“The equinox was a great vehicle for the cost. It's very reliable gets great gas mileage and has plenty of room in both front and back seating to sit comfortably. Plenty of room for going for a weekend or a week with family. Easy to maneuver gets in and around parking very easily. All around good vehicle no regrets.”
2017 Chevrolet Equinox: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the mostly carryover 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is that Premier replaced LTZ as the top trim. Chevrolet also made a few LT equipment and appearance-package adjustments, but the engines, body, cabin layout, and safety hardware stayed largely the same.
About the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
2nd generation (2010-2017), final year after the 2016 refresh.
Chevrolet positioned the 2017 Equinox as a dependable, easy-to-live-with crossover for everyday family use. The brochure leans on dependability, flexible cargo and passenger space, comfort, and approachable technology rather than sporty driving character. Its strongest selling points were the roomy sliding/reclining rear seat, straightforward controls, quiet road manners, and the option for stronger towing capability higher in the range, giving it a practical edge for shoppers who wanted more space and comfort than many compact rivals.
The L and LS are practical family versions with a 7-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and a sliding, reclining rear seat. LT is the mainstream upgrade, with Bluetooth audio streaming, LED daytime running lights, and standard navigation for 2017. Premier is the comfort-focused top trim, adding leather-appointed seating, heated front seats, driver-seat memory, automatic climate control, and remote start.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
Premier replaced LTZ as the top Equinox trim, continuing the same general comfort-and-appearance role.
Tech
Navigation changed from optional to standard on the LT trim.
Styling
Chevrolet added Midnight and Sport appearance packages for LT models. Roof rails also changed from standard to optional on LT.
2017 Chevrolet Equinox specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 16–21 mpg | 16–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 23–31 mpg | 23–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182–301 hp | 182–301 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox redesigned?
No. The 2017 Equinox is the final model year of the second generation and carries over the basic design refreshed for 2016. Chevrolet introduced the fully redesigned Equinox for 2018.
What is the main difference between the 2017 and 2016 Chevrolet Equinox?
The main difference is the top-trim change from LTZ to Premier. The 2017 LT also has standard navigation, optional rather than standard roof rails, and new Midnight and Sport appearance packages, while the core vehicle remains largely unchanged.
Did the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox get different engines?
No. The 2017 Equinox carries over the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and optional 3.6-liter V6, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Is the 2017 Equinox Premier a replacement for the LTZ?
Yes. Premier replaced LTZ as the highest 2017 Equinox trim and kept the same general upscale role, with leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, memory settings, automatic climate control, and remote start.
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox a major upgrade over the 2016 model?
No. The 2017 Equinox is a light lineup update rather than a major upgrade. Its trim name, LT equipment, and appearance-package changes are modest, and its basic design and powertrains carry over from 2016.
2017 Chevrolet Equinox Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox.
4.1
2017 Chevrolet Equinox
(735 reviews)
“I really love the head room and leg room in the drivers seat as I am 6'8" and hard to find a nice looking, easy to handle vehicle that I can fit in easily. My Chevy Equinox is perfect for me.”
“I truly love my Chevrolet Equinox LT. It is efficient, beautiful, stylish and when I am ready, it is ready. Truly satisfied.”