2012 Chevrolet Equinox: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox gets a light equipment update rather than a redesign. The biggest change is that Bluetooth is now standard across every trim.
About the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
2nd generation (2010-2017), early-cycle model year.
Chevrolet positioned the Equinox as a family-friendly crossover that puts comfort, fuel economy, and day-to-day usefulness ahead of sporty handling. The big selling points were its quiet cabin, long highway range with the four-cylinder, roomy second row with a sliding rear seat, and useful cargo flexibility. Against rivals, Chevrolet leaned on the Equinox’s more upscale feel, generous rear-seat space, and easy road-trip character rather than sharp driving responses.
The 2012 Equinox ranges from the practical LS, with a roomy cabin and sliding rear seat, to the better-equipped LT with a 7-inch touch-screen radio and rearview camera. LTZ adds an upscale feel with leather-trimmed heated front seats, premium audio, and a power liftgate.
What changed, by category
2012 Chevrolet Equinox specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4L / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4L / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.0 Liter / V6, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4L / V6, Flex Fuel, 3.0 Liter / V6, 3.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas | Flexible Fuel / Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 17–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 24–32 mpg | 24–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182–264 hp | 182–264 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft | 172–222 lb-ft | 172–222 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||
| Privacy Glass | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Bluetooth | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||
| USB Ports | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox redesigned?
No. The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox carries over the second-generation design introduced for 2010 and receives a light equipment update rather than a full redesign.
What is the biggest difference between the 2012 and 2011 Chevrolet Equinox?
The biggest difference is standard Bluetooth on every 2012 Equinox trim. The 2012 model also brings broader touch-screen use, standard blind spot mirror sections, and E85 capability for the four-cylinder.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have a rearview camera?
Yes, the 2012 Equinox LT includes a rearview camera, with the feature becoming standard on 1LT for this model year.
Can the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox use E85 fuel?
The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder gains E85 flex-fuel capability for 2012. The engine choices and six-speed automatic transmission otherwise remain unchanged.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have forward-collision warning?
Some do. Forward-collision alert and lane-departure warning debut as optional equipment on 2012 Equinox LTZ models with the V6; they are not standard across the lineup.