What's New
- New Leather package on the LT trim
- Dropped the optional 2.0-liter gasoline engine option
- Virtually a carryover model for 2021
Pros & Cons
- Stylish exterior
- Five-Safety rating from NHTSA
- Reasonably roomy interior
- Refreshed 2022 model will become available in Q3 of 2021
- Interior materials a mixed bag in terms of quality and feel
- Desirable Premium trim price firmly in Blazer and Traverse territory
Chevrolet Equinox Overview
Not too big, not too small, the Equinox is the Goldilocks of Chevrolet’s extensive crossover lineup, making it one of the American manufacturer’s best-selling vehicles of all time. Essentially a carryover for the 2021 model year, a refreshed 2022 Equinox will debut in late 2021.
Available in four trims—L, LS, LT and Premier—all utilize a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine rated for 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic as the sole transmission option, the Equinox is rated to tow up to 1,500 pounds. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available for an additional $1600. EPA Fuel economy estimates for the Equinox are 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. All-wheel drive versions come in one-mpg less in all measures.
Standard cabin tech includes a seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB connectivity, and an auxiliary input jack. GM’s 4G LTE–powered onboard Wi-Fi is also standard (data plan required), giving parents a tool to help their children fend off boredom on extended drives. In addition, the interior provides 40.9 inches of legroom in the front and 39.9 inches in the second row, figures that trail those of the Ford Escape (42.4 and 40.7) and Honda CR-V (41.3 and 40.4). Unfortunately, a third row isn’t available in the Equinox, which means the cargo area can accommodate up to 29.9 cubic-feet of gear with the second row in place, and up to 63.9 cubic-feet of storage with them folded flat. Again, it lags a tad behind Escape (37.5 and 64.4) and CR-V (39.2 and 75.8), but it’s a difference few will notice in the real world.
Awarded a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick plus (when equipped with the standard HID headlamps) from the IIHS and equipped with standard Teen Driver monitoring technology, the Equinox’s core safety attributes are impressive. The available OnStar system adds another level of reassurance and makes Equinox a must-look option for individuals and families in the market for a compact SUV.
Trim Specifications
The L, LS, and LT trims are tightly grouped in price and feature a comprehensive array of standard tech and safety features. Notable standard equipment includes cruise control, keyless entry, pushbutton start, power windows and locks, steering wheel-mounted controls, seven-inch touch screen, Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and numerous active safety features, including automatic forward emergency warning and braking with pedestrian detection assistance, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance and more.
The base L ($24,995 MSRP including $1195 destination) forgoes a genuine spare tire and wheel, instead substituting a tire inflator kit. The LS trim ($27,995 MSRP including $1195 destination) adds a 16-inch spare tire and jack with tools, carpeted rear floor mats and few additional cosmetic tweaks and opens the door to ordering some items ala carte.
The LT trim ($28,795 MSRP including $1195 destination) is the sweet-spot of the lineup, bringing tinted rear windows, body-colored exterior mirror caps, upgraded headlamps, a 4.2-inch driver information instrument screen in the instrument panel, an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar adjustment, SiriusXM satellite radio and other minor upgrades. In addition, the optional Confidence and Convenience package ($2,045) becomes available on the LT, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated driver and front passenger seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and some advanced driver assistance tech. The and the Infotainment package ($745) adds navigation and other features.
The Premier edition ($32,695 MSRP including $1195 destination) builds on the LT trim but swaps in 18-inch alloy wheels for the 17-inchers, a hands-free automatic tailgate, chrome roof rails, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, an eight-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging among its many standard features. The Driver Convenience package becomes available that includes a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control and more. Adding four-wheel drive is $1600 on all trims.
Warranty
3 Years/36,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles
Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years/100,000 Miles
3 Years/36,000 Miles
Rust-Through
6 Years/100,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles
Qualified Fleet Purchases: 5 Years/100,000 Miles
1 Year/1 Visit