are safety, tech, comfort here and power isn’t a priority.
I think we would seriously consider this if it became reality, and the 2.0 engine was in it. The 1.5 engine is a complete no-go for us.
1.5L gets the job done perfectly well according to Alex’s recent review. My wife has the same engine in her 2022 Equinox and it also gets the job done.
Oh Vee8 being out of touch with the market and enabling GM’s mediocrity.
Market? The market didn’t want a larger engine, they tried. This market doesn’t shop based on engine size and performance, so who is actually out of touch with the market here? I will give you a hint, it isn’t me…
Love it, I’m so sick of the black out crap. Give me some chrome anyway. GM & Mary B should seriously consider this upgrade.
Everything about the rendering is awesome except a need for chrome mirrors (not just caps.) Get back to having more chrome and brightwork on higher end models again like in the ’70’s and ’80’s! New vehicles are just way too blah and need a bunch of bling to make them look descent. Also get away from all black or mostly black rims. I was on the Equinox configurator earlier and if I were to buy a new one, the 18″ rims on my 2016 would go directly on the new one before it even left the sales lot! That’s how ugly I feel the new generation of rims are! (By the way, my ’16 is a LTZ.) What happened to the LTZ line?
Equinox lacking the 2.0 pushes buyers to the Envision and XT4. This way the latter limit internal competition and price overlap. Wake up people. Mary is doing it right.
Now that is a true range topping model and an Equinox I would consider!