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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  Equinox a winner for Chevrolet - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By chevyfan4 - August 27 - 2:55 pm

  I cant help writing about the Equinox since I believe that it is heads and shoulders above the normal Chevy that I have had in the past. There seems to be a lot of dissatisfaction with the gas milage on the 4 cyl, however, I believe that its right on. My highway milage has been 31/33 mpg consistantly, summer or winter. When I say highway I mean just highway. Not going from my home to the highway and not including the ramp, just plain highway at speeds of 65 to 70 mph. Im sure that if I were to travel at 55 it would be even better. When these cars are rated I can assure you that they are put on a track in good weather with no other vehicles around and once up to speed are checked.

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  Nightmare engine issues - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By mcgerm - August 26 - 11:37 pm

  You may want to read some of the experiences of 2011 buyers who are having problems with the 4-cyl engine making noises at startup and stalling. Check out the Edmunds town hall messages. GM has not been so good about getting a solid fix for the 2011′s as best as I can tell from the posts. Maybe they have gotten in front of the issues with the 2012 but I have not been able to find any press releases or statements saying they have. If I had read the Edmunds board before buying my Equinox 3 months ago I would be avoiding the nightmare I am in now.

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  ECO Mode is a bit squirrelly - 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  By pawcoboss - August 22 - 3:42 pm

  Just bought a 4 cylinder Equinox. Have less than 500 miles on it. Good looks, great value, very comfortable, not going to win any races. Mileage claims I knew going in were significantly overstated but thats O.K. 30 years ago I bought a 1981 Cadillac Eldorado with the V-8-6-4 engine. State of the art technology @ the time. The only trouble was that the car seemed to be driving you rather than you driving it since it would decide when to run on 8 or 6 or 4 cylinders. A real technical flop for GM as it was discontinued after one year. Driving the new Equinox in the ECO mode reminded me of this- shifting into 5th or 6th gear and slow to respond on the downshift. Ive since turned it off.

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  Worth the price - 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
  By lanehalli - August 22 - 11:08 am

  I recently purchased a Chevy Equinox base model with the Bluetooth package the only added feature. After nearly 800 miles, I am very happy with my purchase. The Equinox delivers fine performance (even the 4 cylinder moves enough with its smart 6speed transmission). The car steers, brakes and handles with superior results. As for gas mileage, I get around 16 mpg around the city, but 31-32 on moving highways, so I am satisfied. I would think a driver would get around 20 mph around a normal suburban town as the Equinox uses tons of gas starting and stopping in city traffic. The standard features the car is equipped with are more than adequate, as I love the Onstar Navigation and blue-tooth.

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  Digusted with the Equinox - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By cmesmile32 - August 19 - 5:12 pm

  My Equinox just rolled up 3000 miles, it has been in the shop more than it has been on the road. I bought this vehicle for the gas mileage, the window sticker said 32 mpg Hwy, the best I have gotten is 24mpg and I do not drive it hard. I keep getting the excuse from the dealer that there is a lot of ethanol in the gas, so I tried Shell Premium gas and it went to a whopping 26 mpg. The loud start up noise turned into the timing chain being changed, then the cam shaft automaters being changed........needless to say, I have contacted GM and am waiting to see what can be done. This vehicle stalled out on me in traffic and I do not feel safe in it.

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  Very Disappointed Equinox Owners - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By johnnygl - August 18 - 9:57 pm

  The shifting is very eratic and very rarely smooth. The shift between 2nd and 3rd is usually very hard. The hard shifting can lift my back off the seat. It is especially noticable during the first drive of the day even after warming the engine. We also started noticing a hesitation when accelerating between 0 and 20 mph. Then we noticed an abnormal fluttering or shuddering of the engine or transmission while driving in upper gears. This vehicles performance is worthy of a trade-in. To be quite honest, this car has caused my wife and I more anxiety and frustration than it is worth. It is in the shop for the 4th time and all the technicians can say is "we cant find any codes.

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  Good MPG - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By dloimartin - August 17 - 4:38 pm

  I recently traded a 2005 Buick Lacrosse CXS for an Equinox 2LT. Buick was a great car but struggled to get 28 MPG over 60 MPH. Looking for a little better gas mileage and interior room. We travel with friends a lot and my wife has restless leg so back seat room is imperative. The Equinox excels in seating comfort. We now have about 900 miles on the Chevy and took it for a road trip over the weekend. I averaged 31.4 MPG according to the computer. I have the 4 cylinder with the Eco switch. I made sure I used this setting on the trip. If this is to be the norm for this vehicle, we will have a long happy relationship.

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  Excellent vehicle.. questionable mileage - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By evg2 - August 13 - 3:16 pm

  The vehicle has been an excellent purchase. I have had mine for 15 months now and enjoy its comfortable ride. Previously, we had both a Dodge caravan and Nissan Altima. We needed a vehicle that could store more than the Altima and get better gas mileage than the Caravan. Of the many models I researched in this range, the Equinox had the features and qualities we liked the most for our needs. The only complaint we have was the slightly exaggerated MPG rating where it advertised up to 600 miles on a single tank. I have not gotten above 475 miles on a 18.8 gallon tank. it places the Avg MPG at about 26. This is much better than the Caravan. But, it is not anywhere near the "up to 600 miles".

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  Okay SUV - 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
  By ap21ril - August 5 - 6:24 pm

  I bought this used in 2008 with 28,000 miles and just traded it in with 52,300 miles. I liked it and thought it was fun to drive.

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  GREAT CAR - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By oleg5 - August 4 - 9:42 pm

  Had many cars before that! my wife drives 2008 Rav4 and i had 2000 Honda CRV before that. did not had any isues with the car. got it for 6000$ with 90000km. now i have 140000$ and had replaced only back bearing. very good car! geting 22 in a city and about 24-25 on high way! my wifes Rav4(V6) getting 20 in city best!