Problems with 2025 equinox

[shlogold]

I’ve had my 20025 Equinox LT for about 2-3 months. I bought it used from a dealership with 1,200 miles on it since it had been used as a loaner car. Since then, I’ve put roughly 4,000 miles on it, including several road trips. I’ve run into a few issues and was wondering if anyone else has experienced these or has some advice:

1. Fuel Economy: On road trips, I’ve been getting around 27 mpg on the highway, but in the city, it drops to 16-17 mpg. I do drive somewhat aggressively, but I feel like 10 mpg below the advertised figure seems excessive. Is this normal?


2. Wireless Android Auto: When I use wireless Android Auto, it connects, and music plays for about 3 seconds before disconnecting. It then reconnects and starts again. Is this a common issue?


3. Wired Connection Issues: If I plug my phone in to charge while using Android Auto, it automatically switches to the wired connection. However, the next time I get in the car, it messes up my Bluetooth and wireless Android Auto connection. Is there a way to fix this?


4. Launching Android Auto: When my phone connects via wireless Android Auto, it doesn’t automatically launch on the screen. Instead, it stays on the home page, and I have to manually press the Android Auto icon to launch it. Shouldn’t it launch automatically?


5. AC Controls: When I change the fan speed on the AC controls, the screen doesn’t show the current fan level. The only way to check is to manually open the climate control app from the home screen. Is this how it’s supposed to work?


6. Auto Hold Feature: Is there a way to make the auto hold feature stay on from drive to drive, or do I have to manually turn it on every time I get in the car?


7. Google Assistant Confusion: When using Android Auto and I say “OK Google,” it uses my phone’s Google Assistant. But when I press the talk button on the steering wheel, it uses the car’s assistant, which sometimes gets confused. Is there a way to make this more seamless?


8. Spotify Issues: When I play Spotify through Android Auto and then switch to the Spotify app on my car, and vice versa, the car seems to get confused and won’t play from either. Is there a way to make Android Auto and Spotify work better together?

9. Wireless charging: the wireless charger also deosnt work through my phone case and I have a fairly slim case.

10. When I am using maps or waze regardless if on Android auto or the cars apps, on the dash I only see directions on the right side and don't see my music, is there a way to change that or toggle through different stuff on the right side of the dash?

11. Power Light: Not the biggest deal but the power light for the infotainment systems deosnt dim at night and could get annoying. Is there a way to fix that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[PAequinox24]

I have had nothing but problems with my Samsung S23, Android Auto, and not being able to hear notifications on my phone while driving. I have a 24 RS. There is someone on here that can help you. Search and you will find it. He posted a lot about this recently. Good luck. I am thinking of switching to an iPhone....have had an Android since 2010. Switching phones is cheaper than a different car....

 

[shlogold]

I have had nothing but problems with my Samsung S23, Android Auto, and not being able to hear notifications on my phone while driving. I have a 24 RS. There is someone on here that can help you. Search and you will find it. He posted a lot about this recently. Good luck. I am thinking of switching to an iPhone....have had an Android since 2010. Switching phones is cheaper than a different car....

I have a s24 ultra, once it connects the second time it works fine just it frustrating that it connects and disconnects, and that android auto deosnt auto automatically launch

 

[Ledman66]

I can tell you the power button for the entertainment center. The light stays on as long as the car is on there’s no dimmer or any way to turn it off that I know of.

and you’re admitting you drive aggressive I guarantee you that’s part of your fuel mileage problem, back off the throttle and hard accelerations/braking. Keep your speed even on the freeway at 70 or less and your mileage will increase. i’m averaging 28 miles per gallon between city and Highway.

the auto hold must be turned on every time the car is restarted

 

[Swadeboots779]

Most of your android auto problems if not all of them i also faced but between changing phone settings, google settings and opening up developer mode within the infotainment settings in the car i have worked them all out. As far as gas mileage goes i average 20. It seems that the little 1.5 ltr just has to work to hard to pull the nox around . As far as the dimming goes i think the fact that both screens don't really dim they just wash out color and turn white, its darn near no different than just having it on full brightness, The little power button i tinted with 5% window tint when I tinted the windows which made a great difference. Its really as if they got ahead of themselves with a lot of the tech stuff and failed to really real world test it. Like not having a solution for trailer wiring ............end rant

 

[Lee]

Keep your speed even on the freeway at 70 or less

Not a good idea on interstates with speed limits of 75 or 80 mph.

 

[dequardo]

I’m seeing noticeable mpg decreases from the other 4 I’ve had with the 1.5l

 

[Brennb]

The only one I can help you with is Google Assistant. You need an extended hold (1-2 seconds) on the talk button, then it will access Assitant

 

[GaryM]

I’ve had my 20025 Equinox LT for about 2-3 months. I bought it used from a dealership with 1,200 miles on it since it had been used as a loaner car. Since then, I’ve put roughly 4,000 miles on it, including several road trips. I’ve run into a few issues and was wondering if anyone else has experienced these or has some advice:

1. Fuel Economy: On road trips, I’ve been getting around 27 mpg on the highway, but in the city, it drops to 16-17 mpg. I do drive somewhat aggressively, but I feel like 10 mpg below the advertised figure seems excessive. Is this normal?


2. Wireless Android Auto: When I use wireless Android Auto, it connects, and music plays for about 3 seconds before disconnecting. It then reconnects and starts again. Is this a common issue?


3. Wired Connection Issues: If I plug my phone in to charge while using Android Auto, it automatically switches to the wired connection. However, the next time I get in the car, it messes up my Bluetooth and wireless Android Auto connection. Is there a way to fix this?


4. Launching Android Auto: When my phone connects via wireless Android Auto, it doesn’t automatically launch on the screen. Instead, it stays on the home page, and I have to manually press the Android Auto icon to launch it. Shouldn’t it launch automatically?


5. AC Controls: When I change the fan speed on the AC controls, the screen doesn’t show the current fan level. The only way to check is to manually open the climate control app from the home screen. Is this how it’s supposed to work?


6. Auto Hold Feature: Is there a way to make the auto hold feature stay on from drive to drive, or do I have to manually turn it on every time I get in the car?


7. Google Assistant Confusion: When using Android Auto and I say “OK Google,” it uses my phone’s Google Assistant. But when I press the talk button on the steering wheel, it uses the car’s assistant, which sometimes gets confused. Is there a way to make this more seamless?


8. Spotify Issues: When I play Spotify through Android Auto and then switch to the Spotify app on my car, and vice versa, the car seems to get confused and won’t play from either. Is there a way to make Android Auto and Spotify work better together?

9. Wireless charging: the wireless charger also deosnt work through my phone case and I have a fairly slim case.

10. When I am using maps or waze regardless if on Android auto or the cars apps, on the dash I only see directions on the right side and don't see my music, is there a way to change that or toggle through different stuff on the right side of the dash?

11. Power Light: Not the biggest deal but the power light for the infotainment systems deosnt dim at night and could get annoying. Is there a way to fix that?

Thanks in advance.

Re: MPG, smaller engines take a hit when they're pushed a lot. Suggest softer throttle and slower speeds. I have a 2025 RS and get 29 MPG in cold weather. I picked it up in the summer and it was getting 30+. Another suggestion is check to see if the trans is getting into 8th gear, which slows the RPM's down at highway speeds. Mine will not unless forced to do so with the paddle shift. It's an engineering thing not a bad transmission.

 

[dequardo]

It won’t go into 8th gear automatically????

 

[Autoworker 74]

I’ve had my 20025 Equinox LT for about 2-3 months. I bought it used from a dealership with 1,200 miles on it since it had been used as a loaner car. Since then, I’ve put roughly 4,000 miles on it, including several road trips. I’ve run into a few issues and was wondering if anyone else has experienced these or has some advice:

1. Fuel Economy: On road trips, I’ve been getting around 27 mpg on the highway, but in the city, it drops to 16-17 mpg. I do drive somewhat aggressively, but I feel like 10 mpg below the advertised figure seems excessive. Is this normal?


2. Wireless Android Auto: When I use wireless Android Auto, it connects, and music plays for about 3 seconds before disconnecting. It then reconnects and starts again. Is this a common issue?


3. Wired Connection Issues: If I plug my phone in to charge while using Android Auto, it automatically switches to the wired connection. However, the next time I get in the car, it messes up my Bluetooth and wireless Android Auto connection. Is there a way to fix this?


4. Launching Android Auto: When my phone connects via wireless Android Auto, it doesn’t automatically launch on the screen. Instead, it stays on the home page, and I have to manually press the Android Auto icon to launch it. Shouldn’t it launch automatically?


5. AC Controls: When I change the fan speed on the AC controls, the screen doesn’t show the current fan level. The only way to check is to manually open the climate control app from the home screen. Is this how it’s supposed to work?


6. Auto Hold Feature: Is there a way to make the auto hold feature stay on from drive to drive, or do I have to manually turn it on every time I get in the car?


7. Google Assistant Confusion: When using Android Auto and I say “OK Google,” it uses my phone’s Google Assistant. But when I press the talk button on the steering wheel, it uses the car’s assistant, which sometimes gets confused. Is there a way to make this more seamless?


8. Spotify Issues: When I play Spotify through Android Auto and then switch to the Spotify app on my car, and vice versa, the car seems to get confused and won’t play from either. Is there a way to make Android Auto and Spotify work better together?

9. Wireless charging: the wireless charger also deosnt work through my phone case and I have a fairly slim case.

10. When I am using maps or waze regardless if on Android auto or the cars apps, on the dash I only see directions on the right side and don't see my music, is there a way to change that or toggle through different stuff on the right side of the dash?

11. Power Light: Not the biggest deal but the power light for the infotainment systems deosnt dim at night and could get annoying. Is there a way to fix that?

Thanks in advance.

So number one I don't think I use Android Auto. Yeah I know BUT this computer that also plays music can be complicated so when it's working well I don't mess with it or question it. Mine would cut off constantly until I realized it cut off at sound of a notification. I turned off the sound of my notifications and that stopped it. That shouldn't be necessary but it worked.

I’ve had my 20025 Equinox LT for about 2-3 months. I bought it used from a dealership with 1,200 miles on it since it had been used as a loaner car. Since then, I’ve put roughly 4,000 miles on it, including several road trips. I’ve run into a few issues and was wondering if anyone else has experienced these or has some advice:

1. Fuel Economy: On road trips, I’ve been getting around 27 mpg on the highway, but in the city, it drops to 16-17 mpg. I do drive somewhat aggressively, but I feel like 10 mpg below the advertised figure seems excessive. Is this normal?


2. Wireless Android Auto: When I use wireless Android Auto, it connects, and music plays for about 3 seconds before disconnecting. It then reconnects and starts again. Is this a common issue?


3. Wired Connection Issues: If I plug my phone in to charge while using Android Auto, it automatically switches to the wired connection. However, the next time I get in the car, it messes up my Bluetooth and wireless Android Auto connection. Is there a way to fix this?


4. Launching Android Auto: When my phone connects via wireless Android Auto, it doesn’t automatically launch on the screen. Instead, it stays on the home page, and I have to manually press the Android Auto icon to launch it. Shouldn’t it launch automatically?


5. AC Controls: When I change the fan speed on the AC controls, the screen doesn’t show the current fan level. The only way to check is to manually open the climate control app from the home screen. Is this how it’s supposed to work?


6. Auto Hold Feature: Is there a way to make the auto hold feature stay on from drive to drive, or do I have to manually turn it on every time I get in the car?


7. Google Assistant Confusion: When using Android Auto and I say “OK Google,” it uses my phone’s Google Assistant. But when I press the talk button on the steering wheel, it uses the car’s assistant, which sometimes gets confused. Is there a way to make this more seamless?


8. Spotify Issues: When I play Spotify through Android Auto and then switch to the Spotify app on my car, and vice versa, the car seems to get confused and won’t play from either. Is there a way to make Android Auto and Spotify work better together?

9. Wireless charging: the wireless charger also deosnt work through my phone case and I have a fairly slim case.

10. When I am using maps or waze regardless if on Android auto or the cars apps, on the dash I only see directions on the right side and don't see my music, is there a way to change that or toggle through different stuff on the right side of the dash?

11. Power Light: Not the biggest deal but the power light for the infotainment systems deosnt dim at night and could get annoying. Is there a way to fix that?

Thanks in advance.

 

[51ChevyGuy]

I have had my Equinox RS for 3 months as well and NO the MPG does not stack up to my 2018 Equinox Premier. I lost 2 MPG on the highway with the new RS. The new Equinox is one tenth of an inch longer, one tenth of an inch taller, two and three tenths of an inch wider and weighs 84 pounds LESS than the gen 3 model. It also has two more gears in the transmission. All of the, somehow, equates to LESS miles per gallon. I really do not understand how that all works. My logical brain tells me that it should be the same or maybe better because there is less weight and more gears. We need an engineer to explain.

 

[ap19063]

I bought the RS model 1 day after it arrived at the dealer and started posting about the Android auto issue with my s24+ the day after. I am a tech by trade and unlike the person above that said they took care of their problem using the developer options, I was not able to get tat result. That said, I quickly found out that there was no reason to connect the phone to the infotainment using AA, since these features are already built into the car's interface. I will agree that it is disappointing that this doesn't work better and during those first weeksss I was pulling my hair and complaining to the dealer, but until (if possible) GM decides to release some kind of update to the infotainment, you will have to treat it like a marriage and compromise. If you give it a try, limiting your connection to bluetooth instead of AA, should take care of the "connect/disconnect issue you are having. As I said, the built in Google system in the car will handle all (most) of the regular features AA uses. If you like look for posts 2025 infotainment issues. As for the other stuff regarding fuel economy, etc. I can't say much. I have never had a car that gets the advertise mileage and I learned a long time ago that I drive depending on my mood and urgency. Some times I'm easy jazz and others I'm heavy metal. So my mileage varies and I don't buy the car based on that. Also I have always kept my brightness on high, maybe it doesn't affect me because I've never needed to do much driving at night. Auto hold is a feature you need to turn on every time on EVERY CAR. Though why would you? I happen to love the wireless charging and with a military drop quality case,I have no problem charging. One last thing, not sure who said something about switching to an iphone.... No offense, but the next time you mention switching to an iphone, please get up and go wash your mouth with soap

 

[shlogold]

I bought the RS model 1 day after it arrived at the dealer and started posting about the Android auto issue with my s24+ the day after. I am a tech by trade and unlike the person above that said they took care of their problem using the developer options, I was not able to get tat result. That said, I quickly found out that there was no reason to connect the phone to the infotainment using AA, since these features are already built into the car's interface. I will agree that it is disappointing that this doesn't work better and during those first weeksss I was pulling my hair and complaining to the dealer, but until (if possible) GM decides to release some kind of update to the infotainment, you will have to treat it like a marriage and compromise. If you give it a try, limiting your connection to bluetooth instead of AA, should take care of the "connect/disconnect issue you are having. As I said, the built in Google system in the car will handle all (most) of the regular features AA uses. If you like look for posts 2025 infotainment issues. As for the other stuff regarding fuel economy, etc. I can't say much. I have never had a car that gets the advertise mileage and I learned a long time ago that I drive depending on my mood and urgency. Some times I'm easy jazz and others I'm heavy metal. So my mileage varies and I don't buy the car based on that. Also I have always kept my brightness on high, maybe it doesn't affect me because I've never needed to do much driving at night. Auto hold is a feature you need to turn on every time on EVERY CAR. Though why would you? I happen to love the wireless charging and with a military drop quality case,I have no problem charging. One last thing, not sure who said something about switching to an iphone.... No offense, but the next time you mention switching to an iphone, please get up and go wash your mouth with soap

Got it, including appreciate the thorough response. Lol. It's just kinda frustrating how you buy this car and overall it's a great car but these small glitches that are for sure easily fixed, exist. Each problem by itself isn't a big deal but all together it just gets frustrating. But I appreciate all yall's help.

 

[PoManNox]

I'm kinda glad I'm an old gen-x'er. I have less to be disappointed over with all this info-entertainment stuff. I plug my phone in from time to time for google maps is about it.

 

[RIT333]

Paddle shifting does not select a gear, it only sets highest gear that you can use. So, selecting 8 is the same as operating in D.

 

[Ledman66]

Not a good idea on interstates with speed limits of 75 or 80 mph.

well of course, if the speed limit deems it so, where i’m at 65 is the max

 

[2025blackout]

As for #5, yes it's EXTREMELY annoying for the need to open a new screen just to see the climate settings.

As for the MPG, I really can't complain too much right now as it's cold here in the midwest corner of IA. I remote start the car for my daughter five minutes before school lets out, and she uses it often as well. On road trips this thing does great. Anywhere from 27 to 30, and that is hand checked. Town driving or short trips it's lower 20's, sometimes barely 20 so that is nothing to brag about. I expect that will improve once the remote start is less and less and the weather warms up.

 

[ap19063]

Mine is front wheel drive and since I've had to park it in the garage during several snow falls, I just decided not to use it during the winter. I rather avoid a slipping event than use it.

 

[tem3]

I’ve had my 20025 Equinox LT for about 2-3 months. I bought it used from a dealership with 1,200 miles on it since it had been used as a loaner car. Since then, I’ve put roughly 4,000 miles on it, including several road trips. I’ve run into a few issues and was wondering if anyone else has experienced these or has some advice:

1. Fuel Economy: On road trips, I’ve been getting around 27 mpg on the highway, but in the city, it drops to 16-17 mpg. I do drive somewhat aggressively, but I feel like 10 mpg below the advertised figure seems excessive. Is this normal?


2. Wireless Android Auto: When I use wireless Android Auto, it connects, and music plays for about 3 seconds before disconnecting. It then reconnects and starts again. Is this a common issue?


3. Wired Connection Issues: If I plug my phone in to charge while using Android Auto, it automatically switches to the wired connection. However, the next time I get in the car, it messes up my Bluetooth and wireless Android Auto connection. Is there a way to fix this?


4. Launching Android Auto: When my phone connects via wireless Android Auto, it doesn’t automatically launch on the screen. Instead, it stays on the home page, and I have to manually press the Android Auto icon to launch it. Shouldn’t it launch automatically?


5. AC Controls: When I change the fan speed on the AC controls, the screen doesn’t show the current fan level. The only way to check is to manually open the climate control app from the home screen. Is this how it’s supposed to work?


6. Auto Hold Feature: Is there a way to make the auto hold feature stay on from drive to drive, or do I have to manually turn it on every time I get in the car?


7. Google Assistant Confusion: When using Android Auto and I say “OK Google,” it uses my phone’s Google Assistant. But when I press the talk button on the steering wheel, it uses the car’s assistant, which sometimes gets confused. Is there a way to make this more seamless?


8. Spotify Issues: When I play Spotify through Android Auto and then switch to the Spotify app on my car, and vice versa, the car seems to get confused and won’t play from either. Is there a way to make Android Auto and Spotify work better together?

9. Wireless charging: the wireless charger also deosnt work through my phone case and I have a fairly slim case.

10. When I am using maps or waze regardless if on Android auto or the cars apps, on the dash I only see directions on the right side and don't see my music, is there a way to change that or toggle through different stuff on the right side of the dash?

11. Power Light: Not the biggest deal but the power light for the infotainment systems deosnt dim at night and could get annoying. Is there a way to fix that?

Thanks in advance.

For # 11 I purchased little circle patches from Amazon to cover the power light and cut the illumination by half. I have also experienced many of your issues with the infotainment system. I have a Galaxy S25 Ultra and I think it is caused by the tug of war between the vehicle hot spot and the phone. I prefer to use Android Auto from the phone but it works sometimes and defaults to the vehicle system other times.