Overview & Reviews

Part of a growing segment of plus-sized small crossover SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox splits the difference between compact and midsize utility vehicles and offers roomy accommodations in a five-passenger layout. Like other vehicles in its class, the Equinox emphasizes style, amenities and day-to-day practicality over more traditional SUV attributes. In short, the Chevy Equinox is a fine choice for commuting to work or transporting pets, but it's not suited for towing, or anything more rugged than a gravel road.

Although the Equinox has always had a roomy interior and an easy-driving nature, the plain styling and low-quality interior materials in earlier models are none too impressive by today's standards. Later versions of this Chevrolet crossover have made big strides in quality and are available with more desirable features and engine choices.

User Reviews:

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  Costs are skyrocketing! Not reliable. - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By jbug5 - July 3 - 7:34 pm

  Got my 2010 equinox in Nov 2010, new. I didnt have the engine problems early. However in the last year, I have been back to the dealer a number of times. We live far from work, so it already has 110,000 miles, that means no more warranty and more out of pocket costs. The latest item to go is my stereo. The stereo includes the navigation, clock, radio, iPod hookup, Bluetooth, backup camera. Cost from the dealer to replace $1300! Dealer suggested I get an after market radio...but couldnt tell me if all the other stuff would work. Probably trade it in very soon. My last car, 1997 Audi a4, just kept on going...engine finally gave up at 225,000 and after 13 years. Now thats reliability.

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  Not what I expected! - 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  By algoma - June 29 - 6:33 pm

  Even the blind spot mirrors dont really help. The blind spots are still there, especially with the design in the back. If the back seat head rests arent in your blind spots, then its the blindness from not being able to see out the rear windows. There is also a hesitation with the engine when driving down the road. I wish I had my the van I traded this in for. I have driven earlier models of the Equinox before, and the blindspots arent an issue like they are with this model. Not happy with the gas mileage either. The interior isnt roomy when it comes the front seating area. If you drop something in between, you might as well forget about getting it back.

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  Where do I start - 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  By stmyers - June 28 - 11:49 pm

  I have a 2012 LTZ equinox with 14k miles, I can not count the times I have had to take it in for problems. This past week, my check engine light came on. Dealer said it has to do with the air filter we put in (k&n) we replaced the filter back to the orig. one and the light came on again. Called a different dealer and they said they were too busy to get my car in for at least two days... Do I just drive the car around with the check engine light on? Then, Today, I went to use my remote start and the remote start is not working. For as much as they cost, you think GM would get it right the first or second time... Im very disappointed with GM and more so with the dealership I purchased the car

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  Sad owner of an Equinox 2010 - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By maggienky - June 25 - 10:04 am

  I love this car but wait, if only the performance matched every thing else. It rides good, seats are fantastic, love the way it looks, has all kinds of room and has all kinds of problems. In the three years I have owned it, it has been in the shop at least 12 times and towed twice. They just replaced the engine after so many other problems. And now the transmission is giving me trouble.

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  Poor Reliability Packaged in Comfortable Riding Vehicle - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By goldilocks2 - June 24 - 6:08 am

  Purchased brand new 2010 Chevy Equinox LT2 in March 2010. I had no problems with the car until 47,000 miles and then began to experience same engine problems reported by many owners on the Edmunds.com 2010 Chevrolet Equinox forum discussion: Rough sounding engine, threatening to stall when driving less than 20 mph or was idling. Dealer service center replaced drivetrain under warranty and air conditioner compressor. At 62,000 miles, needed 2nd drive train, so new dealer service center replaced engine. Now engine appears to work, but windshield wiper transmission blew at 69,000 miles, and actuator in air/heat unit needs replaced. This car is poor quality, but good ride. It is a money pit.

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  Good Overall Value and Style - 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  By wavesherwood - June 23 - 1:24 pm

  Great versatility. Beautiful vehicle in and out. Only problem we have had so far is the rough engine idle which dealer says is unduplicatable but they did update computer program. that helped some, but we are still experiencing some intermittent rough engine idle especially when sitting at stoplights. Blind spots and camera depth perception makes backing up tricky.

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  FM reception is bad. Disappointing fuel economy. - 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  By fattylumpkin - June 10 - 3:04 am

  The FM radio on this vehicle is terrible. I took it into the shop 1 week after I purchased it brand new in June 2012. I was told that the radio fading in an out was a known issue that would be resolved with an update to the radio within a couple of months. A couple of months went by and the dealer told me that it was not available yet. It has now been a year!! Very disappointing that they can not get something as simple as a radio done right. The fuel economy for me has maxed out at 25 MPG. That was on a 200 mile trip with the cruise control set at 62 mph for the entire trip. Around town, I get about 22 - 24 MPG. Is there such a thing as false advertising when it comes to this?

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  Happy except for reliability - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By cycledan - June 4 - 1:57 pm

  Have 40,000 miles on the Equinox now. I have no complaints about the gas mileage and dont really care. Blue tooth, radio controls seats are all fine. It is an SUV, not a sports car but given that, I am happy with the ride. However (you knew that was coming) it is now at the dealer for the 3rd time to fix a major transmission problem. It is still under the drive train warranty luckily and we get a free rental. Service department is nice enough. But it is awful to have the car break down in the middle of rush hour traffic in the left lane of the highway. Dont know how common transmission problems are in this car but we got a lemon. I am going to insist they replace the whole transmission.

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  Undecided on how I feel about the purchase - 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
  By stmyers - May 28 - 11:53 am

  I hate how the steering wheel covers up the ac vents, could have designed it better. I have a 2013 with 13k miles, the black granite color. I have had to take it in once already because the paint has bubbled and now I’m taking it in again for the same paint bubbles, just in a different location. My equinox is a 4cy and I only get, at most 25 mpg and the dealer cannot explain why, I drive on open road, not much stop and go traffic. Just recently my brakes have started making a horrible sound. I have had to take it in multiple times for the electronics, all to do with the radio / navigation. I really liked the design of the car, for the most part.

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  Everything we expected - 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
  By hugheskirby - May 27 - 3:44 pm

  We bought our 2013 2LT 2 months ago and just love it! We have 2000 miles on it now and have recorded a best of 33.9 miles/gallon on our second road trip. I like the "eco" mode as it really helps get better mileage. I have also towed our small utility trailer to pick up some gardening items and a tree to plant and was very surprised at how easily it pulled the trailer.