5 Reasons the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV Handles Montreal Streets Like a Pro

Montreal's urban landscape presents unique challenges that demand more from your vehicle than just getting from point A to point B. Between construction detours that seem to last forever, steep hills in neighbourhoods like Westmount, and road surfaces that change from smooth asphalt to historic cobblestones within a few blocks, city driving requires a vehicle that can adapt to anything.

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV rises to meet these challenges with purpose-built features that make it the ideal urban companion for Quebec drivers. This first-ever ACTIV trim combines adventure-ready capability with smart city driving solutions, creating a compact SUV that handles Montreal's diverse driving conditions with confidence.

All-Wheel Drive Standard for Year-Round Confidence

Montreal's weather patterns can shift dramatically, and the Equinox ACTIV comes prepared with standard All-Wheel Drive that automatically adjusts power distribution between front and rear wheels. This system provides enhanced traction when navigating wet streets during spring melt, handling unexpected summer downpours, or managing the first snowfall of the season.

The AWD system works seamlessly in the background, giving drivers better control when accelerating from traffic lights on uneven surfaces or maintaining stability while navigating the city's numerous construction zones. Unlike front-wheel drive vehicles that can struggle with traction on Montreal's varied terrain, the ACTIV's AWD system ensures power reaches the wheels that need it most.

Drive Mode Selector Adapts to Montreal's Changing Conditions

The ACTIV trim introduces a Drive Mode Selector with three distinct settings: Normal, Snow, and Off-Road. Each mode adjusts the vehicle's performance characteristics to match specific driving conditions you'll encounter around Montreal.

Normal mode handles daily city driving with optimal fuel efficiency, while Snow mode modifies throttle response and traction control for safer winter navigation. The Off-Road mode proves surprisingly useful for urban driving, providing enhanced control when traversing construction sites, navigating unpaved parking areas, or handling the rough terrain often found in Montreal's industrial districts.

• Normal Mode: Optimized for daily commuting and highway driving
• Snow Mode: Enhanced traction control for winter conditions
• Off-Road Mode: Improved low-speed control for challenging surfaces

All-Terrain Tires Handle Every Surface Montreal Offers

The ACTIV comes equipped with 17-inch all-terrain tires that excel on Montreal's diverse road surfaces. These specialized tires provide better grip on cobblestone streets in Old Montreal, improved traction on gravel construction detours, and enhanced durability against the potholes that inevitably appear each spring.

All-terrain tires offer deeper tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls compared to standard highway tires, making them more resistant to damage from road debris and better suited for the stop-and-go traffic patterns common in urban environments. The result is improved confidence whether you're navigating the smooth highways leading to the South Shore or dealing with the challenging surfaces found throughout Montreal's core.

Uniquely Tuned Suspension Smooths Out Urban Road Imperfections

Montreal's roads can be unforgiving, with frost heaves, construction patches, and general wear creating an obstacle course for drivers. The ACTIV trim features uniquely tuned suspension components designed to absorb impacts while maintaining vehicle control and passenger comfort.

This specialized suspension setup provides better ground clearance for navigating parking lot curbs, speed bumps, and the occasional deep pothole. The improved suspension also helps maintain vehicle stability when carrying cargo or passengers, ensuring consistent handling characteristics regardless of load conditions.

Compact Size Maximizes Urban Maneuverability

Despite its enhanced capabilities, the Equinox ACTIV maintains a compact footprint that makes it perfectly suited for Montreal's urban environment. The vehicle offers excellent visibility for navigating tight parking situations, fits comfortably in standard parking spaces, and provides the agility needed for city driving without sacrificing interior space or cargo capacity.

The compact dimensions make parallel parking easier on busy streets like Saint-Laurent or Saint-Denis, while the elevated seating position provides better visibility over traffic and construction barriers. With 1,798 litres of maximum cargo space, the ACTIV proves that urban practicality doesn't require compromising on versatility.

Key Takeaways

Discover the ACTIV Difference at Le Relais Chevrolet

The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV transforms urban driving by combining adventure-ready features with city-smart design. Experience how this capable compact SUV handles Montreal's unique driving challenges by visiting our team right here in Montreal to learn more about the ACTIV's specialized features and schedule a test drive through the city streets you know best.