Are Chevy Equinox Good Cars? Why this Compact Crossover is Great for Utahns

Are Chevy Equinox Good Cars? Why This Compact Crossover is Great for Utahns

The Chevrolet Equinox was recently redesigned, and it now offers even more value than before. Whether you’re looking for a reliable vehicle for your daily commute to work or want to purchase your first EV, the Equinox has a lot to offer.

Compact Crossover

The rugged new ACTIV trim is built for Utah adventures, and the modern technology keeps you connected. We’re going to break down the engine specs, cargo capacity, safety ratings, and new technology features to help you decide if the Chevy Equinox deserves a spot in your driveway.

2026 Chevy Equinox Engine Performance and Cargo Space

The 2026 Chevy Equinox is built for functionality and strikes an impressive balance between performance and efficiency. With great gas mileage and an impressive amount of cargo space for a compact SUV, the Equinox is an ideal daily driver for morning commutes on I-15.

Chevrolet Equinox Engine Specs

The Chevy Equinox features a single engine option, the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine is light, compact, and delivers surprisingly good low-end rpm and amazing fuel economy.

• 1.5L Turbocharged Engine: This four-cylinder engine has 203 lb-ft of torque and 175 horsepower.
• Fuel Efficiency: If you want to save money at the gas pump, the Chevy Equinox has amazing fuel economy. With the help of the CVT (continuous variable transmission) on the front wheel drive (FWD) model, you can expect to get 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
• Available AWD: The Equinox comes standard with FWD, but you can get all-wheel drive on any trim to give you more traction on varied terrain. An AWD Equinox comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
• Towing Capacity: The maximum towing capacity on the Chevrolet Equinox is 1,500 lbs on FWD models. It will be slightly lower on AWD models since the extra parts eat into the vehicle’s GVWR.

Does the Chevy Equinox Engine Have Any Issues?

The 1.5L turbocharged engine in the Chevy Equinox is a reliable engine that is great for daily city driving. Turbocharged engines, especially when paired with a CVT, are going to give you great gas mileage. However, some Equinox owners report that the acceleration of the vehicle is lacking.

Chevy Equinox Cargo Space

The Chevy Equinox is a compact crossover SUV that offers a surprising amount of cargo space. When you fold down the second row of seats, you can get 63.5 cubic feet of cargo volume. For daily driving and errands, there is about 30 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row that can comfortably fit a week’s worth of groceries or luggage for a road trip.

What Are the Different Chevy Equinox Trims?

The 2017-2024 Equinox years came in four different trims, including the L, LS, LT, and Premier. In 2025, Chevrolet streamlined the Chevy Equinox to include 3 distinct trim levels that are customized for different car owners’ needs.

LT Trim

The LT is the base-level trim for the Equinox, and it focuses on offering incredible value and being a comfortable vehicle for daily driving. If you’re looking to get the best value possible on your new vehicle, the Equinox LT is a great contender.

Its exterior design is more reserved than the higher trims, but you’ll get all of the essential technology and functional features you need to make everyday driving safe and convenient.

RS Trim

The RS is the mid-level Equinox trim, and it has a more sporty appearance with a blacked-out grille, mirrors, emblems, and badging, and an available two-toned black roof. It comes with 19-inch machined wheels and red stitching on the seats.

ACTIV Trim

The ACTIV is the highest trim available on the Chevy Equinox and has rugged, adventure-focused styling. The Equinox ACTIV comes standard with AWD and all-terrain tires, making it great for people who have to drive through snow during the winter here in Utah.

Is the Chevy Equinox EV a Good Car?

If you are looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle without a massive price tag, the Chevy Equinox EV is a fantastic choice. It offers a smooth, quiet ride that is perfect for the daily commute from Utah County into Salt Lake City. 

The Equinox EV delivers more torque and horsepower than the standard gas models, which makes it a great choice for people who value quick responsiveness from their vehicle.

Equinox EV Range and Battery

One of the biggest questions that people usually have when they’re considering purchasing their first EV is its range. The Equinox EV has an impressive range with quick charging capabilities.

• FWD Range: On a full charge, the front-wheel-drive model has an EPA-estimated 319 miles of range.
• AWD Range: If you opt for all-wheel drive, the range stays impressive at 307 miles.
• Charging: Using a DC Fast Charger, you can add about 70 miles of range in just 10 minutes, making it easy to top off during a quick lunch break.

Performance and Capability

While the gas Equinox focuses on efficiency, the EV feels more responsive.

• Horsepower: The FWD model delivers 220 hp, but the AWD version jumps up to 300 hp, giving you much faster acceleration for merging onto the freeway.
• Winter Driving: For those of us dealing with Utah winters, the available eAWD system provides excellent traction on snowy roads and canyon curves.
• Towing: Just like the gas version, the Equinox EV has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, which is enough for hauling a small utility trailer or a couple of dirt bikes down to Moab on the weekends.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Equinox EV feels significantly more modern than its gas counterpart. It features a massive 17.7-inch diagonal touchscreen as standard, which includes Google built-in for easy navigation to the nearest charging station. While it is a compact SUV, it still offers up to 57.2 cubic feet of max cargo space, providing plenty of room for groceries or outdoor gear.

Is the Chevy Equinox Reliable?

The new 2026 Equinox gets an 80/100 reliability score from J.D. Power, with great scores in the driving experience and resale value categories. A score of 80/100 makes the Equinox above average in reliability.

How Long Does a Chevy Equinox Last?

A Chevrolet Equinox generally lasts between 150,000 and 200,000 miles, which translates to 13-15 years of driving, when it’s properly maintained. However, if you maintain your Equinox exceptionally well, you can achieve over 250,000 miles. Equinox model years after 2016 tend to have superior reliability to older models.

A huge part of maximizing the longevity of your Equinox comes down to your driving habits. Here are a few things that you can do to keep your Equinox working reliably for as long as possible:

• Gentle Driving Habits: Avoiding fast, aggressive acceleration, hard braking, shifting gears while the car is moving, and other rough driving habits is a great way to extend the lifespan of your vehicle.
• Avoid Towing Heavy Loads Consistently: The Chevy Equinox has a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, but consistently towing heavy equipment or gear puts a lot of strain on your vehicle and can shorten its lifespan or result in the need for more frequent maintenance.
• Severe Weather Conditions: If you live in a severe climate like Utah, your vehicle can have a shorter lifespan if you don’t keep up with proper maintenance intervals.

Are the Technology and Safety Systems in the Equinox Reliable?

When you’re buying a new car, you want to make sure that the safety features and infotainment system are reliable enough to keep you safe and connected in the real world.

Chevy Safety Assist Suite

When you get a Chevy Equinox, you can rest assured knowing you’re driving a vehicle that earned a 5-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Since the redesign of the Equinox in 2025, the NHTSA hasn’t published an overall safety rating quite yet, but the 5-star crash test rating provides a very promising baseline.

A new Equinox comes equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, which is a comprehensive suite of safety features that help keep you safe while you’re on the road. Here are a few standout features from Chevy Safety Assist:

• Automatic Emergency Braking: This feature uses cameras to monitor the distance from vehicles in front of you and will apply hard emergency braking if needed to help you avoid rear-ending another car.
• Forward Collision Alert: Forward collision alert will warn you when it detects potential for a forward collision, so you can take action.
• Lane-Keep Assist and Lane-Departure Warning: Lane-keep assist will use a brief, gentle steering wheel turn to help keep you in your lane if it senses you are unintentionally drifting. The lane-departure warning will flash an amber icon on your dashboard to alert you when you’re leaving your lane.
• Following Distance Indicator: This safety feature will give you the gap distance between you and the car in front of you in seconds, so you can determine if you’re following them too closely.

Modern Tech Features

The redesigned 2025/2026 Equinox features a massive leap in cabin technology. Whether you’re navigating construction on I-15 or trying a nearby coffee shop, the technology in the Equinox is designed to make your drives easier.

• 11.3-Inch Touchscreen Display: Every new Equinox comes standard with a high-resolution 11.3-inch touchscreen that acts as the command center for your vehicle.
• Built-In Google Apps: To make your drive more seamless, Chevrolet has integrated Google built-in compatibility. This gives you native access to Google Maps for real-time traffic updates and the Google Play Store to download your favorite streaming apps directly to the infotainment system.
• Voice Control: Safety and convenience go hand-in-hand with hands-free voice control. By using simple voice commands, you can adjust the climate control, send a text message, or set a new destination in your GPS without ever taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

What Does the Chevy Equinox Warranty Cover?

Part of what makes the Chevy Equinox such a good purchase is the warranty. When you buy or lease a new Chevy Equinox, you’ll get a fantastic warranty that adds to its already incredible value.

• 3 Years/36,000 Miles Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: Covers most mechanical and electrical parts from the front to the rear bumper. Systems like AC, suspension, and audio are covered, but normal wear and tear is not.
• 5 Years/60,000 Miles Powertrain Warranty: Covers the engine, transmission/transaxle, transfer case, and drive systems. It does not cover things like sensors, wiring, connectors, radiators, hoses, coolant, or cooling lines.
• 3 Years/36,000 Miles Corrosion Warranty: Covers all body and sheet metal components.
• 5 years/60,000 Roadside Assistance: 24/7/365 access to highly-trained advisors. Services include towing to the nearest authorized dealership, vehicle unlock services, flat tire changes, battery jumpstarts, and emergency fuel delivery.
• 1 Year First Scheduled Maintenance: Your first service is covered at participating dealers. This includes an oil change, multi-point vehicle inspection, and a tire rotation.

Is the Chevy Equinox Right For You?

Choosing the right SUV often comes down to how well it fits your specific lifestyle and daily needs. We’re going to go over who the Equinox is best suited for, and people it won’t work for.

Who is the Equinox Best For?

The Equinox is a great SUV for a huge range of people.

The Daily Commuter

If you spend your mornings navigating traffic on I-15, the Equinox is an ideal partner. Its high fuel efficiency and comfortable interior make long drives less taxing, while the integrated Google Maps and voice control help you stay productive without losing focus on the road.

Small Families and Pet Owners

With 63.5 cubic feet of max cargo space and a suite of standard safety features, the Equinox is perfect for families who need room for strollers, sports gear, or the family dog. The 5-star crash test rating provides that extra peace of mind when you have precious cargo in the backseat.

Budget-Conscious Buyers

If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, the LT trim offers incredible value. You get all the essential safety tech and a modern infotainment system at a price point that is much more accessible than many other SUVs in its class.

Who Shouldn’t Get an Equinox?

While the Chevy Equinox is a versatile and value-packed SUV, it isn’t the perfect fit for everyone. Depending on your specific needs for power or technology, you might find that other vehicles in the Chevy lineup or the broader market suit you better.

Drivers Who Prioritize Speed

As mentioned in our engine performance section, the 1.5L turbocharged engine is designed for efficiency rather than speed. If you prefer a sporty feel with rapid acceleration when merging onto the freeway, you might find the gas-powered Equinox a bit sluggish compared to a larger SUV like the Chevy Blazer.

Heavy-Duty Haulers

With a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs, the Equinox is perfect for small trailers, but it isn’t built for heavy lifting. If you need to tow a large boat or a heavy camper, you’ll likely need the extra muscle of a Chevy Traverse or Tahoe.

Serious Off-Roaders

The ACTIV trim is great for snowy Utah roads and dirt paths leading to trailheads, but it isn’t a dedicated rock crawler. If your hobbies involve serious off-roading or deep mud, a vehicle with higher ground clearance and low-range 4WD would be a better fit.

Test Drive the Chevy Equinox at Riverton Chevy

Head over to Riverton Chevy to test drive the new and improved Chevy Equinox. Our team of experts can help you decide if this compact SUV is going to meet your needs and set you up with our flexible financing options. Browse our inventory online, and contact us to schedule a test drive today!