
The front-drive Equinox we tested on our 75-mph fuel-economy route returned 32 mpg. Adding all-wheel drive reduces ratings by 2 and 1 mpg, respectively. The EPA estimates that the front-wheel-drive Equinox will earn 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The engine makes 175 horsepower, and when paired with the optional (and heavier) all-wheel-drive system (front-wheel drive is standard), it takes a heavy foot to hustle the Equinox up to highway speeds. Underpowered and frequently out of breath, the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder won't win any fans with its sluggish performance, and it's the sole offering for the Equinox. You can get similar content in an LT by adding the Confidence and Convenience packages, but we prefer the darkened trim of the RS and think it justifies the price difference between the two. Its standard features include blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate, rear cross-traffic alert, and remote start. Of course, that's still not enough to make the Equinox a contender in this hotly contested class, but folks who want an SUV with a bow-tie badge should have no problem finding one at a fair price.Īlthough the Equinox lineup includes a value-packed base LS model as well as the Premier–which sits at the top of the pecking order–we'd opt for the mid-grade RS. The interior design and materials aren't inspiring, but it has plenty of passenger space and desirable infotainment features. Despite pokey acceleration, the Equinox drives and rides quite well compared with its peers. Keep in mind the 2024 Chevy Equinox is starting to show its age and offers only an underpowered 175-hp turbo four with an unremarkable automatic transmission and an unintuitive optional all-wheel-drive system. Meanwhile, segment leaders such as the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-50 can cost upwards of $40K.

No, the Equinox's popularity has more to do with its availability and affordable pricing, with a fully loaded version starting at just over $33K. There's a reason the Equinox is the best-selling Chevrolet nameplate behind the Silverado pickup truck-but it's not because the compact SUV is especially compelling.
