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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  Edmunds is out of their minds. - 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Justin - August 22 - 11:16 am

  We came from a 2013 base model LS Equinox that was a lease. As low rent as it was the features for the time were impressive and lacked nothing we really wanted. Its glaring weakness was the 2.4 engine that always had to be beaten hard to get anywhere and we didnt have AWD or leather which we wanted on the next car. I tried to get another car, I tested the CR-V which rode harshly and was loud inside with a terrible radio set up but did have the great magic seats, Honda does do a great interior. Still we almost bought it till we learned about the cvt vibration problems that most owners have, dodged a bullet on that. The CX-5 Mazda...I just dont get Edmunds praise, its a lot of money for a bumpy, harsh and noisy ride with poor interior space and a center stack that is unreadable in motion. Neither of these was especially quick compared to the 4cyl Equinox either and the rear seat room for people on the Chevy is unbeatable, its limosine levels of legroom. So we got a v6 LTZ AWD and it was love at first drive. The acceleration is much better than the 2.4, taking care of our major issue with our 2013. It drives how I want the family truckster to drive, smooth ride, relaxed and quiet with plenty of get up and go. Why Edmunds praises jittery and stiff rides in a family car I cant comprehend, its not a track day machine guys and nobody wants their kids, or dogs, puking in the back because of the ride. The Equinox is secure handling and predictable, never feels dangerous and can be driven all day without penalty to your body or ears. The LTZ v6 suspension is a bit firmer than our 2013 but not painfully and has real hydraulic steering with much better feel and feedback than the electric units most common today including in the 4cyl Equinox. My only issues with our new Chevy is the warning signal overload. I like the mirror light blind spot warnings and the backing up cross traffic alert but the frontal collision alarm goes off at random sometimes, first time almost made me stain the new leather so it was disabled very quickly, at least you can turn it off. The lane change warning has never been turned on because besides being annoying its dangerous. If I have to swerve to avoid something I dont want to be confused if the alarm going off is because there is a car in my blindspot or just because I am crossing a lane line. At least it does not have any automatic braking features. It may sound callous but Id rather risk mowing someone down than having the system misread a road shadow or raccoon, slam on the brakes and get me rear ended by a bus killing everyone in the car. So take Edmunds review with a grain of salt, think about how you want your family and crap hauler to be used. You want safe, quiet and comfortable or a track day special that rides like a 69 Scout? Its as bad as Consumer Reports riding down on the Jeep Wrangler every year because it doesnt ride like a Cadillac, they cant review a car for what it is intended to do only what they believe the only acceptable car is. To them every degree deviation from Honda Accord is a point off, regardless of what that car is intended to do. Edmunds seems to do the same but perhaps their benchmark is the MX-5 Miata.

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  Bermuda green in WI - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Leah - August 18 - 2:23 am

  The Equinox has great leg room for back seat passengers- my 3 kids fit just fine and will for some time. Also like that 2 of them fit along side a booster seat. Dont like that they got rid of the cargo shelf, would have liked to have one. Think that since the roof rails are standard the cross bars shoudl be as well- not a $150 add on. Overall though, I really like the car and how it drives.

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  05 Nox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By shaspa81 - August 17 - 3:40 pm

  I do like my 05 Equinox, but on a long trip my family took, the comfort wasnt the best. There was plenty of room, but I have always had passenger cars which have the seats mounted lower to the floor. I am sure this is the reason for my discomfort on our long trip. The motor could use a bit more power. Even on local highways, the transmission downshifts when going up hills.

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  Surprised and Pleased - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By GMjoe - August 16 - 12:43 pm

  I purchased this SUV as a replacement for a rapidly declining/dead Olds. It has really surprised me how much I like it. It is great on the road, I see 22 mpg hwy and 16-18 city. The interior space is ample and very usable. I find it more usefull than my GMC long bed for many applications. This is the first car I have ever purchased that did not have any entries in the option side of the sticker. I have since added a trailer hitch and have been pleased with the towing performance with my sailboat. So far not one problem. Knock on wood!

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  MPG - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By rgeida - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This would be a great vehicle except for the fact that with only less than 2000 mile we hav never gotten more than 16 mpg. Vehicle was rated for 19/25. That is just not true.....

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  great so far and in snow too - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By jtny1 - August 12 - 7:51 pm

  i had a 2010 subaru legacy which I loved very much, but missed having a suv and being higher up. It was very dependable and got outstanding gas milleage for its size, etc. The cvt transmission was great, pick up good, etc. I got rid of it because of the want for an suv again and it was not as good in snow as old subarus. They blamed the tires, I say if a new car with awd needs better tires then the manufacturer should be ashamed of themself. Dont get me wrong it was ok in snow but not like it should be. Now on to my new equinox. It has been a llittle bull dog in the snow with the awd. So far it has done little to none slipping in the snow, etc. For this I am so very happy up in the north where I like the feel of a sure fitter awd vehicle. So, high ratings for the awd and tires, etc. Nice job gm!. The 4 cly takes a little getting use to, it does whine when pushed but it gets up to speed quicker than you think it is. I notice you feel like its not getting up to speed but then you look at the spped and its at 40 mph quick. The shifting is smooth but between shifts it does like a leg as if engine just died for a half second, but it is something you just have to get use too and it actually is ok when you figure it out. I like keeping it on economy mode it shifts faster than not having it on (so engine whines less) So what I am saying is its nto a race car and engine feels a little diffrent but I am already getting use to it and am thiniing it will be fine. Milleage so far is about 18 mixed dirving which is not good for a 4 banger but it is very cold here and that usually takes down milleage about 4 to 5 mpg. As others have stated there are bling spots but most have them and it is just something you have to adjust to with any new vehicle. The seats are very very comfortable, much more than the subaru. Maybe its the being higher up but I feel they are nice. The electronics and set up are superb. The on star with turn by turn directions is fantastic, so much so I will continure to pay for it after the intrductory offer (some thing else I missed when I had the subaru) I like to have on star its that added saftey feel. They are always nice when I have called and the direction not only talk to you but it displays on the radio or dash board which way to tuen and when-so cool, so advanced!! The information system is awesome fantastic. Tire pressure, mpg, etc. etc. etc. so nice. It also has a compas and outside temp. The standard radio is very nice to me. Sounds nice and the xm radio is wonderful (something subaru did not offer and was 500 plus dollars to have installed into the radio) It is very room inside with nice storage compartments and the middle consel is amazing how deep it goes, it could really fit a small laptop. The heat is very hot and heats up quick I have not put it past 2 setting yet and its been 20 degrees of less here. Like the remote start, and wanted heated seats but was not avaialbe on the 1 lt. Funny thoughI dont miss it yet (sure i would like it) but the seats just feel warmer than the subaru so its ok so far. The seating position is nice and easy to get set up to your liking. Now if it is reliable and good I wil lgive it a 9.5 out of 10. Really wanted to be up high again, got that, wanted good in snow, got that, wanted nice room in side got that, a decent look, got that, good milleage is to be determined. If I had the choice to get this or the subaru again I would hand down get the equinox, subaru was a nice looking great car but I dont want a sedan and my equinox is doing better int he snow, hope this helps some readers

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  I love my Black Eauniox - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Jessica - August 12 - 6:16 am

  I was totally against buying a new SUV, but my Dad told me to check out the car on the internet and then make a decison. Well I was really liked the style of the car, it actually look likes the Acura SUV I wanted but could not afford. Well we went over to the dealership I test drove the car and I like this car so much that 4 of my neighbors on my block bought one two

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  The best SUV for its cost - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Desiree Petraro - August 10 - 5:23 pm

  I cant say enough about the Equinox. It is an extremely smooth & comfortable ride. The tinted rear windows are a great feature for those with children. I love the compass & temperature built right into the mirror. A++++

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  Awesome! - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By S900C903 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Awesome SUV! Handles great, a couple of blind spots, but you have the mirrors to look at. Comfortable, but not crazy about the fabric of the seats. Doesnt seem to be really "kid" friendly fabric. The car itself easily fits 2 full size car seats with plenty of room to spare. Can fit 2 adults and a car seat in the middle, in the back seat. Very roomy interior, smaller cargo space in the back, but having the moving back seat makes up for it. I love this car! Highly recommend!!

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  Great Performance for Small SUV - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By Wolverine - August 4 - 8:23 am

  Did a lot of research, loved the look of exterior on new Equinox. Drove it and loved it. Has power when you want it, enough to pass others on highway. Good mileage on highway- very mediocre in city driving. Love the look of the inside, very ergonomic. My wife (50") hates the front passenger seat, claims its uncomfortable on her hips- not sure if thats a height thing. Overall a wonderful small suv.