The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact model with a nice look and a roomy interior.
Choices abound for Chevrolet Equinox shoppers as this small crossover offers more engine options than most. But if you want the diesel, you’ll have to shop the 2019 model as this slow-selling engine won’t return for the third year.
A long and drawn-out labor strike this fall means the 2020 Equinox’s arrival is delayed. The good news for the new model is that the base price is still $23,800 plus destination. A fully-loaded model with all the trimmings will cost about $39,000 before discounts. You’ll want to cross-shop the Chevrolet with the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, and a host of other models to gauge the segment.
Pleasing Pattern
The Chevy Equinox has a pleasing look, with its gaping grille punctuated by the brand’s trademark logo. The upgradeable lights on the top-of-the-line Premier trim impart elegance as they sweep to the sides.
Multiple curvy lines and body sculpting dress the profile, while the rear is marked by wraparound windows and oversized tail lamps. All models have aluminum wheels wrapped within Michelin tires.
Inside, the cabin offers ample room for four and adequate space for five in a pinch. The materials are average for the segment, with soft-touch materials, hard plastics, and cloth-covered seats present. Fully loaded models have leather seats with available heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Cargo space measures 30 cubic feet behind the rear folding seat and easily doubles that with the seat folded. That’s about the same as the Hyundai Tucson, but less than the Nissan Rogue.
Tech and Safety Features
We give Equinox high marks for its standard 7-inch touch-screen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and WiFi hotspot capability. Bluetooth and a six-speaker audio system are included. The list of upgrades includes a Bose audio system.
On the safety front, automatic high beams and automatic emergency braking come standard. Many of the other driver-assist features are standard or included in a package upgrade on all but the base trim. Here, you’ll find such features as lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking assist. Oddly, adaptive cruise control is bundled with heated rear outboard seats and a few other features as part of a $1,650 upgrade on the Premier trim. Some competing vehicles, such as the Toyota RAV4, include it as standard equipment.
Chevrolet Equinox Engine Choices
When Chevrolet rolled out the second-generation Equinox in 2018, a diesel option became possible. At the time, it was the only model in the segment with this engine choice, and like the base gas engine, it works with a six-speed automatic transmission. With an output of 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, the Equinox is also very efficient, making an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.
The standard engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine with 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Furthermore, like the other two choices, power is sent to the front wheels or all four wheels.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is one of the most powerful ones in this segment, as it delivers 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It works with a 9-speed automatic transmission that doesn’t shift as smoothly as the six-speed. ‘
Among the Equinox’s attributes are its light, but accurate steering, nimble handling, and a comfortable ride. If towing a camper is your thing, the larger of the two gas engines pulls up to 3,500 pounds.
Chevrolet Equinox Equilibrium
The Chevy Equinox offers a fitting balance between the smaller Trax and the midsize Blazer, and is one of six utility vehicles offered by this bow-tie brand. The base L trim lacks the available color choices and driver-assist features offered elsewhere, while the three other trims cover the gamut of everything else we expect in an SUV.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox Specifications
| Chevrolet | 2020 Equinox |
|---|---|
| Segment | Compact SUV |
| Price Range | From $23,800 |
| Destination Charge | $1,195 |
| Engine No. 1 | 1.5-liter, Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 170 @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 203 @ 2,500 to 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Engine No. 2 | 2.0-liter, Turbo I4 |
| Horsepower | 252 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 260 @ 2,500 to 4,500 |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,254 to 3,665 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 107.3 |
| Length (inches) | 183.1 |
| Width (inches) | 72.6 |
| Height (inches) | 65.4 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 40.0, 38.5 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 40.9, 39.9 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 57.2, 55.5 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 54.2, 51.7 |
| Storage (bed length) | 29.9/63.9 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | NR |
| Towing (pounds) | 3,500 |
| Payload (pounds) | NR |
| Fuel | regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 14.9 (FWD); 15.6 (AWD) |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 26/31/28; 22/29/24 |
| Manufacturing Plant | Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada |
Specifications supplied by the manufacturer. Compiled by Tom Keegan.
See Also — Blazing New Paths With the Chevrolet Trailblazer
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