Chevy Equinox Used Buying Guide

• The most recent generation shares the same engine as the one that was on the fourth generation, highlighting that it is a great one.
• If you want something comfortable for the family, then you’ll want an RS or a well-equipped LT.
• If you’re looking for a diesel engine, then you’ll want to look for an early fourth-gen model, as this comes with a few different engines.

When looking at the Equinox lineup, the most recent one came out in 2025, making these the best on the market in terms of newer features. While they will be harder to find, they may be worth keeping an eye out for, thanks to them coming with a larger infotainment screen that is 11.3 inches. Other than that, the fifth generation, as it currently stands, hasn’t changed too much as of yet. The engine that this generation comes with is a 1.5L I4, which is a carryover from the fourth generation.

This generation came with a ton of new standard features, making it the most desirable one on the market. The features that came standard were a start-stop system, passive entry, active grille shutters, an electronic parking brake, second-row HVAC, and umbrella storage in the front door panels.

Some other features that you can find across the lineup are the 7-inch screen that comes standard on all trims, but some that you find may be equipped with the 8-inch screen. But if you want features such as the dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate, rear cross-traffic alert, and remote start, you’ll want to look for LT trims and higher. While not standard features on the LT, with the right add-ons, they will come with it. But if you’re looking for more of a guarantee, then you’ll need an RS or higher, especially after 2022.

There are a few trims to be aware of from this generation, with these being the L, LS, LT, and Premier. While the 1.5L I4 is standard on all trims, you may be able to find a 2.0L turbo I4 and a 1.6L turbo-diesel on LT and Premier trims.

Since this generation comes with two unique engines, we’ll cover those first. The 1.6L turbo-diesel engine produced 136 horsepower and had great mileage. Having an EPA rating of 32 MPG combined, able to go 477 miles on one tank. The 2.0L wasn’t as efficient, but it did come with some decent ratings, having an EPA rating of 25 MPG combined. Able to get 368 miles of total range on one tank, making it a solid option regardless of the other engines in the family.

The engine that would eventually outlive this generation was the 1.5L I4, and it comes with an EPA-rated 28 MPG combined, able to break the 400-mile barrier, getting 417 miles on one tank. While not as efficient as the diesel option, being that this is a gas-operated one, it will be easier to fill up.

For 2022, the lineup saw a change, with the L being dropped as well as a few engines, but the RS was introduced, coming with features that were mentioned earlier. This year also saw the introduction of wireless phone connectivity across all trim levels, making it one of the most accessible options for those who don’t want to spend more on extra features.

Some other features that you can find across the lineup are the 7-inch screen that comes with it.