2020 Chevy Equinox Review

Name: 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Review
Brand: Chevrolet
Price: 11061 USD

Chevrolet Equinox LT 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Chevrolet Equinox Premier 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

+207

The Equinox, when equipped with the optional turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, performs exceptionally well for the class. Unfortunately, it loses the battle for the pocketbook since it can be as expensive as a luxury SUV with little to show for it.

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2020 Chevrolet Equinox Review

byCameron Rogers^{Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).}

Pros

Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is quite powerful
Smooth ride over most road surfaces
Stable and precise handling

Cons

Smaller cargo area compared to most competitors
Wallet-friendly base L trim is special-order only
The base engine doesn't feel very lively
Interior materials quality is disappointing considering the price

What's new

Diesel engine is no longer available
Newly standard safety equipment
Slightly revised packages and options
Part of the third Equinox generation introduced for 2018

Overview

The small crossover SUV segment is the most competitive in the industry. That means each crossover in the class has to be at the top of its game, and even good entries can be overshadowed by the truly great ones. Take the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, for example. Though it has numerous strengths, it has many rivals that simply put together a more comprehensively pleasing package.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox L 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$155/mo

$201/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Certainly, the Chevrolet Equinox does the SUV thing well. There's plenty of legroom all around, and cargo space is definitely better than what you'll find in a comparably priced sedan or hatchback. It also delivers a smooth, comfortable ride, and the seats are shaped for all-day comfort. We also like that the Equinox is one of the few entries in the class that offer an upgraded engine.

Things, however, fall apart in execution. The Equinox is priced higher than many of its rivals, for instance. Don't get thrown off by the seemingly affordable base L trim level, either. It's special-order only, so you're unlikely to find one on a dealer lot. The next-level LS costs thousands more and doesn't add much. The high cost of entry is a theme that repeats since the Equinox is more expensive than competitors when comparing trims on a feature-by-feature basis. We're also not huge fans of the standard turbocharged 1.5-liter engine. It feels slower than rival powerplants, and its fuel-saving stop-start function is annoying in operation and cannot be disabled. Finally, even moderately sized passengers will balk at the limited rear headroom afforded by the panoramic sunroof. (Thankfully, this is a stand-alone option at all trim levels.)

If you're in the market for a crossover with fewer drawbacks, consider the Honda CR-V, which has more cargo and passenger room, plus a more satisfying 1.5-liter turbo engine. The Mazda CX-5 is a pleasure to drive and, like the Equinox, has a powerful optional motor. The new Ford Escape is also worth a look and offers more powertrain choices than any other vehicle in the class.

Notably, we picked the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox with 2.0T engine as one of Edmunds' Fastest SUVs for 2019.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.4

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8.0/10

How does the Equinox drive? Upgrading from the base 1.5-liter engine to the 2.0-liter is well-justified because of the amount of power and efficiency the bigger engine delivers. The Equinox does 0-60 mph in just 6.8 seconds, which it quicker than almost every other compact crossover. Brake pedal effort is appropriate for a small crossover, and response is neither grabby nor lazy. Our Equinox executed a panic stop from 60 mph in 121 feet, which is a solid result in this class.

The Equinox has impressive handling abilities on a twisty road. Steering effort is what we expect from an SUV, with low effort at parking speeds and more weighting at highway speeds. The only downside is the big turning radius that affects U-turns and parking.

Comfort

7.0/10

How comfortable is the Equinox? The Equinox gets a decent score for comfort. The compliant suspension absorbs most ruts and bumps and doesn't transmit much harshness into the cabin, which is especially impressive when you consider how well the Equinox handles. The front seats are well-shaped for long hours on the road, though the lumbar adjustment is set a bit too low. The rear seats offer good thigh support.

We're less impressed with the Equinox's climate system. The vents are poorly placed, so only your knuckles get cool. Also, the leather upholstery is swampy, which requires running the seat ventilation at full blast. Rear-seat passengers don't have this kind of relief.

Interior

7.0/10

How’s the interior? Getting into and out of the cabin is fairly easy thanks to a low step-in height. However, the bottom edges of the doors are low and prone to scraping on high curbs. The interior is quite roomy, but only if you skip the optional panoramic sunroof. Selecting it reduces rear headroom severely.

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. The touchscreen is easy to reach, but its odd angle makes it prone to catching glare and obscuring the display.

Outward visibility is decent, but some of the roof pillars are a touch too wide.

Technology

8.0/10

How’s the tech? The Equinox gets high marks for its technology systems. It has plenty of features that are standard throughout the lineup (including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot), and the Premier trim has a whopping six USB ports and a wireless charging pad.

We like how intuitive the MyLink infotainment system is, and the optional Bose audio is surprisingly powerful with excellent clarity. The voice command system is easy to use, but it's not as good as your smartphone assistant, which uses more natural speech detection.

Some safety systems, such as forward collision warning, are well-tuned, though the lane keeping assist doesn't activate until well after you've crossed a lane marker.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? While the Equinox doesn't have an abundance of cargo space (29.9 cubic feet behind the second row) compared to rivals, it should still handle the bulk of everyday hauling. When you consider some of the thoughtful features — such as the self-folding rear seats and underfloor storage — it's easy to give it a nod for the lack of on-paper capacity. Still, there's good in-cabin storage. 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.

Car seats should be easy to fit, considering the large back seat and easy-to-access car seat anchors.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Our tester, with the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive, has an EPA estimate of 25 mpg combined (22 city/29 highway). We easily achieved 34.3 mpg on our mixed-driving evaluation loop and averaged 25.3 mpg overall. These are strong results, but keep in mind that premium fuel is recommended for the 2.0-liter engine.

Value

6.5/10

Is the Equinox a good value? The bottom line is important for compact SUVs, and the Equinox is quite a bit more expensive than others. The base L model is special-order only; the next-level LS costs hundreds to thousands more than rivals. Top-trim models are also pricier than other small crossovers, but we do give credit to the Equinox's available diesel and high-performance four-cylinder engines. But the materials quality is disappointing for the class, especially considering the premium price tag.

Warranty length is typical for the class. You also get two free maintenance visits and five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance.

Wildcard

8.0/10

The Equinox is surprisingly fun to drive. It's about as fun as the Mazda CX-5, and the turbocharged engines in each car stack up well against each other. If sporty driving dynamics are your thing, you should definitely check out the Equinox. You'd normally have to upgrade to a luxury-branded SUV to get this level of engagement.

In terms of style, the Chevy plays it pretty safe, and that's not a bad thing. Add in the impressive performance and there's a lot to like about it. Unfortunately, these positives are tempered by the disappointing interior materials.

Which Equinox does Edmunds recommend?

In theory, the L would be a good choice, as it costs much less than competitors and has plenty of features. Unfortunately, it's a custom-order trim, so you're unlikely to see it at the local dealer lot. The LS is more common but costs thousands more and adds hardly any extra features. As such, the LT is the way to go. It isn't much more expensive and adds a few desirable luxuries. It also opens the door to a wider array of option packages, should you desire extra features.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox models

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a five-passenger compact crossover 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 pricier 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.

Two engines are offered on the Equinox. The standard engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder (170 horsepower, 203 lb-ft 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. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available on all but the base L model.

The L trim is well-equipped, and it comes standard with features such as automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, height-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth, OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen, and a six-speaker audio system.

Standard safety features include automatic high-beam control, a rearview camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning and mitigation.

The next-level LS is pricier and adds only a handful of features, though it does open the door to an expanded range of exterior colors and availability of all-wheel drive. The LS Convenience package adds a power-adjustable driver's seat and rear privacy glass.

Stepping up to the LT gets you xenon headlights, an upgraded information display, auxiliary rear-seat release levers, satellite radio, and a power adjustable driver's seat. The LT offers two notable feature packages: the Infotainment package and the Confidence and Convenience package. The latter is worth getting for its power liftgate, heated front seats and blind-spot monitoring.

Finally, the range-topping Premier includes the above packages in addition to LED headlights and taillights, a hands-free liftgate, driver-seat memory functions, and wireless device charging.

Even the top-trim Premier leaves some goodies on the table such as a 360-degree parking camera and a premium Bose sound system. These are available through the Confidence and Convenience II and Infotainment II packages.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above 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

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Chevrolet Equinox from 2008-2022.}

$489/yr

vs. $465/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.82x/yr

vs. 1x/yr
for Average Compact SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

13%

vs. 11.5%
for Average Compact SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Chevrolet Equinox.

5 (60%)

4 (10%)

3 (8%)

2 (5%)

1 (17%)

3.9

60 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Incredibly comfortable handles like a sports car

Darrell , 11/13/2019

2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premier 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 9A)

Many dealership incentives so do your homework. We ended up purchasing the Equinox Premier package, the leather option is nice and the vehicle is extremely comfortable, handles like a sports car, but rides like a dream. The Turbo charged engine is extremely responsive and has plenty of power for passing. There are too many great options that are included in the package to mention. Love …

Practical and Safe

Brian, 10/17/2019

2020 Chevrolet Equinox LT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

The 2020 Equinox is my first "modern" car purchase. Before that I have been driving used or older model cars without a lot of trimmings that are standard today. That being said, all of the driver assist and safety functions are great, surrounded by a quiet cabin, comfortable interior, and decent quality surroundings I do not regret my purchase of this car. The seat was at first a … little tight for me; the wings on the back do jet out in a way I was unused to. However the ability to change the seat in so many directions is great. You can adjust lumbar support, angle of the bucket, height in the rise of the chair, the back tilt, forward movement, and head rest. Once I got my seat where I wanted it feels as though it is supporting me rather than a seat I am on. The dashboard is large, and formats to the console and display very nicely. My interior is two tone grey and provides a very elegant look blended with chrome linings on the vents and dials. The seats are high quality fabric - although they do hold on to pet hair and dirt. The interior lights automatically turn on depending on the ambient light, and the dials and triggers on the steering wheel are well placed so I do not have to look away from the road to change the infotainment system. The rear seats are low and provide plenty of headroom even for my dad who is 6'8". With the rear seats down it opens into a nice flat area for my dogs for trips. And the spare tire and storage space below the back is a nice touch. The infotainment system is easy to use and incredibly intuitive. It comes with android auto, and apply play. Blue tooth has not had any problem so far (30 hours of drive time), and the clarity in the speakers was surprising. overall the interior feel is very comfortable and set up nicely. I have the wifi package installed and with mobile data no longer an issue for me I can stream anything I want without worry. The drive is smooth and while I do have the 1.5 liter engine, I have had most of the power I need. Hill start assist is great so I don't roll backwards when I lift off the brake, the auto start/stop function in the vehicle is great and has not been an issue. The HUD alert (flashing light) has already saved me from one accident and while it can go off for reasons that are unnecessary I still appreciate the assist. The lane assist adds just enough correction you stay aware of the road. Testing it with your hands off the steering wheel is not advised because it does correct, over correct and correct again leading to "bouncing" down the road. This is not a problem because it is not made for hands free driving, just assisting you on turns and roads. All can be turned off with literally three or four pushes of a button. The Automatic highbeam function is my favorite, and the lights always turn down between 150 and 200 feet away from oncoming traffic, again that can be turned off easily. The best thing about this vehicle is the 28 mpg city I get! the efficiency of this car is saving me money. While this car may not be the sleekest looking option out there, the style still adds a look to keep it from being bland or boring. This is also slightly more expensive compared to others small SUVs, but it gets the job done where it counts and I look forward to having it for the future. My only drawback for this vehicle are the standard warranties that come with it. 3 year or 35,000 is too short and the extended warrantees are expensive causing this car to increase its value in a way I perceive as sneaky and purposeful. Overall, this is a vehicle that feels great, drives nice, parks perfectly, and is completely risk-averse of other Small SUVs on the market. The initial price may be a bit high for the product, and the financial underpinnings are annoying, but being new to the Chevy family I can see myself staying with chevy for a while based on this car. -I was in the market for the Toyota Rav4, VW Atlas, Hyundai Tuscan, Subaru Forester, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. The equinox was able to be happy with my purchase in comparison to all.

Equinox Fan

Rhonda S, 05/18/2020

2020 Chevrolet Equinox LT 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

This is my second Equinox purchase. My first one was a 2011 and it now has about 120K miles on it, but still runs great however, I was just ready for an upgrade. I'm a realtor, so since I spend a lot of time in my car and on the road, I want whatever I drive to be comfortable and economical. So far the new Equinox has been both. I love all the new upgrades and the 1.5 liter engine has …

Great value

Ed Grimley, 06/11/2020

2020 Chevrolet Equinox LS 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

My daughter bought a 2020 Equinox as her first new car. I think the car looks great. It has great all around visibility from inside. I find the seats to be very comfortable and the back seats have incredible leg room. The trunk is spacious. The version she has, an LS, doesn't have the most powerful engine in the world, but she isn't drag racing. She is mostly going to and from work. We …

See all 60 reviews of the Chevrolet Equinox

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2020 Equinox Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$23,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$155/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	29.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Equinox models:

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.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Marginal
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2020 Chevy Equinox Review

2020 Chevrolet Equinox Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox L 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Equinox does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Chevrolet Equinox models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

Incredibly comfortable handles like a sports car

Practical and Safe

Equinox Fan

Great value

2020 Equinox Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox L 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}