When you’re shopping for a compact SUV, a common question arises: is chevrolet equinox a good car? Many families evaluate the Chevrolet Equinox based on its reliable safety ratings and comfortable interior room. This review will give you a clear, detailed look at its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
We’ll examine everything from performance and fuel economy to cargo space and technology. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of whether the Equinox fits your lifestyle and budget.
Is Chevrolet Equinox A Good Car
The Chevrolet Equinox is a good car for buyers who prioritize practicality, comfort, and value. It stands out with its spacious cabin, smooth ride, and strong suite of standard safety features. However, it may not be the best choice if you seek thrilling performance or the most upscale interior in its class.
Its overall goodness depends heavily on what you compare it to and what you value most. For daily commuting and family hauling, it often hits the mark.
Key Strengths Of The Chevrolet Equinox
- Excellent fuel economy from the turbocharged engine
- Roomy and comfortable seating for five
- High safety scores and many driver aids come standard
- User-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Competitive pricing and strong value proposition
Potential Drawbacks To Consider
- Engine can feel underpowered, especially during acceleration
- Interior materials are durable but not particularly luxurious
- Some rivals offer more engaging handling dynamics
- Cargo space is good but not class-leading
- FWD Models: 26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- AWD Models: 25 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration
- Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming
- Six-speaker audio system (premium Bose audio is optional)
- Multiple USB ports for front and rear passengers
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Following Distance Indicator
- IntelliBeam automatic high beams
- Maximizing fuel efficiency for a gasoline-powered SUV.
- Needing a comfortable, spacious back seat for passengers.
- Wanting a comprehensive set of safety features without paying extra.
- Seeking a calm, easy-to-drive vehicle for daily commutes and family trips.
- Sticking to a sensible budget while getting a lot of standard equipment.
- Desire spirited performance or engaging driving dynamics.
- Prioritize the highest possible predicted reliability scores.
- Need maximum cargo capacity in the compact SUV class.
- Prefer a cabin with more upscale, soft-touch materials.
- Are specifically looking for a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Performance And Engine Options
The current Equinox offers a single engine choice: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It produces 175 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available.
This setup prioritizes efficiency over excitement. The engine is adequate for merging and highway cruising, but full-throttle acceleration can feel sluggish. The transmission shifts smoothly, contributing to the calm driving experience.
Fuel Economy Ratings
The Equinox’s fuel efficiency is a major selling point. Here are the EPA estimates:
In real-world mixed driving, many owners report achieving figures close to these estimates, which is a strong point for budget-conscious drivers.
Interior Comfort And Space
Step inside the Equinox, and you’ll find a thoughtfully designed cabin. The front seats offer good support for long trips. Rear-seat legroom is impressive, easily accommodating adults. The rear seats also slide and recline, adding to passenger comfort.
The materials are hard-wearing and easy to clean, making it ideal for families with kids or pets. While some competitors use softer-touch plastics, the Equinox focuses on durability and function.
Cargo And Storage Practicality
With the rear seats up, the Equinox provides 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the 60/40-split rear seats down, and that expands to 63.9 cubic feet. The load floor is flat, making it easy to slide items in and out.
Small-item storage is also plentiful, with a deep center console, large door bins, and a useful area under the center armrest.
Technology And Infotainment Features
Every Equinox comes with Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system. It features a 7-inch touchscreen (an 8-inch screen is available on higher trims). The system is responsive and the menu layout is logical.
Standard connectivity includes:
Available upgrades include built-in navigation, a wireless charging pad, and HD Radio. The system isn’t the flashiest, but it gets the job done without a steep learning curve.
Safety Features And Crash Ratings
Safety is a highlight for the Equinox. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it top marks in most crash tests, naming it a Top Safety Pick when equipped with specific headlights.
Chevrolet bundles many advanced driver-assistance systems under the standard Chevrolet Safety Assist package:
Higher trims add blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view parking camera system.
Reliability And Ownership Costs
Predicted reliability scores for the Equinox are about average for the compact SUV segment. It comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Routine maintenance costs are reasonable and in line with competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Its strong fuel economy helps keep long-term running costs down, which is a significant factor for many owners.
Trim Levels And Value Comparison
The Equinox is offered in several trims: L, LS, LT, and Premier. Even the base L trim is well-equipped with the key safety suite and infotainment features. The LT trim often represents the best value, adding desirable comforts like a power driver’s seat and dual-zone climate control.
The range-topping Premier trim includes leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and more advanced safety tech. When comparing value, the Equinox frequently undercuts similarly equipped Japanese rivals on price, offering more features for the money.
How It Compares To Key Rivals
To truly answer “is the Chevrolet Equinox a good car,” you need to see how it stacks up against the competition.
Chevrolet Equinox vs. Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V often has more powerful engine options and slightly more refined interior materials. Its cargo space is also a bit larger. However, the Equinox can have a price advantage and its standard safety feature list is very competitive.
Chevrolet Equinox vs. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 boasts legendary reliability and available hybrid powertrains with exceptional fuel economy. The RAV4’s styling is more rugged. The Equinox counters with a quieter, more compliant ride and often more intuitive technology interfaces.
Chevrolet Equinox vs. Ford Escape
The Ford Escape offers sportier handling and more potent engine choices, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. The Equinox generally provides a softer ride and a more spacious feeling rear seat. Initial pricing can favor the Equinox.
Who Should Buy The Chevrolet Equinox?
The Equinox is an excellent fit for a specific type of driver. Consider it if your priorities are:
Who Might Want To Look Elsewhere?
You might prefer another model if you:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevrolet Equinox reliable?
The Equinox has average predicted reliability ratings. It’s not class-leading like some Toyota or Honda models, but it also isn’t known for major, widespread problems. Proper maintenance is key to long-term durability.
What are common problems with the Chevrolet Equinox?
Some model years have had issues reported. These can include minor electrical gremlins, premature brake wear, and occasional problems with the infotainment system freezing. Researching the specific model year you’re considering is always wise.
How many miles can a Chevrolet Equinox last?
With consistent and proper maintenance, a Chevrolet Equinox can reliably reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles. There are many examples on the road with high mileage, demonstrating their potential longevity.
Is the Chevy Equinox good in snow?
When equipped with the available all-wheel-drive system and a good set of winter tires, the Equinox performs competently in snow and icy conditions. The standard stability control and traction management systems also provide assistance.
Is the Equinox or Trax better?
The Equinox and Trax (or new Trailblazer) serve different needs. The Equinox is larger, offering more passenger and cargo space, a more powerful engine, and a smoother ride. The Trax/Trailblazer is smaller, more affordable, and suited for city driving where its size is an advantage.
Final Verdict
So, is the Chevrolet Equinox a good car? The answer is a qualified yes. It excels as a practical, comfortable, and safe family hauler with standout fuel economy. Its value proposition is strong, offering a lot of standard content for the money.
It makes the most sense for drivers who value day-to-day comfort and efficiency over sporty performance. While it may not top every category, its well-rounded nature and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice in a crowded and competitive market. A thorough test drive against its key rivals will help you confirm if its particular blend of attributes is the right fit for you.