“I love how reliable and comfortable the Chevy Equinox is. The ride is smooth and has good features in the vehicle.”
2020 Chevrolet Equinox: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is that a broader set of driver-assistance features became standard on every trim. The diesel engine was also dropped, while the rest of the SUV remained largely unchanged.
About the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox
3rd generation Equinox (2018-2021 pre-refresh), third model year before the 2022 styling update.
Chevrolet positions the Equinox as a compact family SUV that balances everyday comfort, easy-to-use tech, and a roomy cabin without feeling bulky. The message is less about rugged adventure and more about making the daily drive easier: good rear-seat space, straightforward infotainment, strong safety content, and a quiet, comfortable ride. Against many rivals, the Equinox leans on simple controls and an upscale feel on higher trims, with the option of a stronger turbo engine on upper versions in 2020.
The 2020 Equinox ranges from the basic L and everyday-focused LS to the more polished LT and comfort-oriented Premier. Every trim has a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Premier stands out with an 8-inch HD screen, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, LED lighting, and a hands-free power liftgate.
What changed, by category
Safety
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, a following-distance indicator, and automatic high beams became standard across the lineup.
Powertrain
The diesel engine option was dropped from the LT and Premier trims, leaving the 2020 lineup without the previous diesel versions.
Styling
A new Midnight Edition appearance package was offered on the LT trim.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 9-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive / Automatic, 9-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 22–26 mpg | 22–26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 29–31 mpg | 29–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170–252 hp | 170–252 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft | 203–260 lb-ft | 203–260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 1500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 cu-ft | 63.9 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 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
The biggest change is the expanded standard safety equipment. Every 2020 Equinox has forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assist, a following-distance indicator, and automatic high beams.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox a redesign?
No, the 2020 Equinox is not a redesign. It remains part of the third generation introduced for 2018, with its main update focused on standard driver-assistance equipment.
Does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox have a diesel engine?
No, the 2020 Equinox does not retain the previous diesel versions. Chevrolet dropped the diesel engine option from the LT and Premier trims for this model year.
What is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Midnight Edition?
The 2020 Midnight Edition is an appearance package limited to the LT trim. It is a styling addition rather than a separate trim or a broader redesign of the Equinox.
How does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox compare with the 2019 model?
The 2020 Equinox is the stronger fit if standard driver-assistance features matter, because Chevrolet made a broader safety set standard on every trim. Otherwise, the two years are largely similar, but the 2020 model no longer has the previous diesel option.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox.
4.1
2020 Chevrolet Equinox
(405 reviews)
“This vehicle is so quiet and very reliable. You will instantly fall in love with it as soon as you start to drive it.”
“I love the height of the car and what it holds but I wish I would have done some more research on the specs of the car. But that's my only annoyance and it's my own fault. Otherwise it's a great car and I love it.”