“It is a very reliable, great gas mileage, comfortable, roomy, has many features that anyone would love. Very attractive vehicle. I love my Equinox.”
2021 Chevrolet Equinox: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2021 is a simplified lineup: every Chevrolet Equinox uses a 170-hp 1.5-liter turbo engine and six-speed automatic. The planned styling refresh did not arrive until 2022.
About the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
3rd generation (2018-2024), fourth model year, just before the 2022 exterior refresh
The 2021 Equinox is Chevrolet’s compact family SUV for people who want easy controls, useful cargo space, and a comfortable everyday driving experience in a size that is simple to park and live with. It leans more toward straightforward comfort and familiar technology than sporty handling or standout power. Its main draw is that it feels approachable: phone-friendly infotainment, solid safety basics, and a roomy cabin with up to 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded.
The special-order L is the simplest version, the LS is the practical starting point for most shoppers, and the LT adds useful upgrades such as a power driver's seat and upgraded headlights. Premier is the upscale trim, with leather seating, heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen, and a hands-free power liftgate. Every trim has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and key crash-avoidance features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The lineup is reduced to one engine and transmission combination. Every trim uses a 170-hp 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic.
2021 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, 1.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp | 170 hp |
| Torque | 203 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft | 203 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 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
The biggest change is the move to one powertrain across the lineup. Every 2021 Equinox uses a 170-hp 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic.
Did the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox get the refreshed exterior?
No. The 2021 Equinox retains the earlier body and cabin design because the planned exterior refresh moved to the 2022 model year.
Which trims make up the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox lineup?
The 2021 Equinox lineup consists of L, LS, LT, and Premier. The basic L was special-order only, while the LS served as the more common entry trim.
Are key crash-avoidance features standard on every 2021 Equinox?
Yes. Every 2021 Equinox has automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, and a following-distance indicator.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox a major redesign?
No. The 2021 Equinox is a light lineup update rather than a redesign, with the existing exterior and cabin carried over and the engine range simplified.
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox.
4.2
2021 Chevrolet Equinox
(279 reviews)
“This is a great family car. Has everything we need and is easy to operate and drive.”
“This is my third Equinox. I love them. For me, I am having some issues getting used to where the different controls are for things I don't use every day.”