I ventured into the off-roading realm years ago, taking my place as a newb among a caravan of veterans in vehicles adorned with skid plates, snorkels, suspension lifts, rock rails, massive tires, and a host of gear, from air compressors and extra fuel to recovery tools. These vehicles were nothing like the models sitting on any lot, Chevy dealer or otherwise. Instead, they’re four-wheel investments dedicated to tackling extreme terrain, with drivers spending thousands of dollars on modifying their weekend trail warriors.
While these extreme off-road vehicles are undeniably capable, the average person doesn’t want to spend time modifying their vehicle. That is why automakers like Chevrolet are capitalizing on the growing interest in off-roading by expanding their lineups to meet these more adventurous needs with a variety of models that have been lightly upgraded from the factory. We see this with Chevrolet’s ACTIV trim for its best-selling SUVs like the Trax, Trailblazer, and Equinox.
The ACTIV’s Target Audience
Chevrolet’s ACTIV lineup targets drivers with a penchant for adventure, an appreciation for a more aesthetically rugged vehicle, and the need for something practical, functional, and budget-friendly. The ACTIV models aren’t designed strictly for life off the pavement but do double duty as weekday road warriors and weekend adventurers. Chevrolet gives drivers the best of both worlds without requiring them to make a significant investment in a dedicated off-road truck or SUV or an extensive list of aftermarket modifications.
Chevrolet’s SUV lineup stretches from entry-level models like the Trax and Trailblazer to the best-selling Equinox and icons like the Tahoe and Suburban. However, not every SUV in the Chevrolet family benefits from the ACTIV treatment. As of 2025, the ACTIV trim is available on the Trax, Trailblazer, and Equinox. The larger Traverse, Tahoe, and Suburban instead get the more capable Z71 trim, while the sporty Blazer doesn’t offer an off-road variant.
The Trax ACTIV
The Trax is the most affordable option in Chevrolet’s SUV lineup, with the entry-level LS starting at $20,400. The base trim sets the benchmark, followed by the sportier 1RS and 2RS, the mid-tier LT, and the adventurous ACTIV. Fully appreciating the ACTIV requires comparing it with the Trax LS to see how Chevrolet differentiates its smallest SUV and readies it for adventure.
The Trax LS sits on 17-inch wheels and is powered by Chevrolet’s proven EcoTec 1.2L turbocharged inline-three that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The modest output is enough for the small SUV, especially with the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The Trax ACTIV has the same heartbeat but sits on larger, 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels.
The Chevy Trax ACTIV is more of an aesthetic upgrade because the ACTIV components don’t improve the Trax’s off-road capability, with ground clearance staying at 7.3 inches regardless of trim and no improvements to the suspension or the addition of underbody skid plates. Instead, the ACTIV adds a blacked-out grille with Titanium accents, ACTIV badging, and a monochromatic exterior. Its interior features premium elements like a heated and wrapped steering wheel, a six-speaker audio system, wireless charging, carpeted rear floor mats, a sunroof, and an eight-inch driver information display to complement the Trax’s 11-inch center touchscreen.
While this small SUV isn’t destined for the trail, Chevrolet uses the ACTIV trim to give the Trax a more athletic and rugged aesthetic. This sportier styling, paired with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30 MPG combined and a maximum cargo capacity of 54.1 cubic feet of space, make the Trax a worthy road warrior and an excellent option for those who prefer a more rugged style on a small SUV.
The Trailblazer ACTIV
While the Trax ACTIV is mostly an aesthetic upgrade, the Trailblazer ACTIV adds more performance-oriented features. The difference is critical because the ACTIV truly changes how the Trailblazer performs on and off the pavement.
The standard power plant for the 2025 Trailblazer is an EcoTec 1.2L turbocharged inline-three mated to a continuously variable transmission. The combination sets the baseline, delivering 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. While this output makes the Trailblazer agile, the Trailblazer ACTIV is even more responsive because of its larger 1.3L turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine pushes the Trailblazer ACTIV’s output to 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque.
Chevrolet doesn’t stop with the Trailblazer ACTIV’s heartbeat but ensures it lives up to its adventurous spirit by adding off-road-oriented components and other upgrades. The suspension is tuned for off-roading, and the underbody is protected by a functional skid plate. The Trailblazer ACTIV also sits on 17-inch high-gloss machined aluminum wheels wrapped in sport-terrain tires. Even the rear reflects its adventurous spirit, thanks to a dual outlet exhaust with trapezoidal polished tips.
The Trailblazer ACTIV doesn’t simply look more rugged, but, as the saying goes, it walks the walk and can venture off the pavement because of its off-road-tuned suspension, beefier tires, and functional skid plate. Other factors that enhance the Trailblazer ACTIV’s appeal are its well-equipped interior and innovative technologies. The 2025 Trailblazer ACTIV has an 11-inch color touchscreen display, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system.
The Equinox ACTIV
Did you know the Equinox is Chevrolet’s second best-selling vehicle behind the Silverado? The Equinox has a rich history in the Chevrolet lineup, with the American automaker expanding the Equinox’s lineup in 2025 with the ACTIV trim. While a new trim is always exciting, how does the adventurous Equinox compare to the other members of the ACTIV family? Is it solely for aesthetics, or can the Equinox ACTIV competently venture beyond the pavement?
The 2025 Equinox ACTIV strikes the perfect balance of looking the part of a rugged warrior and following through to blaze a new trail. Aesthetically, Chevrolet introduces the new Equinox trim with distinct exterior styling. The ACTIV is instantly recognizable by its rugged front fascia with vertical grille inserts and gray metallic-finished accents, blacked-out badging, and roof rails. You can also opt for the Equinox ACTIV with a white roof for a two-tone exterior paint scheme.
Beyond aesthetics, the 2025 Equinox ACTIV is ready for adventure, thanks to its uniquely tuned suspension, 17-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet pairs the four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission to make the Equinox ACTIV agile and responsive in all conditions. With all-wheel drive, the Equinox ACTIV offers all-season and all-terrain confidence.
The Equinox ACTIV builds on the model’s rich history as a best-seller for Chevrolet and is undeniably one of the best-valued SUVs in the segment. Chevrolet ensures as much, not only by equipping the Equinox ACTIV with vital off-road components but also by including premium features that enhance the SUV’s value. For example, the Equinox ACTIV has heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, power front seats with lumbar support, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a hands-free programmable liftgate, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and plenty of available upgrades.
An ACTIV Lifestyle
Chevrolet’s ACTIV trim reflects the rising demand for more rugged, off-road-capable vehicles that are practical and adventurous. Drivers aren’t always looking to invest in a dedicated off-road vehicle that sits in the garage throughout the week. Instead, most drivers want more for their money and appreciate having an SUV that can handle their Monday through Friday commutes just as readily as it can fuel their Saturday and Sunday adventures. Chevrolet answers that need with its ACTIV trim, with the Trax fulfilling a more aesthetics-based need while the Equinox and Trailblazer can handle dirt road adventures.
