Used Chevrolet Equinox Buying Guide
It’s easy to see why shoppers would choose the used Chevrolet Equinox, a compact crossover that combines thrifty cruising with a friendly, high-tech cabin. But these models have changed a bit over the years. Our used Equinox buying guide is here to help you figure out what to expect.
Third Generation: 2018-Current Model Year
The latest crop of used Chevrolet Equinox compact crossovers is the best yet. Used shoppers get a great deal on a family-friendly ride that combines smooth comfort with impressive fuel economy. This generation even includes a peppy diesel engine to help you earn up to 39 mpg on the highway.
Inside, you’ll find all the latest and greatest comfort and convenience features. The MyLink, and later, Infotainment 3 infotainment interfaces are user-friendly and both include complete smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As you climb the trim levels (L, LS, LT, and Premier), you’ll enjoy greater and greater luxury, with high-end features like leather upholstery, LED headlights and taillights, and flashy chrome exterior trim.
Used Equinox shoppers can expect to see a few changes from model year to model year. Here’s a look at some of the biggest ones:
- 2020: Diesel engine discontinued; new standard safety features include forward collision mitigation and lane departure mitigation
- 2019: New Infotainment 3 system; adaptive cruise control now optional
Second Generation: 2010-2017
Compared to previous models, these second-generation used Chevrolet Equinox models feature sleek new styling, an increasingly fuel-efficient engine lineup, and a lower price.
Over the years, these Equinox models came in four main trim levels: L, LS, LT (divided into 1LT and 2LT models), and LTZ. All are handsomely equipped with smartphone connectivity features like USB ports and Bluetooth. And, although some models date back to the CD player days, a modern touch-screen infotainment system is also available. Creature comforts include heated seats and automatic climate control.
Equinox shoppers from this era had two engine options. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine kicks things off with 182 horses and 172 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than enough output to get this small crossover up and moving in a jiffy. A 3.6-liter V6 was optional for the LT and up. Its 301 horses and 272 pound-feet of torque make it an appealing option for used shoppers with a need for speed.
As you shop around for a used Chevrolet Equinox, you’ll find that these compact crossovers vary a bit from year to year. Here’s what to look out for as you make your way around the lot:
- 2016: Revised front-end styling includes LED daytime running lights (LT/LTZ models) and projector-beam headlights; Base L now comes standard with rearview camera and 7-inch touch-screen infotainment interface; blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes optional for LT/LTZ models
- 2015: New entry-level L trim model; OnStar now includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot
- 2013: Newly optional 3.6-liter V6 replaces outgoing 3.0-liter V6; new tech options include MyLink smartphone integration, a newly revised touch screen, and a rear-seat entertainment system
- 2012: Forward collision warning and lane-departure alert safety systems become available; rearview camera becomes standard for 1LT and up; optional rear-seat entertainment system is dropped from lineup
- 2011: New standard features for 1LT models include USB port, Bluetooth , and a leather-wrapped steering wheel; 2LT models get heated cloth seats; V6 engine gets E85 fuel capability