Review: The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox Is Cheap And Old, But Still Pretty Good
Sometimes you can’t beat the classics … literally.
The current Chevrolet Equinox was first launched in 2018 and hasn’t changed much since.
It’s gotten a few tweaks and new features along the way, but is basically the same compact SUV.
Despite being the oldest design in its class, it’s an overachiever that’s maintained its position as General Motors’ best-selling vehicle that’s not a full-size pickup.
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Among individual model lines, only the light duty Chevrolet Silverado 1500 outsells it.
Part of its popularity can be chalked up to the fact that it is also the lowest-priced vehicle in its segment, with a starting price of $27,995 for an Equinox LS, including shipping.
Even a top of the line Equinox Premier trim starts at just $34,795, which is lower than the ceilings of most of its competitors.
The entire Equinox lineup is limited to a 175 hp 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, however, which comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that you can thank in part for the low prices … and fuel economy. Its combined EPA ratings of 28 mpg for front-wheel-drive models and 26 mpg for all-wheel-drive models are era-appropriate for when it first launched, but less impressive today.
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The Mexican-made Equinox also has one of the smaller cargo areas by its official volume of 29.9 cubic-feet, but it seems bigger and the passenger compartment is among the largest in the class.
It’s easy to fit a six-footer in the second row behind a driver that tall, and rear passengers get an armrest, cupholders and vents, three things that aren’t offered in the smaller and cheaper, but still pretty roomy, Chevrolet Trax.
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Automatic emergency brakes and a lane departure prevention system are standard across the lineup, while a package with adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera is available on LT, RS and Premier trims.
The Equinox’s Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and a straightforward interface that’s simpler to use than many newer systems, and there are hard buttons and knobs for the audio and climate control systems.
The ride quality is … fine. It’s comfortable on less than perfect roads and the suspension keeps the body under control well enough in sharp curves, but isn’t engaging or fun to drive like a Honda CR-V.
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That could change next year when an all-new 2025 Equinox debuts, but whether or not it will remain a bargain is yet to be seen.
2024 Chevrolet Equinox
Base price: $27,995
Type: 5-passenger, 4-door SUV
Engine: 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Power: 175 hp, 203 lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
MPG (AWD): 24/26/30
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