Midnight and Sport edition packages added to options list
Part of the third Equinox generation introduced for 2018
What is the Equinox?
The Chevrolet Equinox is the brand's two-row crossover SUV. It comes in a plethora of trims and is a generally affordable point A to point B machine. We like it for its smooth ride and simple-to-understand-and-use interior controls that are simple to understand and use. However, the Equinox feels slow compared to its competitors despite the benefit of a turbocharged engine, its cargo area is far from the most accommodating in its class, and the interior isn't up to the standard set by competitors including the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester and Honda CR-V.
For the 2022 model year, the Equinox received a major update that gave it sharper looks both inside and out and added a more sporty RS trim to the lineup. As a result, we expect the Equinox to soldier on largely unchanged for 2023. It's a decent choice if you need something both affordable and comfortable, but to be blunt, there are simply better options out there that are worth considering.
Edmunds says
The Equinox might be easy to live with, but that doesn't mean it's the best choice for you. Check out our SUV rankings to see which crossover in this class suits you and your needs.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox LS 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.14 per gallon for regular unleaded in Michigan.
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Equinox from 2008-2022.
$489/yr
vs. $465/yr for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).
0.82x/yr
vs. 1x/yr for Average Compact SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).
13%
vs. 11.5% for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
2023 Chevrolet Equinox RS 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I bought this car new with 6 miles on the odo. Reading other reviews I see the main thing that people complain about is the power of the Equinox. If you're after power you need to consider some other vehicle, not the Equinox. While the Equinox is not a nag on the road, it's not a 'beast' to be reckoned with, it was never intended for that market. The very small 1.5 engine turns out … 175hp, when you kick the turbo it does well for normal needs. I used to have a 71 SS 454, so I know the difference.
I can still give 4 stars easily because the Equinox is a good reliable car, one that is attractive and economical.
My first new Equinox was a 2010 (my current back up car) with the 2.4 engine. Yes, it was subject to the engine recall for rings, which Chevrolet paid for 100%, that done, the car has been at work continuously the last 8 years. Since then I've had a new 2015 Equinox, which I traded for a 2015 Santa Fe Sport. I kept the sport almost 3 weeks before it had to go.
My 2020 held up great- except for the 120# deer. It's in the garage waiting to be repaired.
I gave no real consideration of looking to anything other than another Equinox, although my sister tried to talk me into a 2023 Santa Fe, but truthfully, they're not attractive at all.
I've had the new 2023 RS for 4 weeks. The ride is smooth, gas mileage is about 31 mpg, handles well, very little road noise, responsive steering, accelerates smoothly, no trouble passing. The trim level has an attractive interior with very comfortable and cool cloth seats, black with red accents and RS badging. The seating is for 5, although the 3 in the back would not be happy for long travels. The exterior black trim and android wheel package is sportier and more attractive than the standard Equinox.
Like others before it, it has ample space for carrying needed items for your work, I carry 6 or 7 large cases loaded with various photo equipment for location shooting with no problem.
The standard powered back gate is a definite plus when you work out of the back of your vehicle.
For my purposes, none which involve racing, the Equinox is great for short or long trips.
A couple of things which should become standard, but have been cut due to parts supply, are blind spot and cross traffic. These are two excellent safety enhancements, they were on my 2020 LT, but not on the 2023 RS, I was unable to locate an RS that had them. This is the main reason I dropped a star. Living in the Southeast, the BSW system is much more important to me than a heated steering wheel, seats or rear view mirrors.
All in all, while the Equinox can't be ranked at the top, it is an excellent all around choice with economy and attractive styling together in one package. The price I paid was about $4k below MSRP.
Update: there is a common problem with the fuel pump control module going out. I was lucky, mine went out in the driveway at my house.The car suddenly stopped running and would not start again. It didn't show any check engine lights. I travel often to the ATL airport, I can only imagine if that had happened on the way or at some time well away from home. Fortunately my dealer had the module in stock.
As they get older the South Korean (?) tires that came on the card ride harder and noisier, currently I have 22,000 miles on the car. When they need replacing I'll put on Michelins.
Otherwise, my review is still good.
Older people moving up from sedan
5 out of 5 stars
Larry, 01/16/2023
2023 Chevrolet Equinox RS 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
So far we like every thing about this vehicle. It looks great, runs great, rides and handles great. Is much easier to get into and out of than our previous vehicle and has much more space for people and cargo than our previous vehicle.
GM Fail
1 out of 5 stars
Jefff, 09/24/2023
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Premier 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I purchased the 2023 Premier version in July 2023. It has everything I needed and was missing very few options that fall into the would be nice category. The ride was comfortable and it had enough power to make me feel confident.
The problem started 5 weeks into owning it and 1360 miles on it. I was at the store and started the car with my foot on the brake pedal. The pedal immediately … went to the floor and several warning lights came on. I tried restarting it and the same thing happened. I tried moving the car and the brakes were barely working when my foot was to the floor. I had onstar send me the codes and one was for the power boost brakes. The next morning, I took it to the dealer. The brakes were working but the warning lights were still on. The dealer checked it out and contacted GM who told them “just clear the codes and have the customer drive it.” The dealer said that’s not a good option and are trying to replace the master cylinder. It’s been 8 weeks and the part is not available and I cannot drive an unsafe vehicle.
GM has failed on many levels. I cannot imagine driving this car anymore.
LIFELONG FORD MAN LOVES HIS NEW EQUINOX
5 out of 5 stars
Mark, 12/11/2023
2023 Chevrolet Equinox LT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Former Ford/Lincoln Mercury service advisor/service manager who has always had Fords. Nephew works in management for GM and has always bugged me about getting a GM product at employee pricing. When I saw 2.9% financing last summer on 2023 Equinox's, I went in to my local Chevy dealer and got one. Between the employee pricing and the 2.9% financing, got a GREAT deal. Now have 5k on … it, and am very impressed. I agree with those who say that it has all the power it needs (does fine for normal driving), and my fuel mileage for the first 5k was 32.0 overall. Roomy and comfortable interior and the back seat has more room than the Escape that I was originally planning on getting (AND they recline for more comfort). Quiet and steady ride and relatively quiet as well. All in all, a very good vehicle for my needs.