Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Chevrolet Equinox Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateBest Chevrolet Equinox Model Years (Ranked)
The Chevrolet Equinox is one of America's best-selling compact SUVs, a practical, comfortable, family-friendly crossover that has been on sale since the 2005 model year. Across its generations it moved from a V6-powered, slightly thirsty first effort to efficient turbocharged four-cylinders, and most recently to a sharp-looking, well-equipped model with a large standard touchscreen.
It competes directly with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue, usually undercutting them on price while offering a roomy cabin and an easy-driving character.
Not every Equinox year is a winner. The first generation (2005-2009) and early 2010-2011 second-generation cars had some powertrain and oil-consumption concerns, while the 2018 redesign brought lighter weight, modern turbo engines, and much-improved infotainment. This ranking covers the best Chevrolet Equinox model years using real engines and transmissions, fuel economy, available all-wheel drive, recall and reliability history, and value.
The short version: the 2020-2023 third-generation cars are the sweet spot, the 2016-2017 second-generation models are the value picks, and the efficient 1.5-liter turbo cars are the daily-driver default.
Direct Answer
The best overall Chevrolet Equinox model year is the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox — a refreshed third-generation car with the efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged four (175 hp), a smooth 6-speed automatic, available all-wheel drive, the standard larger touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and standard Chevy Safety Assist driver aids.
For value, the best value Chevrolet Equinox is the 2017 Equinox, a final-year second-generation car that pairs a proven 2.4-liter four or 3.6-liter V6 with available AWD and has depreciated steeply, making it one of the cheapest ways into a comfortable compact SUV. Fuel-economy shoppers should look at the 2018-2019 1.5-liter turbo cars, rated up to about 32 mpg highway.
1. 2022 Chevrolet Equinox (Third Generation) 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox received a styling refresh and a meaningful tech upgrade, making it the best mainstream year of the third generation (2018-present). It uses the 1.5-liter turbocharged four producing 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft, paired to a 6-speed automatic with available all-wheel drive.
The 2022 made a larger touchscreen standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus standard Chevy Safety Assist (automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, forward collision alert). The value is the most modern, best-equipped Equinox with a proven, efficient turbo engine at used-car pricing.
2. 2017 Chevrolet Equinox (Second Generation) 💎 BEST VALUE
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is the value champion. As the final year of the second generation, it offers the 2.4-liter four (182 hp) or the strong 3.6-liter V6 (301 hp), both on a 6-speed automatic with available all-wheel drive, plus the available MyLink touchscreen with Apple CarPlay.
It has depreciated heavily, so the value is outstanding — a clean 2017 LT or Premier delivers a roomy cabin, comfortable ride, and an available V6 with real passing power for a fraction of its original price. It is one of the most affordable comfortable compact SUVs on the used market.
3. 2021 Chevrolet Equinox (Third Generation)
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is nearly identical to the top-ranked 2022, with the 1.5-liter turbo four (170-175 hp), 6-speed automatic, and available AWD. The 2021 model year brought the refreshed front-end styling and the discontinuation of the optional 2.0-liter turbo, simplifying the lineup.
Standard driver-assist features and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto carry over. The value is a near-current Equinox with the refreshed look at a slightly lower price than the 2022, trailing it only because the 2022 made the larger screen standard across more trims.
4. 2023 Chevrolet Equinox (Third Generation)
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is the most recent of the third-generation gas cars before the model transitioned toward an EV future, keeping the 1.5-liter turbo four, the 6-speed automatic, available AWD, and the standard larger touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring.
It ranks just below the 2022 only because it commands a higher used price for a nearly identical vehicle. The value is the newest-feeling gas Equinox short of paying near-new money, with the latest standard safety tech and the same efficient turbo engine.
5. 2020 Chevrolet Equinox (Third Generation)
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offers the 1.5-liter turbo four (170 hp) as standard and the available 2.0-liter turbo four (252 hp) for stronger performance, both on automatic transmissions (the 2.0T used a 9-speed) with available AWD. The 2020 carries standard forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking on most trims.
The value is the pre-refresh third-gen car with the optional more powerful 2.0-liter turbo at attractive pricing, ideal for buyers who want more grunt than the base 1.5T provides without paying current prices.
6. 2018 Chevrolet Equinox (Third Generation, First Year)
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox launched the lighter, more efficient third generation, downsizing to the 1.5-liter turbo four (170 hp) standard and the optional 2.0-liter turbo (252 hp), with a diesel 1.6-liter also briefly offered. It brought modern infotainment, a more refined cabin, and better fuel economy of up to about 32 mpg highway.
As a first model year it carries slightly more risk, but the redesign was a clear improvement. The value is the cheapest way into the modern Equinox body and tech, best for buyers who buy on condition and a documented service record.
7. 2019 Chevrolet Equinox (Third Generation)
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is a strong value year, carrying the 1.5-liter turbo (170 hp) standard and the available 2.0-liter turbo (252 hp), both with available AWD and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. By 2019 the launch-year items of the 2018 were better understood, making it a slightly safer used buy than the first-year car.
The value is the early third-gen Equinox with year-two refinements at a low price, delivering efficient turbocharged motoring and a comfortable, practical cabin for compact-SUV money.
8. 2016 Chevrolet Equinox (Second Generation)
The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox is an excellent second-generation value, offering the 2.4-liter four (182 hp) or the 3.6-liter V6 (301 hp) on a 6-speed automatic with available AWD, plus the available MyLink system with Apple CarPlay. It shares the roomy, comfortable second-gen platform with the top-value 2017.
The value is the same proven mechanicals as the 2017 at an even lower price, ideal for budget buyers who want a spacious, easy-driving compact SUV. The optional V6 makes it one of the quicker affordable used crossovers.
9. 2015 Chevrolet Equinox (Second Generation)
The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox carries the 2.4-liter four (182 hp) or 3.6-liter V6 (301 hp) with a 6-speed automatic and available AWD, plus updated infotainment and standard features over earlier second-gen cars. It is a sensible, comfortable used pick at a low price.
The value is second-generation space and an available strong V6 at bargain pricing, trailing the 2016-2017 cars only because those final years received the last small updates and CarPlay availability. Confirm the 2.4-liter has no excessive oil consumption on a test.
10. 2014 Chevrolet Equinox (Second Generation)
The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox rounds out the list as an affordable second-generation pick, with the 2.4-liter four (182 hp) or the 3.6-liter V6 (301 hp) on a 6-speed automatic and available AWD. It offers the same roomy cabin and comfortable ride as the later second-gen cars at one of the lowest prices on the used market.
The value is maximum space-per-dollar for budget buyers, though it gives up the newest infotainment and the efficiency of the turbocharged third generation. Buy on a clean maintenance record and verify no engine oil-consumption issues.
How to Choose
Start with generation. The first generation (2005-2009) is cheap but dated and best avoided unless budget is the only concern. The second generation (2010-2017) is roomy and comfortable, with a strong available 3.6-liter V6, but watch the 2.4-liter four for oil consumption on neglected examples — the 2015-2017 cars are the picks here.
The third generation (2018-present) is the one to target for most buyers, with lighter weight, efficient turbocharged engines, modern infotainment, and standard driver-assist tech on later cars.
Next, choose your engine. The 1.5-liter turbo is the efficient daily-driver default, returning up to about 32 mpg highway. If you want stronger acceleration, look for a 2018-2020 car with the optional 2.0-liter turbo (252 hp), or a second-generation model with the 3.6-liter V6.
Add all-wheel drive if you live in the snow belt. As always, verify open recalls by VIN, check for oil consumption on the older 2.4-liter cars, and prioritize documented maintenance.
FAQ
Which Chevrolet Equinox year is the most reliable? The third-generation cars from about 2019 onward, especially the 2021-2023 models, post the strongest reliability records, with the mature 1.5-liter turbo and sorted electronics. Among second-generation cars, the 2016-2017 models are the most dependable.
Avoid the early first-generation cars and watch the older 2.4-liter four for oil use.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox 1.5-liter turbo a good engine? Yes, for efficient daily driving. The 1.5-liter turbo makes a reasonable 170-175 horsepower, returns up to about 32 mpg highway, and is dependable with consistent oil changes and quality fuel. It is not a performance engine, so buyers who want stronger acceleration should consider the optional 2.0-liter turbo from 2018-2020 or a V6-equipped second-generation car.
Does the Chevrolet Equinox come with all-wheel drive? Yes. All-wheel drive is available across most Equinox trims and is a strong choice for snow-belt buyers. It adds traction in poor weather while keeping the same efficient turbo engines, though front-wheel-drive models return slightly better fuel economy.
How many miles will a Chevrolet Equinox last? With routine maintenance, an Equinox commonly reaches 150,000 to 200,000 miles. The turbocharged third-generation engines reward consistent oil changes, while older 2.4-liter second-generation cars should be checked for excessive oil consumption before purchase.
Condition and service history matter more than the exact mileage.
Bottom Line
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is the best overall pick — the most refined third-generation car, with an efficient 1.5-liter turbo, a smooth 6-speed automatic, available all-wheel drive, a large standard touchscreen, and standard driver-assist tech. The 2017 Equinox is the best value, delivering a roomy cabin and an available strong V6 for very little money.
Fuel-economy shoppers should target a 2018-2019 1.5-liter turbo car, while buyers who want more power should look at a 2020 with the optional 2.0-liter turbo. Whatever the year, buy on documented maintenance and a clean recall record.
Sources
- Chevrolet Equinox overview and generations, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Equinox
- Chevrolet Equinox specifications and trims, Chevrolet USA: https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs/equinox
- Chevrolet Equinox reliability and reviews, Edmunds: https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/equinox/
- Chevrolet Equinox model-year ratings, Kelley Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com/chevrolet/equinox/
- Chevrolet Equinox recalls and complaints, NHTSA: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/CHEVROLET/EQUINOX
- Chevrolet Equinox used pricing, Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chevrolet/equinox/