2023 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2023 Equinox (third generation, 2018–2024) offers only the 1.5L turbo four. The 2.0T and diesel were dropped after 2020 and 2019, so this is the output of every trim. It is low for the compact SUV class.

Peak torque arrives early, but at 203 lb-ft it is modest against turbocharged rivals.

This is slow for the segment. The 2023 powertrain carries over unchanged from the 2022 refresh, so the 2022 instrumented test applies.

The small turbo four is reasonably smooth in town, but reviewers note it runs out of breath and gets buzzy when merging or passing with a load aboard. Auto stop/start is somewhat abrupt.

A conventional 6-speed automatic that shifts smoothly but sometimes hesitates to downshift. It has fewer ratios than the 8/9-speed or well-tuned CVT rivals.

With the 2.0T gone, the 2023 Equinox is limited to 1,500 lbs regardless of drivetrain. That is light-duty only.

AWD is optional across the trim range (LS, LT, RS, Premier) and FWD is standard. It is a basic on-demand system with a driver-selectable AWD/FWD disconnect and no torque vectoring or terrain modes.

A pavement-oriented crossover with about 7.9 in of ground clearance and no off-road trim, skid plates or terrain management.

There is a single powertrain (1.5T with a 6-speed automatic) and no hybrid or plug-in option. Rivals such as the RAV4, CR-V and Escape offer hybrids.

This is competitive for a non-hybrid compact SUV. It is scored on the FWD volume configuration; AWD drops to 26 MPG.

This is the EPA city figure for the FWD 1.5T.

This is the EPA highway figure for the FWD 1.5T.

The 14.9-gal tank and 28 MPG combined give a mid-pack total range for the segment.

This is the EPA annual fuel cost on regular gasoline at standard assumptions.

It runs on regular unleaded across all trims and has no premium requirement.

The 2023 Equinox, a carry-over year of the facelifted third generation (2018–2024), holds a 5-star NHTSA overall rating, with 5 stars frontal and side and the 4-star rollover typical of compact crossovers.

The Equinox does well on the older tests: Good in both small-overlap tests, the original moderate overlap, roof strength and head restraints. The aging 2018 structure fails IIHS's newer protocols, though: Poor in the updated moderate overlap with a rear occupant and Marginal in the updated side test. It won no award for 2023.

Chevy Safety Assist is standard on every 2023 Equinox: AEB, front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following distance indicator and IntelliBeam. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert are optional on the volume LT through a package, and adaptive cruise is confined to the top Premier trim. Rivals' Toyota Safety Sense and Honda Sensing give every trim adaptive cruise as standard.

Standard AEB rated Superior in IIHS's original vehicle-to-vehicle test, and pedestrian AEB rated Advanced in daytime. It rated Poor in the tougher updated vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 test at higher speeds, and no Superior nighttime pedestrian result is listed.

Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are alert-only, with no active steering or braking. They are optional on the volume LT through a package and standard only on RS and Premier, and parts shortages in 2022 limited how many were fitted. That puts this item at the bottom of the middle band.

Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning is standard, but it only nudges the car back at the lane line and cannot center it on any trim. Reviewers describe it as reactive, and it trails the centering systems in the CR-V, RAV4 and Tucson.

Adaptive cruise control is optional on the top Premier trim only. The volume LS/LT trims get conventional cruise, and there is no highway-assist function. That is a clear deficit in a segment where full-speed adaptive cruise is standard on most rivals.

No hands-free option exists for the 2023 Equinox. Super Cruise did not reach the Equinox until the 2025 redesign.

IIHS rates the 2023 Equinox headlights Poor. That is a serious weakness when most rivals offer Good or Acceptable lights. The standard IntelliBeam automatic high beams help only slightly.

The view forward and to the sides is good from a fairly upright driving position. Thick D-pillars and a small rear window, though, leave sizable rear-quarter blind zones. A rear camera is standard, and the HD Surround Vision 360-degree camera is available only on upper trims.

IIHS rates the LATCH hardware Acceptable: two full LATCH positions plus a tether-only center seat. The rear seat is roomy enough for rear-facing seats, but fitting three across is tight.

Every 2023 Equinox is a two-row, five-seat crossover. No third row was offered in the third generation (2018–2024).

Front headroom is generous for the compact class on the non-sunroof volume LT.

Front legroom is adequate but on the short side for the class. Taller drivers may find the seat track limiting next to the CR-V and RAV4.

Second-row headroom is competitive, and adults fit comfortably under the roofline.

Rear legroom is a genuine strength. At 39.9 in it is near the top of the compact SUV class, with a flat rear floor.

There is no third row. The 2023 Equinox is a strict two-row, five-seat SUV, so this item scores at the bottom of the band.

Cargo space behind the rear seat is below the class leaders: the CR-V has about 39 cu ft and the RAV4 about 37.

Maximum cargo space trails the segment. The 60/40 rear seat folds nearly flat, but the total volume is modest.

Everyday storage is typical: a center console bin, door pockets, a small tray ahead of the shifter and an underfloor cargo tray. From LT up, remote rear-seat release levers in the cargo area help. There are no standout innovations.

The front seats are reasonably supportive, though the LS/LT have flat cloth cushions and the LS has manual adjustment. The rear seat is roomy with decent cushioning. Leather and power adjustment are reserved for upper trims.

The ride is compliant and soaks up bumps well on the volume trim's 17-inch (LS) or 18-inch (LT) wheels. The RS's 19-inch wheels firm it up. Reviewers rate ride comfort as one of the Equinox's better attributes.

Wind and road noise are reasonably well suppressed at cruise. The 1.5T gets buzzy and loud under hard acceleration. Noise levels are average for the class, with no acoustic glass on volume trims.

Heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate and remote start come on RS or through LT packages. A heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats are Premier-only (some by package). The LS and base LT get manual climate. There are no rear vents beyond console ducts.

The 2023 Equinox (third generation, refreshed for 2022) opens below $28,000 delivered, among the lowest entry prices in the compact SUV class and under the CR-V and RAV4.

The LT is the volume trim, and AWD is the common configuration. At about $30,700 delivered it undercuts comparable CR-V and RAV4 trims by several thousand dollars.

Routine service on the 1.5T and 6-speed automatic is cheap, and GM parts are widely available. Repair estimates for the turbo engine (oil consumption and coolant issues reported on this generation) push the total to mid-pack. CarEdge's maintenance-only figure is lower.

Resale is the Equinox's weak spot. It keeps about 48% after five years, versus the mid-to-high 60s for the CR-V and RAV4, so the low sticker price is partly given back in depreciation. Large fleet volumes and steady incentives weigh on used values.

GM's 3/36 basic coverage is the segment floor. It matches Honda and Toyota and is half of Hyundai/Kia's term.

5/60 powertrain coverage is the class minimum, well short of Hyundai/Kia's 10 yr / 100,000 mi.

Chevrolet Complete Care includes one maintenance visit in the first year, plus roadside assistance and courtesy transportation for 5 yr / 60,000 mi and an OnStar/Connected Services trial. That is a short included-maintenance period, behind ToyotaCare's 2 yr / 25,000 mi.

$30,695 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (48% retained, or about $14,734) leaves about $15,961 in depreciation. Add the projected $5,600 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $21,561 in total.

2023 is the sixth model year of the 2018-2024 third generation (facelifted for 2022), a mature design. Consumer Reports gives it an average 3/5 predicted reliability (reliability score 46/100, lower half of the class) while J.D. Power rates its Quality & Reliability 90/100 'Great' — the mixed signals put it in the middle of the average band.

Chevrolet sits in the lower-middle of Consumer Reports brand reliability rankings but near or slightly above industry average in J.D. Power's Vehicle Dependability Study — mid-pack, well short of Toyota/Honda/Lexus. Brand standing is the same as the 2026 Equinox scorecard records.

Three recalls for the 2023 model year: driver's seat height-adjust pivot bolt, passenger occupant-classification airbag suppression on ventilated-seat cars, and excessive powder coat on LATCH anchor bars — safety-relevant but none powertrain or fire. The generation as a whole carries the 1.5T's oil-consumption/turbo TSB history.

The 2023 Equinox's only engine is the 1.5L turbo LSY four with GM's 6-speed automatic (the 2.0T and diesel were dropped after 2020). The 6-speed is a well-proven GM unit; the LSY has been in service since 2018 with a mixed record — documented oil-consumption and turbo-actuator bulletins but no systemic failures. Scored slightly above the 2026 car, which pairs the engine with a newer CVT on FWD.

The 2022 refresh freshened styling but the cabin remains heavy on hard plastics, and reviewers consistently placed it behind the CX-5, CR-V and Tucson for perceived quality. The volume LT is serviceable but plain for the money.

A late-cycle, well-sorted build with no widespread rattle or panel-gap complaints; J.D. Power's strong 90/100 quality score supports solid initial quality, tempered by the seat-bolt and LATCH powder-coat recalls, which are assembly-process escapes.

Chevrolet has the largest single-brand mainstream dealer network in the US (roughly 2,800-3,000 franchised stores), with dense rural coverage; service satisfaction is around the mainstream average.

One of the best-selling compact SUVs in the US for years, sharing its LSY engine, 6-speed automatic and D2XX platform parts with the Terrain, Malibu and others, so parts are cheap, abundant and well supported by independents and the aftermarket. Typical annual repair cost is in the normal compact-SUV range.

The volume LT uses the 7-inch Chevrolet Infotainment 3 screen, which is at the bottom of the class. The 8-inch Infotainment 3 Plus unit is standard only on Premier or comes in a package.

GM's Infotainment 3 is simple and fairly responsive, and it keeps physical climate and volume controls. The small 7-inch screen and dated graphics make it feel behind newer rivals.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2023 Equinox, including the base LS.

Built-in navigation is limited to the 8-inch Infotainment 3 Plus (Premier/package). The volume trims rely on phone projection, and native voice control is basic command-style.

The base six-speaker system is ordinary. The optional Bose seven-speaker system on Premier is a modest step up rather than a premium experience.

Every trim keeps analog gauges with a small 3.5-in (LS) or 4.2-in color (LT and up) driver information display between them. No full-digital cluster is offered.

The Infotainment 3-generation electrical architecture predates GM's Vehicle Intelligence Platform, so OTA capability is limited to minor infotainment/app updates. There are no feature-adding vehicle updates.

The myChevrolet app offers remote lock/unlock, vehicle locate and remote start on equipped vehicles, with a built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Many functions require an OnStar/Connected Access plan after the trial, and there is no digital key.

Front USB-A and USB-C data ports are standard, and rear charge-only USB ports arrive with packages and upper trims. Wireless charging is limited to upper trims/options, with a 120V outlet on upper trims.

Keyless entry and push-button start are standard from the LS up. Remote start is standard on RS/Premier and optional on LT, and a hands-free power liftgate is on Premier. There is no phone-as-key.

A rear camera is standard, and RS gets front and rear park assist. HD Surround Vision is limited to Premier, and no automated parking is offered.

No head-up display is offered on any 2023 Equinox trim.

Generous 39.9-in rear legroom and wide-opening rear doors make car seats easy to fit. IIHS rates LATCH Acceptable, and the 29.9 cu ft cargo hold takes a stroller but little else alongside it.

It has an NHTSA 5-star overall rating and standard Chevy Safety Assist (AEB, pedestrian braking, lane keep). But IIHS rates the headlights Poor and the updated moderate overlap test Poor, and blind-spot alerts and adaptive cruise cost extra on the volume LT. Rear Seat Reminder is standard.

A roomy rear seat and compliant ride help, but rear amenities are thin: rear USB and heated rear seats need packages. Luggage space with five aboard is below class leaders.

The ride is comfortable with light controls and a smooth 6-speed in traffic. The weak 1.5T makes merging effortful, and auto stop/start can be abrupt.

28 MPG combined on regular fuel (FWD) is competitive for a non-hybrid. Hybrid rivals commute far cheaper, and the Equinox offers no hybrid.

It has a compact footprint and a reasonable 37.4-ft turning circle on LS/LT, though the RS's 19-in wheels widen it to 41.6 ft. Thick rear pillars hurt rearward visibility, and surround view is Premier-only.

A 1,500-lb tow rating, a 175-hp engine that strains under load and modest cargo volume make it unsuited to real work beyond light errands.

It is widely used in rental fleets and is mechanically simple (1.5T with a 6-speed automatic), but it is not built for abuse, and the small turbo working hard under load is not a proven heavy-duty combination.

Roof rails (RS/Premier), a dealer hitch and cargo tie-downs cover basic needs. There is no meaningful onboard power and no upfit ecosystem.

It has a comfortable ride and a roughly 417-mile range. Adaptive cruise is Premier-only and there is no lane centering, so ADAS does little to reduce fatigue on the volume trims. The engine gets buzzy on long grades.

Available AWD and about 7.9 in of clearance handle gravel and snow roads. But the 1,500-lb tow rating, no terrain modes and a modest engine limit outdoor utility.

The 60/40 rear seat folds nearly flat with remote release levers (LT and up), and roof rails and a hitch are available. The overall volume (29.9/63.9 cu ft) is small for the class.

It handles securely and predictably, with moderate body roll. It is tuned for comfort and trails the CX-5 and Tucson for composure. The RS's bigger wheels add little real agility.

The steering is light and accurate enough for daily use but transmits little feedback.

Reviewers describe a firm, progressive pedal and stopping performance about average for the class. The exact instrumented 70–0 mph distance was not retrieved in this run.

The 1.5T/6-speed is smooth in light driving, but turbo lag, reluctant kickdowns and abrupt stop/start detract. The engine runs out of breath when loaded.

The engine is quiet at cruise but becomes buzzy and strained under hard acceleration and on grades.

The volume LT's turning circle is about average for the compact SUV class. The RS's 19-inch wheels widen it considerably.

The upright seating position gives good forward sightlines, and the physical climate controls are simple. The LS's manual seat, limited front legroom (40.9 in) and thick rear pillars are minor drawbacks.

It is appliance-like: the weakest engine in the class, numb steering and nothing to encourage the long way home. Even the RS is a cosmetic package.

Every 2023 Equinox gets Chevy Safety Assist as standard: AEB with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, following-distance indicator and IntelliBeam headlights. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a 7-in screen are also standard. The LS is otherwise basic (cloth seats, few comfort features), and adaptive cruise and blind-spot monitoring are option-package items rather than standard.

A low sticker price ($27,995–$34,795 delivered) and routine incentives make the Equinox cheap to buy. That is offset by the weakest powertrain in the class (175 hp, 1,500-lb tow rating, no hybrid), dated interior materials and poor resale, so it is fair value rather than a bargain.

There are four trims (LS, LT, RS, Premier), each in FWD or AWD, plus option packages, with an evenly spaced price ladder. A single engine and no hybrid or plug-in option limit the choice compared with the RAV4, CR-V and Escape.

With 212,701 US sales in 2023 it was Chevrolet's best-selling SUV and fourth in the compact SUV segment behind the RAV4, CR-V and Rogue. Volume is very high but flat against 2022, and it trails the class leaders.

Chevrolet is a familiar mainstream brand with a broad dealer network, but its crossovers lack the resale reputation and loyal following of Toyota, Honda or Subaru. Heavy rental-fleet presence also softens the Equinox's image.

Through 2023, as inventory recovered and the redesigned 2025 model approached, Chevrolet regularly offered cash allowances and low-APR financing on the Equinox. Dealer discounts below MSRP were easy to get, unlike the RAV4 and CR-V, which sold at or above sticker.

2023 was the sixth model year of a generation that launched for 2018. Its only refresh (2022) was cosmetic. The fully redesigned fourth generation was announced in 2023 and arrived for 2025, so 2023 buyers got an aging design with replacement imminent.

Reviewers rated it an adequate, comfortable but forgettable compact SUV. It drew consistent criticism for the underpowered 1.5T and a plain interior, typically ranked in the lower half of comparison tests, and won no major awards (10Best, Top Safety Pick+) for 2023.