“My Chevrolet Equinox is an economical and helpful SUV for a small family, with fairly good-looking and spacious seats.”
Chevrolet Equinox: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Chevrolet Equinox is a five-seat compact SUV known for a roomy cabin, practical cargo space, and easy-to-use technology. It is built as an everyday vehicle for commuting and family use.
The Equinox has consistently focused on giving families useful interior space in a manageable SUV. Across its generations, Chevrolet has steadily improved fuel efficiency, cabin technology, and driver-assistance features without changing that everyday mission. Recent versions keep the formula simple with one main engine and front- or all-wheel drive.
Strengths
- The cabin seats five and gives adults useful room in the back, with 39.9 inches of rear legroom in 2027.
- The cargo area is practical for everyday family use, and recent versions include useful hidden storage.
- The latest generation has a large 11.3-inch touchscreen designed around straightforward everyday use.
- Driver-assistance features became broadly standard starting in 2020 and expanded further with the 2025 redesign.
- Its compact size is easier to manage than a larger family SUV while still providing a roomy two-row interior.
Who it's for
The Equinox fits commuters and small families who want SUV versatility without moving up to a larger vehicle. It makes sense for daily driving, errands, school runs, and trips where a roomy back seat and flexible cargo area matter more than strong towing or sporty performance.
Chevrolet Equinox lineup
LT has long been the mainstream Equinox trim, so it is the natural pick for shoppers who want the core features without emphasizing appearance or luxury. RS joined the range for 2022 as a step above LT with its own visual identity, making it the choice for buyers who prefer a more distinctive look. Premier served as the upscale trim in older lineups, while LS was the value-focused entry. Since the 2025 redesign, ACTIV has replaced that older structure with another distinct design theme alongside LT and RS, while all three retain the same basic engine.
Chevrolet Equinox generations
From 2009 to 2027, the Equinox spans four generations. The current 4th Generation arrived for 2025, following the 3rd Generation (2018–2024).
4th Generation (2025–Present)
This Equinox has a wider, more upright look, three trims, and separate front-end styling for each trim. The redesigned cabin uses an 11.3-inch center touchscreen and an 11-inch driver display, while a broader safety suite comes standard.
359 In Stock
2027
Front-wheel-drive models switch to an 8-speed automatic, matching the transmission used with all-wheel drive.
2026
The drive mode selector becomes standard on LT, RS, and ACTIV. The rest of the redesigned lineup largely carries over.
2025New generation
A full redesign brings more upright styling, LT, RS, and new ACTIV trims, larger digital displays, and more standard safety features.
3rd Generation (2018–2024)
The third-generation Equinox is smaller and about 400 pounds lighter than its predecessor, with turbocharged engines and a more modern touchscreen system. A 2022 refresh revises the styling and lighting, adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and brings in the RS trim.
576 In Stock
2024
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on LT, RS, and Premier. LT also gains heated front seats and a power liftgate.
2023
The 1.5-liter turbo engine rises to 175 horsepower, and electronic power-assisted brakes are added.
2022Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, new LED lighting, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto arrive. RS joins the lineup, while L leaves.
2021
The lineup is simplified around one engine: a 170-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo with a six-speed automatic.
2020
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and other driver aids become standard across the lineup.
2019
Chevrolet updates the touchscreen system and revises USB connectivity on the mainstream trims.
2018New generation
The full redesign brings a smaller, lighter body, all-turbo engine lineup, modern touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and newer family safety features.
2nd Generation (2010–2017)
The second-generation Equinox brings a new body and cabin, a quieter interior, and a standard four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic. Its sliding and reclining rear seat is a key family-friendly feature, while upper trims also use V6 power.
64 In Stock
2017Trim changes
The LTZ trim continues under the Premier name. Midnight and Sport appearance packages are also added for LT.
2016Mid-cycle update
A light refresh revises the front and rear styling. A 7-inch touchscreen and rearview camera become standard across the lineup.
2015Trim changes
The front-wheel-drive L trim joins the lineup below LS. The rest of the range is largely unchanged.
2014
Carryover year with no significant lineup-wide updates.
2013
A 301-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 replaces the previous 3.0-liter V6 on LT and LTZ. Upper trims also gain touchscreen and driver-assistance upgrades.
2012
Bluetooth and blind-spot mirrors become standard across the lineup. The four-cylinder gains E85 capability, and LT receives touchscreen upgrades.
2011
The 3.0-liter V6 gains E85 capability. Otherwise, the redesigned Equinox carries over.
2010New generation
The full redesign brings a new body and cabin, a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a six-speed automatic, and a sliding, reclining rear seat.
1st Generation (2005–2009)
The first-generation Equinox is a roomy, V6-powered SUV. In its final 2009 form, it has two V6 choices and the established first-generation body and cabin layout.
0 In Stock
2009
Head-curtain side airbags and rollover sensors become standard on every trim. Better-equipped trims also gain Bluetooth phone connectivity.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Chevrolet Equinox.
2027 Chevrolet Equinox2026 Chevrolet Equinox2025 Chevrolet Equinox2024 Chevrolet Equinox2023 Chevrolet Equinox2022 Chevrolet Equinox2021 Chevrolet Equinox2020 Chevrolet Equinox2019 Chevrolet Equinox2018 Chevrolet Equinox2017 Chevrolet Equinox2016 Chevrolet Equinox2015 Chevrolet Equinox2014 Chevrolet Equinox2013 Chevrolet Equinox2012 Chevrolet Equinox2011 Chevrolet Equinox2010 Chevrolet Equinox2009 Chevrolet Equinox
Frequently asked questions
What kind of SUV is the Chevrolet Equinox?
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact, two-row SUV with seating for five. It is aimed at everyday commuting, family errands and cargo duty, with a manageable footprint and straightforward cabin technology.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox a hybrid?
No. The Equinox model history covered here does not include a hybrid. Recent versions use a turbocharged 1.5-liter gas engine, while some older used models had other gas engines or a diesel.
Does the Chevrolet Equinox come with AWD?
Yes. Many Equinox model years were sold with either front-wheel drive or AWD. AWD can provide more traction in rain or snow, but the exact setup and transmission depend on the model year.
How many people and how much cargo fit in an Equinox?
The Equinox seats five. In the latest body style, it has 39.9 inches of rear legroom and up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo room, making it useful for passengers, groceries and larger loads with the rear seats folded.
How many generations of the Chevrolet Equinox are there?
There are four generations in this model history. The first ran from 2005 through 2009, the second arrived for 2010, the third for 2018 and the fourth for 2025. Those redesign years bring the biggest changes in size, styling and technology.
Who is the Chevrolet Equinox a good fit for?
The Equinox suits commuters and small families who want five seats, useful cargo space and modern phone-friendly technology without moving to a larger SUV. Recent models also emphasize broad standard driver assistance.
Did older Chevrolet Equinox models have a V6 or diesel engine?
Yes. Upper second-generation trims were sold with a V6, and some early third-generation upper trims had a stronger 2.0-liter turbo or a diesel. Recent Equinox models use a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder instead.
Chevrolet Equinox Reviews
What owners are saying about the Chevrolet Equinox.
4.1
Chevrolet Equinox
(5,017 reviews)
“Chevy equinox is the safest vehicle on the market. It protected me and my 4 year old when we're in a horrific car accident. And I thank that car every day for saving my life and keeping my child safe. I will forever and always buy equinox til they either stop making them or I stop driving.”
“Reliable, just the right amount of room for a family of four, this Chevy Equinox has been a great vehicle for us.”
“Don't buy it. MPG Advertised is a flat out lie. Your will pay equivalent of $8 per gallon of gas to own this Chevy EV. Get a Hybrid instead.”
“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.”
“We loved our GMC Terrain and the Equinox is said to be built with a very similar system. We do not love how loud it drives, how small the front feels while driving or the angle of the touch screen Entertainment system. We love the safety features and gas mileage. It's great for our family and travels.”
Sources
- news.chevrolet.com — 2024 / Jan / 0123 Equinox
- media.chevrolet.com — 2024 / Jan / 0123 Equinox
- media.chevrolet.com — Equinox / 2024 / 2024 Chevrolet Equinox 110723
- media.chevrolet.com — Equinox / 2023 / 2023 Chevrolet Equinox
- media.chevrolet.com — 2021 / Factsheet / 2022 Equinox Factsheet
- media.chevrolet.com — Equinox / 2022 / 2022 Chevrolet Equinox 061721
- media.chevrolet.com — Dec / 1216 Chevoletsuv / Chevrolet to Expand Availability of Midnight Sport and RS Packages on SUV Portfolio Due to Overwhelming Success 2
- chevrolet.com — Chevrolet / Equinox / 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Owners Manual
- es.chevrolet.com — Download Catalog / 02 Pdf / 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Catalog
- static.nhtsa.gov — Tsbs / 2017 / MC 10116567 9999
- static.nhtsa.gov — Tsbs / 2017 / MC 10116567 9999