Fortune doesn't necessarily favor the bold in the compact crossover segment — the Honda CR-V, the Nissan Rogue and the Toyota RAV4 are perennial best-sellers thanks in part to their all-around competencies and history of reliability. Still, automakers strive to make their small SUVs distinct. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox stands out by bringing high-end luxury features and a couple of distinctive engines to this typically price-conscious class.

Redesigned just last year, the Equinox is one of the newer entries in this segment. As such, all the latest safety features are available, from a surround-view parking camera to forward collision warning system that can identify pedestrians. Unlike some competitors, most of these features can only be ordered on the top trim level, but at least you can get them. Also available are a panoramic sunroof, a surround-view parking camera and ventilated front seats — rare options in this class.

We also like that the Equinox offers two alternative powertrains if you aren't satisfied with the base turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. At one end of the spectrum is a fuel-efficient diesel that achieves 32 mpg in combined driving (the standard engine earns 28 mpg); at the other, a turbocharged 2.0-liter with an additional 80 horsepower. Be careful, however: Once you start checking the options boxes, the Equinox can be substantially more expensive than rival crossovers. An engine stop-start system that cannot be disabled and disappointing materials quality also might give prospective buyers pause.

trim levels & features

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is a five-passenger compact crossover that costs a bit more than most rivals. It's sold in four trims: L, LS, LT and Premier. The base L model seems like a great deal until you realize that it's a custom-order model and you'll have to wait for it to be built. You'll find the LS at practically any dealer, but it's more expensive and doesn't add much. Best to skip straight to the LT, which is just a bit more expensive and includes more features and access to additional options. If you want the LT and its two packages, the leather-trimmed Premier includes it all.

Three engines are offered on the Equinox. The standard engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder (170 horsepower, 203 pound-feet of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. A more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (252 hp, 260 lb-ft) is optional and comes standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Also optional is a fuel-efficient 1.6-liter diesel (137 hp, 240 lb-ft) mated to a six-speed automatic. Both of these engines can be ordered on LT and Premier trim levels.

The front-drive-only base L is well-equipped, and it comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, a fuel-saving engine stop-start system, a rearview camera, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, a driver information display, height-adjustable front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Chevrolet's Teen Driver watchdog modes, Bluetooth, OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 7-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB ports up front, and two charge-only USB ports in the rear.

It's a built-to-order trim, however, so you're most likely going to see the next-level LS on dealer lots. It's pricier and doesn't add much besides rear floor mats, a spare tire and a tire jack. It does open the door to an expanded range of exterior colors and availability of all-wheel drive, however, so it's worth considering if you want the least expensive AWD model. The new LS Convenience package adds a power driver's seat and rear privacy glass.

Stepping up to the LT adds xenon headlights, an upgraded information display, auxiliary rear-seat release levers, satellite radio, and the contents of the LS Convenience package. Select either of the optional engines and you'll also add a sunroof and roof rails, while the 2.0-liter motor exclusively adds 18-inch wheels.

The LT offers three notable feature packages. The Lights and Brights package pads on 19-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim, and LED headlights and taillights. The Infotainment package adds a 120-volt household-style power outlet, an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation and two USB ports in the armrest bin. The related Sun and Navigation package includes the contents of the Infotainment package plus a sunroof.

For increased safety, get the Confidence and Convenience package, which includes rear parking sensors, a power liftgate (except on the diesel), remote engine start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

Finally, the range-topping Premier includes the above packages (minus the navigation system and panoramic sunroof) along with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, foglights, auto-dimming mirrors, roof rails, a hands-free liftgate, chrome exterior trim, ambient interior lighting, driver-seat memory settings, perforated leather upholstery and wireless device charging. Nineteen-inch wheels are added with the selection of the 2.0-liter engine.

Even the top-trim Premier leaves some goodies on the table. The feature-heavy Confidence and Convenience II package adds automatic high-beam control, a 360-degree parking camera system, a heated steering wheel, a power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, a meter that measures the distance (in time) between you and the car in front, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking. The Sun, Sound and Navigation package builds on top of this package with 19-inch wheels, the panoramic sunroof, navigation, and a seven-speaker Bose audio system with HD radio.

trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Chevrolet Equinox Premier (turbo 2.0-liter inline-4 | 9-speed automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2018, the current Equinox has received some revisions, including a revised infotainment system for 2019. Our findings remain applicable to this year's Equinox, however.

driving

The upgrade from the base 1.5-liter engine to the 2.0-liter is well-justified with the amount of power and efficiency it delivers. On top of that, the Equinox has impressive handling on a twisty road. The only downside is the big turning radius that affects U-turns and parking.

acceleration

This engine is one of the best in the class. Acceleration is smooth and very manageable in everyday driving, but the front-wheel-drive model can generate torque steer when you floor it. Ours needed only 6.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, quicker than rivals. The diesel took a more leisurely 9.8 seconds.

braking

The brakes feel nice and dependable. The pedal effort is appropriate for this kind of vehicle, and response is neither grabby nor lazy. It just feels right. Our Equinox executed a panic stop from 60 mph in 115 feet, a solid result in the compact SUV class.

steering

Steering effort is what we expect from a small crossover, with low effort at parking speeds and more weighting at highway speeds. The vehicle tracks straight on most surfaces, and ample on-center feel makes for a relaxing drive. But we noticed some squirm on roads with longitudinal rain grooves.

handling

The Equinox is surprisingly capable and balanced on a challenging twisty road. The handling limits are surprisingly high and approachable in these conditions, and it's just about as fun to drive as the class-leading Mazda CX-5.

drivability

2.5

We're deducting points for an unusually large turning circle. Multipoint turns are a common occurrence with this car on streets where rivals can make a simple U-turn. We noticed this characteristic when nosing into crowded parking lots, too.

comfort

Aside from the poorly placed air vents on the dash and the rather stifling leather upholstery, the Equinox gets high marks for comfort. Driving for many hours on end will not cause any undue fatigue. All things considered, it's comparable to other SUVs in the class.

seat comfort

The front seats are well-shaped for long hours on the road, though the lumbar adjustment seemed a bit too low, pushing on the top of the hips. The cushioning is adequate, but the perforated leather didn't breathe well without the ventilation activated. The rear seats offer good thigh support.

ride comfort

The majority of ruts and bumps are well-absorbed by the compliant suspension. The car feels remarkably solid on the road without any harshness. This is especially impressive when you consider how well the Equinox handles.

noise & vibration

Road and wind noise is noticeable but not at all intrusive. On paper, it's as comparably quiet as the Honda CR-V, but in practice it sounds marginally louder. The diesel engine emits a lot of chatter that reminds us of old-school diesels.

climate control

2.5

The vertical vents flanking the touchscreen do a poor job of distributing air. The only part of the driver they're able to cool are your knuckles. The ventilated seats are very effective at reducing the stifling nature of the leather upholstery.

interior

The Equinox interior is attractive and mostly well-configured. But we would prefer the steering wheel to telescope further and wish the panoramic sunroof wasn't as intrusive for rear passengers.

ease of use

The touchscreen is awkwardly angled away, making it prone to catching glare and obscuring the display. Otherwise, the layout of the controls is logical, and operating the many systems is intuitive.

getting in/getting out

The step-in height is low enough for smaller passengers to get in with minimal effort, and the doors are small enough to open wide in tight parking spaces. But the bottom edge of the doors are low and prone to scraping on high curbs.

driving position

2.5

There's a good range of seat adjustment, but the steering wheel doesn't telescope far enough for average-size adult drivers, forcing them to sit closer and more upright than many will prefer.

roominess

2.5

There's a wealth of room up front, but rear headroom is limited by the panoramic sunroof. Thankfully, you can get the Equinox's best features without opting for the sunroof.

visibility

The front roof pillar is a bit thicker than you'll find in rivals, somewhat obstructing the view through left turns. Visibility out the sides and back is typical for other compact SUVs, with some reliance on the rearview camera needed in tight spots.

quality

The interior materials quality is disappointing for the class and even more so when you consider how expensive the Equinox is. Hard plastics are one thing, but the textures are mismatched and there's a definite downmarket look and feel.

utility

3.5

While the Equinox doesn't have an abundance of cargo space compared to rivals, it should handle the bulk of everyday hauling. Some thoughtful features help compensate for the lack of on-paper capacity.

small-item storage

3.5

There are plenty of bins, pockets and trays to hold your personal effects. The trays for cellphones are particularly helpful with rubberized coverings to keep objects in place.

cargo space

In terms of cargo capacity, the Equinox is slightly below average, but we think there's plenty of space. Still, it's well below the Honda CR-V's class-leading capacity. The self-folding rear seats and underfloor storage are praiseworthy additions.

child safety seat accomodation

The LATCH anchors are easy to find and hook up to, and there's plenty of space for forward-facing seats. Rear-facing seats fit well if the passenger seated ahead doesn't slide the seat into the last third of seat travel.

technology

Chevrolet gets high marks for tech, curing many of the ills that plagued past models. It has plenty of features that are standard throughout the lineup, and the inclusion of six USB ports ensures all devices will be charged.

audio & navigation

The infotainment system's sharp graphics make it easy to read at a glance. The optional Bose premium audio is surprisingly powerful with excellent clarity.

smartphone integration

4.5

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard equipment. The Apple CarPlay system had no glitches to speak of and is more intuitive than the MyLink system. It's a good substitute for the optional navigation system that forces you to add the panoramic sunroof. Also, there are six USB ports.

driver aids

The forward collision warning system is well-tuned to avoid false alarms and is also adjustable for sensitivity. The lane keeping assist, however, doesn't activate until you're well over the line. We're fans of the safety alert seat, which is more effective than beeps and flashes.

voice control

The MyLink and Apple CarPlay voice controls are equally good at accurately deciphering commands. The Apple CarPlay gets a slight edge for the ability to use more natural speech, but it is reliant on an internet connection.

Features & Specs

	LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)	Premier 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)	Premier 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)	LT 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
Starting MSRP	$31,200	$35,000	$33,200	$29,500
MPG	32	32	32	32
Seating	5	5	5	5
Transmission	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Fuel	diesel	diesel	diesel	diesel
Horsepower	137 hp @ 3750 rpm	137 hp @ 3750 rpm	137 hp @ 3750 rpm	137 hp @ 3750 rpm

See all 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Diesel features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Equinox safety features:

Safety Alert Seat: Vibrates to alert the driver when advanced safety systems, including the parking sensors and blind-spot monitor, are triggered.
Side Blind Zone Alert: Illuminates a light on the Equinox's outside mirrors if there's a vehicle in or approaching the Equinox's left- or right-hand blind spot.
Forward Collision Alert: Sounds an alarm if the Equinox rapidly approaches the vehicle in front and a collision is deemed imminent.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5/5
Driver5/5
Passenger5/5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5/5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5/5
Driver5/5
Passenger5/5

Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5/5
Back Seat5/5
Rollover
Rollover4/5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16.4%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
G
Good
Roof Strength Test
G
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
G
Good
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
G
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test
G
Good

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