2023 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox is the Golden Bowtie’s five-seater compact crossover SUV, positioned between the subcompact Trax and Trailblazer and the larger Traverse and Blazer. It entered the market in 2005 as Chevy’s entry into one of the hottest and most popular segments, only to become the company’s best-selling model behind the Silverado full-size pickup. 

In 2022, the Equinox received a mid-cycle update, which included updated exterior styling cues, revised trim levels and packaging. After discontinuing the barebones L model as part of the refresh, the LS, LT, RS and Premier trims soldier on with few changes. For 2023, all Equinox’s go up in price by around $300 across the board while the color palettes gain some new choices, and an updated electrically power-assisted braking system. The Equinox is scheduled for replacement by an all-new fourth-generation model. An all-electric version is set to introduce the lineup sometime in 2024.

Though because it’s turning six years old, it’s certainly beginning to feel a bit last-generation as newer, fresher, and more value-packed options—particularly from across the pond—hit the market over the past several years. Such examples include a new Honda CR-V and the hugely compelling and new Kia Sportage, which are the newest kids on the block. There’s also the Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, fan-favorite Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and fellow domestic SUV, the Ford Escape.

Sadly, through its revisions, all upgradable engine choices disappeared, leaving the base 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder as the only powertrain driving either the front- or all-four wheel. Although it’s merely adequate at moving the small ute out of its own way, it quickly loses steam once momentum builds. Previously, the Equinox came with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four and an excellently fuel-efficient diesel. The base front-wheel-drive LS stamps its invoice at $27,995, including the mandatory $1,395 shipping charge. All-wheel drive adds another $1,600. A fully loaded AWD Premier checks all the boxes—$1,495 panoramic moonroof, $1,745 Convenience package and $1,125 Infotainment II package—totaling $38,860. 

Because it took inspiration and engineering advice from its European divisions, the Equinox remains somewhat relevant, thanks to its solid bones and the inclusion of today’s modern driver aids and safety tech that all still perform admirably. Unless you’re a fan of buying American (the Equinox for North America is built in either Mexico or Canada) or looking for a compact crossover that’s American in flavor, there’s little to separate it from the outrageously compelling foreign rivals.

When the current third-gen arrived in 2017, it showcased a new bar, demonstrating commendable road manners, lots of passenger space, comfort and relevant safety tech at levels that were never quite present altogether in previous versions. It is not a bad choice and one that’s still a valid option in the segment. But as it continues to age gracefully, it’s clearly outgunned, both figuratively and literally, by the competition.

Performance: 9/15

After dropping its optional and more powerful 2.0-liter turbo-four in 2021 and the lovely fuel-efficient diesel in 2019, the Equinox makes do solely with its base 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder. Power output gains five ponies totaling 175 horsepower with the same 203 pound-feet of torque as in previous years. Despite the slight bump, even with its smooth six-speed automatic, the Equinox musters up a zero-to-60 time of only 9 seconds. Around town, the torque is enough to keep up with traffic if you really work through its rev range. Though overtaking and merging at highway speeds requires lots of pedal-to-the-metal and making use of the transmission’s “Low” gear mode, especially since it’s always eager to upshift to the highest gear.

Where it does make up for it is in the handling department. On a very technical twisty two-way county thoroughfare in northwestern New Jersey, we found ourselves shocked at how well the Equinox unexpectedly sticks to the road. We were hitting corners at speeds we’d normally observe in some more premium and performance-oriented vehicles.

Though bear in mind, this isn’t the sort of inspiring setup you’d find in more purpose-built performance machines. There’s plenty of body roll to inform you that you’re pushing the Equinox out of its league. But its limits of adhesion are very high and out of reach for most average drivers. The result is that it feels planted in most conditions while taking turns with aplomb and without drama. A lot of the credit goes to its excellently tuned all-wheel drive system, which prevented us from experiencing any tire-screeching or dangerously aggressive understeer, if one accidentally came in too hot.

Fuel Economy: 9/15

The Equinox’s fuel consumption goes unrated by the EPA for 2023. Though because there’s little change (those extra five horses aren’t likely to register any perceivable differences), we’d bet this year’s fuel economy figures won’t be too far off from 2022’s 26 mpg city, 31 highway and 28 combined for the front-wheel model. All-wheel-drive versions drop 1 mpg across the board.

In our week-long evaluation, we were disappointed by the Equinox’s consumption as the onboard computer reported an average of around 23 to 24 mpg in a mixture of highway and suburban NYC areas. This is likely due to the need to really work that little 1.5-liter turbo four just to keep up with traffic or get anywhere at a decent pace. In theory, a small motor can return better fuel economy, but its benefits are nullified by the need to work the little 1.5-liter extra hard to maintain momentum or forward progress.

Compared to some of the segment perennials like the gas-only front-wheel-drive Toyota RAV4’s 30 mpg combined, Nissan Rogue’s 33 and the Honda CR-V’s 30, all of which recently received makeovers, the Equinox is below average. Only the Mazda CX-5 performs slightly worse, but with the added benefit of punchier performance. Those prioritizing fuel economy will definitely spring for the hybrid variants of the RAV4, CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Ford Escape.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 11/15

The current Equinox arrived in 2017 with tons of driver aids and safety tech, all of which perform and remain relevant today. The standard kit, which is now bundled and colloquially named Chevy Safety Assist, includes forward-collision alert with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, a following distance indicator, lane-keep assist and departure warning and automatic high beams. 

A high-definition 360-degree surround parking and towing camera with excellent quality are optional extras. Though you’ll obviously find newer and more updated tech and assist systems in nearly all the competition.

For 2023, the Equinox carries its overall “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), despite receiving a new “poor” rating for the updated moderate overlap front test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has yet to update its score but assessed an overall five-star rating for 2022.

Comfort & Room: 13/15 

America is known for making comfortable cars and the Equinox has never struggled in this department. The same could be said for the current generation. Passenger volume feels generous for up to five adults all around, even with its 103.5 cubic-feet, which is only just shy of most of its popular competitors. Up front, the Equinox’s 40.9 inches of legroom comes short about an inch against those same competitors. For back seat legroom, it’s the same story with the 39.9 inches trailing others’ 41-plus inches.

Most body frames will fit nicely into the seats, though taller individuals with longer legs will find the front seat bottoms somewhat short. With a nearly 6-foot frame, it almost felt like my legs were falling off with nearly 3 to 4 inches of space between the back of my knees and the end of the seat bottom. There were just enough adjustments to compensate by reclining the seat back.

On the road, the Equinox decently absorbs road imperfections and noise, vibration and harshness aren’t much of an issue. Though some will notice tire roar on rough surfaces more than some of the newer competitors, particularly with the larger wheel options, like on our tester’s Premier trim. And the ride feels a bit stiff-legged.

Infotainment: 13/15

The Equinox carries on with GM’s previous-generation touchscreen and Infotainment operating system, a clue to the crossover’s age. The base LS, LT and RS all get the standard 7-inch screen while the 8-inch unit is optional on the LT and RS and standard on the top-spec Premier.

It may feel a bit old-school compared to some of the newer eye candy found in the competition. But it performs just as well as a trustworthy unit, serving up the usual connectivity options like wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa integration and a Wi-Fi hotspot on all trims.

The only upgrade is satellite navigation, which is optional on all units with the 8-inch touchscreen. While previously unavailable, the top-spec Premier now gets a wireless charging pad as standard equipment.

Cargo Space & Storage: 12/15

To maximize passenger space, the Equinox does compromise its rear cargo area with 29.9 cubic-feet behind the second row. Fold the seats down and the space more than doubles to 63.9. Both figures are on the smaller end of the spectrum. 

Nearly all the competition offers well more than 30 cubic-feet behind the second row and more than 65 cubic feet (except the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50) with the second row folded. The winners in this game are the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, all of which offer around 39 cubic-feet behind the second row and up to a whopping 76 cubic-feet with the seats down. 

But despite being one of the smallest in hauling capabilities, the Equinox still has enough room for a weekend trip for all its occupants and their things. If that’s not enough, the Equinox can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds.

Style & Design: 7/10

Looks are ultimately subjective, though the compact crossover SUV segment has always been a harbor for polarizing “love it” or “hate it” designs. The Equinox gets away with a much cleaner and more sophisticated design than many of its competitors, many of which are hard on the eyes.

To some, the Equinox leans on the side of mundane and, unfortunately, it’s found itself as a choice in rental car fleets, which may be a turnoff. But its fuss-free panels at least come across as cohesive. It’s not going to grab any attention or compliments at the dinner table, but it certainly makes some of the other options look too busy. 

The interior continues with the inoffensiveness with its simple, easy-to-use layout that avoids the busyness of some other crossovers with considerably higher interior button counts. Things do get busy on the steering wheel, but it’s nothing unmanageable. We love the two-tone interior, which adds a little bit of aesthetic diversity.

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Worth it? Which Equinox is the Best Value?

Compared to last year’s $2,000 price bump, Chevy modestly increased it by $300 across the board for 2023. The base front-wheel-drive LS stamps its invoice at $27,995, including the mandatory $1,395 shipping charge. All-wheel drive adds another $1,600, which is within $1,000 of the competition. A fully loaded AWD Premier checks all the boxes, (the $1,495 panoramic moonroof, the $1,745 Convenience package and $1,125 Infotainment II package) totaling $38,860. 

While a nice car, the Equinox’s age and mundane execution will likely have buyers gravitating to the competition, especially since that price puts it well within the realm of newer, more value-packed rivals and some near-luxury and premium offerings where it’s sorely outclassed. Though the Equinox still has solid enough bones to be a choice that you can’t go wrong with if you need a no-frills compact crossover SUV that gets the job done. Just exercise caution with the trims and options.

Our recommendation for optimizing the amount of car per dollar is the all-wheel drive LT with the $1,200 Safety and Infotainment package and the $1,595 Confidence & Convenience package, which adds the upgrades that matter such as heated and cooled front cloth seats, the larger infotainment screen, Chevy’s excellent 360-degree surround camera system, radar-guided cruise control, a heated steering wheel, front and rear park assist, remote start, a power liftgate and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Leather and the Bose seven-speaker premium audio system require jumping to the more expensive RS, which when equipped to similar levels, can exceed $35,000, even with GM’s immediate $1,000 discount. With a new fourth-generation Equinox around the corner, however, you may be able to swing a nice deal on some leftover inventory.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is not an expensive car to insure and is in line with most of its peers. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium starting at $1,856 and goes up to $1,930, though this averages all 50 states. Similar EVs fall within a certain price range. A Kia Sportage owner might pay $1,830 per year, while the Mazda CX-5  is $1,807 and the Honda CR-V starts around $1,722 to start. For a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.