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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  Not bad? - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By vonirkinshtine - April 21 - 2:34 pm

  My wife and I were drawn to the Equinox by all the advertised features packed into a compact SUV. The exterior styling is nice, and the interior fits both her (51") and me (61") just fine. The rear seats leave plenty of room for actual adults or a substantial excursion to the home improvement store. But, with 8000 miles this thing makes all sorts of odd noises. Something in the back is making some sort of rhythmic popping noise, and the seat belt tensioner sounds like the Tin Man. Overall I question the longevity of this SUV. The transmission does whatever it wants, and it makes odd noises when you crank it. Oh, and 32mpg? On what planet?

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  Love It - 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
  By stacies - April 21 - 2:12 pm

  The 4-cylinder does not have a lot of power, but I dont "gun it" when taking off from a stop. My average gas mileage to and from work is about 27 mpg. I love the design and the ride of this vehicle. Some may get poor gas mileage because they are trying to push the 4 cylinder too much. Just go easy on the accelerator and your mpg will increase.

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  Bummer MPG - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By tismb - April 14 - 9:15 am

  I did a lot of research before I purchased my 2011 Equinox. I trusted the ratings, most notably the mpg as stated on Edmunds and USNews. I think Im averaging around 22 mpg, when I anticipated much, much more!! The stated 32 mpg for highway driving was the deciding factor in my selection and, despite having taken a few road trips, I have not come close to that number. I thought this was maybe a mechanical problem until I read the other reviews. While I love the vehicle, I have been majorly disappointed in the gas mileage.

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  Seems Okay After 2100 miles - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By lazy_bones - April 14 - 9:07 am

  I came to the Equinox from a 2005 Cadillac CTS. While the old car was a Caddy, it WAS 7 years old. It had the 3.6L, and got 25 mpg everywhere. It had features that this Nox hasnt even thought of - easy tilt control, large voice vocabulary, better rear and side vision. I get around 26-27 mpg with my 4-cyl, but have already almost had two accidents because I didnt see other cars in my two blind spots (the Caddy wasnt blind in these areas, so I guess I have to learn all over again). It handles and rides very well, and I like the remote start and power lift-gate. Radio controls hard to reach from the drivers seat.

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  Just a car - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By kayldee - April 12 - 8:50 am

  Headlights, whats with the headlights? They are mounted so far inside the fender and trim that the top of the light is cut off. In the city, not a problem, but in rural hilly areas you might as well drive with no headlights. You can only see a couple of car lengths ahead. Deer or people on the road, totally invisible. I sold a 2010 Camaro because of this. You couldnt see to drive it at night. I have a friend with a Lincoln MKz and she has the same problem. So far, so good mechanically. But the Equinox is ugly! Looks like it is nose diving down the road. It doesnt appear to sit level when parked. Really ugly. The rear shocks, struts or whatever need lowering.

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  Too many problems - 2006 Chevrolet Equinox
  By irritated2011 - April 10 - 11:31 pm

  I bought the car off of someone who still had all receipts from maintinence and was told that there were little to no problems. However, Im discovering that this car isnt that great. First off- the center console. If stuff falls between the seats, have fun getting it back. Next, location of cupholders isnt great. The power jack (cigarette lighter) is in an awkward place, too. Sometimes when I start it, I have to tap the gas. Also, had brakes replaced/worked on probably 5 times, starting off with a tapping noise when stopping and a HORRIFFIC grinding noise when stopping in reverse. Ive only seen one other review about that.

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  shafted by gm - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By noxsucksthegas - April 6 - 8:41 pm

  like most everyone here iam going to talk about the piss poor mpg . like some i have talked with gm @ 1-800-790-5700 for the past mounth 1/2 . just to find out that my nox is in the avg. est. fuel rateing at normaly 23.5 on the hiway which i disagree because thats just above city avg. on hwy. driving . my opinion gm has a problem with that 4cly. or maybe they shouldnt put that 4 cly. in the equinox. anyway they wont admitt they are wrong. the new redesigned gm that runs deep SUCKS. the old gm whould at least listen and try to help you. out with the old in with the new.

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  Nice vehicle--phoney gas mileage ratings - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By cmomm - April 1 - 12:20 am

  Only have 400 mi on Nox but drives well, good enough speed for a 4 cyl AWD SUV (no racecar)---nice seats, interior in general but poor rear visibility-must use mirrors and carefully watch the lane changes and backups-have a 2000 LeSabre Limited with 86K that gets good mph in town 20-21 and better over the road 28-31-maybe Nox will do better after 3-5K miles on it-bunch of hype to put the 4cyl in and give a phony mileage rating to sell cars but everbody lies today---however, I need the AWD for the winters in PA and rear space is handy to carry things - bought it since I am an old WW2 vet and have a 56" replica of my ship to take to reunions, etc. which would not fit in car-price fair overal

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  A good buy! - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By grammajamma - March 27 - 9:04 pm

  I started researching crossover SUVs in Aug.2010 and immediately liked what I learned about the Equinox. Out of 7 vehicles I drove the Nox was #6 and I was in love. Initially, I wanted a FWD, for the mileage, bought decided on AWD. Since the purchase we have experienced a freak snow/ice storm took it on a 3200 mile trip and got caught in another snow storm on Mt. Shasta. In both instances the car handled beautifully. Im glad I settled on AWD. On our trip we averaged 25.1, getting 26.5 highway. City driving is different I get about 18.5. I knew Id lose mpg with AWD. The car is sturdy, quiet, and fun. Love it!

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  Beautiful Vehicle - 2011 Chevrolet Equinox
  By chelerae - March 22 - 9:53 pm

  After much research and test driving the Edge, Equinox & Santa Fe it was a no brainer. The Equinox was the only one that I fell in love with immediately after driving. This car looks like a million bucks. The seats are very comfortable and the entire inside has a very luxurious feel. The car handles well. It feels like a strong solid car if that makes sense. It shifts smoothly. Its an absolute pleasure to drive. There is almost no outside noise in the cabin. I agree that the gas mileage isnt great. The cargo space is adequate for grocery shopping and the like. If you are looking for affordable luxury check this car out. I fall in love every time I turn the key!