2021 Chevy Equinox Review
Price Range: $11,991 - $25,590





+221
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Review
Pros
- Smooth ride over most road surfaces
- Stable and precise handling
- Simple, intuitive infotainment system
Cons
- Smaller cargo area compared to most competitors
- Wallet-friendly base trim is special-order only
- Despite turbocharging, the engine doesn't feel very lively
- Interior materials quality is disappointing considering the price
What's new
- Optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is not available for this model year
- Leather package is new to the LT trim level
- Part of the third Equinox generation introduced for 2018
Overview

The compact crossover SUV class is the most competitive of any automotive segment, and any automaker with skin in the game has to offer a vehicle that stands out to woo consumers. Competitors might deliver unmistakable value, compelling style, next-generation tech, genuine off-road ability or class-leading ride comfort.
For sale near Waycross, GA
65 listings
- $12,998great price$2,783 below market
- 116,765 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 25 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (2,163 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Fresno, CA
Rare Find,Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Keyless Start,Lane Keeping Assist,Remote Start,Satellite Radio,Turbo/Supercharged,...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3GNAXTEV9MS103560
Stock: MS103560PX
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $11,991great price$2,386 below market
- 134,859 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, corporate fleet vehicle
- 5 Seats, 25 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Driveway (2,160 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Clovis, CA
Apple CarPlay,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Lane Keeping Assist,Remote Start,Satellite Radio,Turbo/Supercharged,WiFi Hotspot,4 Cylinder Engine,4-W...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 2GNAXTEV0M6161233
Stock: M6161233PX
Certified Pre-Owned: No
The Chevrolet Equinox offered few of these standout attributes to begin with, and with the cancellation of its powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine option, this year's model feels like a C-student wallflower among numerous impressive alternatives. Though the Equinox exhibits good ride comfort and has a nifty infotainment system, its drab interior, wallowy handling and tepid acceleration are decidedly unimpressive. The same goes for Chevrolet's nickel-and-dime approach to features.
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox was supposed to be a refreshed model, but COVID-related delays pushed the update to next year. Our advice? If you need a compact SUV now, take a look at one of the Equinox's many superior rivals, such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 or Ford Escape. If you absolutely need a bowtie in your driveway, wait until the restyled 2022 Equinox debuts in the first half of 2021.
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2021 Chevrolet Equinox trim level differences
Chevrolet offers the 2021 Equinox in four trim levels. The base L trim is available only by special order, which means you're most likely to choose from LS, LT, and Premier trims when shopping at your local Chevy dealership. For 2021, only one engine is available: a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder (170 horsepower, 203 lb-ft of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all but the L model can be equipped with all-wheel drive.
Which Equinox trim does Edmunds recommend?
If you are intent on purchasing a Chevy Equinox, we recommend the LT trim level. It represents the sweet spot in the Equinox lineup, providing the broadest array of standard and available features at the most reasonable price.
Compare 2021 Chevrolet Equinox trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Chevrolet Equinox vs. Ford Bronco Sport: American Compact SUV Showdown

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Edmunds Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia
$128/mo for Equinox L
Equinox L
vs
$169/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Reliability
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #13 out of 29 among Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#13 out of 29 among Compact SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$489/yr
vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Frequency
0.82x/yr
vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
Severity
13%
vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV
for Average Compact SUV
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 23V339000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N232403240
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 668187
- Defect Description:
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
- Defect Consequence:
- The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232403240.
- Recall Number:
- 23V013000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N222372310
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 23323
- Defect Description:
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The fuel pump module may not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, resulting in an engine stall.
- Defect Consequence:
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372310.
- Recall Number:
- 21V612000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N212343560
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 9597
- Defect Description:
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
- Defect Consequence:
- Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.
- Recall Number:
- 20V811000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- N202322230
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 470
- Defect Description:
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
- Defect Consequence:
- If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 6, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 1 years / unlimited miles
Chevrolet Equinox Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Chevy convinced me!!!!!!
4 out of 5 starsSam S-Niagara Falls, 03/30/2021
2021 Chevrolet Equinox LS 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
bought a 2021 Equinox and I must say I am impressed. I thought a 4 cylinder turbo would lack the power BUT I WAS WRONG. Bought the LS with cov. package and it is JUST what we need in a vehicle. LOTS of room, great appearance, handles like a sports car at a price that IMPRESSED me!.
Wind noise
3 out of 5 starsC Phillips, 04/10/2021
2021 Chevrolet Equinox LT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I bought a 2021 Chevy Equinox LT and after bringing it home and driving at a higher speed than the test drive I noticed an annoying wind noise coming from the driver and passenger side. I thought the windows were not rolled up all the way and hit the button and windows were up as far as they would go. Noise still there. Took it back to the dealer and they checked door alignment and … adjusted it as per specs. Noise is still there. They said it was coming from the rearview mirrors and nothing they could do about that. Is anyone else having this problem and what can be done about it.
Happy with renting 2021 Equinox AWD LT for 3 days
4 out of 5 starsRaymond Paskauskas, 04/21/2022
2021 Chevrolet Equinox LT Fleet 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I had to disagree with the Edmunds review for the 2022 Equinox. The cargo space was satisfactory for it size. The cabin interior design was not "lackluster". Perhaps the reviewers drive too many luxury cars. I did not think the turbocharged 1.5L engine was "sluggish". The performance compared well with my 2018 Mazda CX5 with the n/a 2.5L motor which was in the paint shop for minor … work. I drove the Equinox on the streets and on the freeway, and the standard engine was lively enough for me. I did sense some road vibration at 65 mph and faster, but the rental car already had 41,500 miles. Maybe realignment was needed, or it's an all wheel drive thing.
Surprisingly refined
5 out of 5 starsPaulC, 08/30/2021
2021 Chevrolet Equinox LS 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I rented a 2021 Equinox for a week. Was pleasantly surprized it did everything well. The 4 cyl engine had me fooled it was a V6 until I opened the hood - its got V6 levels of quietness & smoothness. The ride was as smooth & quiet as a Malibu or Camry - much smoother & quieter than several Toyota Rav4's I have rented. The transmission was silky smooth (unlike the jerky Rav4). The … vehicle tracked straight on the highway. The AC was cold. Cannot think of any faults other than the seat bottom could use more padding and the fuel economy is 4 MPG worse than the Rav4
2021 Equinox Highlights
L
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $23,800 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $128/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 29.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Equinox models:
- Safety Alert Seat
- Vibrates to alert the driver when advanced safety systems activate, including the parking sensors and blind-spot monitor.
- 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
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.4%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedPoor
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedMarginal
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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