History/Overview
Chevrolet introduced a third generation of its Equinox compact crossover in 2018, giving this model a sleeker appearance and a higher-quality interior.
What's New / Key Changes from Last Year
For 2020, Chevrolet has made many driver assist and active safety features standard in Equinox so that the base model now comes equipped with items formerly option even in top-end trims. An optional diesel engine has been discontinued, a victim of slow sales.
Available Trims
Chevrolet offers the Equinox in LS, LT and Premier trims. LS and LT are powered by a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission, which are upgraded to a more potent 2.0L and a nine-speed in the Premier. LS and LT start with front-wheel drive and can be optioned with AWD; AWD is standard in Premier trim.
Standard Features
LS exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off headlights, body-coloured door handles, heated and power-adjustable side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, and solar absorbing glass.
Standard interior features comprise two 12-volt power outlets, four-way manually adjustable and heated front seats, a six-speaker stereo, WiFi hotspot, active noise cancellation, Bluetooth, USB charging ports, a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, cruise control, passive keyless entry, power door locks and windows, remote engine start, and air conditioning.
Equinox's newly expanded list of standard safety kit includes forward collision alert with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and tire pressure monitoring.
LT trim adds body-colour mirror caps and bright lower window trim, tinted rear glass, HID headlights, a 4.2-inch driver info display, an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar, rear-seat release levers, and overhead sunglasses storage.
Finally, the Premier package comes with 19-inch wheels, body-colour door handles with chrome trim, chrome mirror caps, fog lights, a hands-free power tailgate, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, LED headlights and taillights, trailer hitch cover, a 120-volt power outlet, ambient interior lighting, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, dual-zone automatic climate control, an HD backup camera, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, driver's seat memory, perforated leather upholstery, an integrated garage door opener, blind spot monitoring with lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, and rear park assist.
Key Options
A Driver Confidence II option for Premier trim adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and 360-degree exterior camera views. You can also choose just the surround-view option. Premier can also be had with navigation.
LT comes with a different Driver Confidence II group of rear park assist and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic and lane change alerts.
Fuel Economy
Chevrolet's fuel consumption estimates for the Equinox are 8.9/7.7 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 1.5L engine with FWD and six-speed, and 9.3/8.0 with AWD. The 2.0L/AWD/nine-speed combination is rated 10.9/8.3 L/100 km.
Competition
Equinox's domestic competitors include the mechanically similar GMC Terrain, plus the Ford Escape, Jeep Cherokee, and Dodge Journey.
Korea supplies the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, while Japanese competitors include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5, and Subaru Forester.
The sole German model in this class is the Volkswagen Tiguan.
