2021 Chevrolet Equinox review

2021 Chevrolet Equinox used car review

We think the Chevrolet Equinox is a good choice if you're looking to save money, even if it's not at the top of the compact SUV class. While this American SUV comes up short in several areas compared to the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4, it usually costs thousands less than those class leaders. Plus, it has a comfortable ride, lots of storage space, and a good mix of standard tech features. 

There are sportier SUVs, SUVs with better storage, and more modern SUVs, but they often cost considerably more than an Equinox. If it's not important for you to have a top-tier SUV, we think the Equinox is worth a look. 

The second-tier LT trim includes other creature comforts, like heated front seats, remote engine start, and a power-operated trunk. The back seat of the Equinox is also roomy enough for most passengers, and installing a rear-facing car seat is manageable. 

Check out the full review below for more details on why you might want to consider a used 2021 Chevy Equinox:

• Technology

• Comfort

• Cargo and storage

• Ease of use

• Driving

What tech does a used 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have?

Connectivity

Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard on all trims of the Equinox. If you need to charge your phone, you have four USB ports to choose from. You can also connect to the Equinox's entertainment system using Bluetooth®. The touchscreen's simple interface is easy to use, making adding your device simple. 

A pair of additional USB ports are available on the RS trim and standard on the top-of-the-line Premier trim. The Premier trim is also the only place you'll find wireless charging on an Equinox. But the Premier trim doesn't come fully loaded. An upgraded Bose® sound system is part of an available package, along with a built-in navigation system.

Infotainment

Two touchscreen infotainment systems are available on the Equinox. The standard seven-inch touchscreen is what you'll find on most Equinox trims, and we think it works well. It's easy to use and, while not very big, displays information clearly enough that you shouldn't have trouble with it. The upgraded touchscreen is an inch larger and can be found on some second-from-top RS trims thanks to an option package, and it was standard on the Premier trim.

Driver-assist tech

There are not many standard advanced driver aids on the Equinox. A pair of warning systems, one for forward collision and another for lane departure, are standard. Adaptive cruise control is an option for the RS and Premier trims, while the second-tier LT trim throws in front and rear parking sensors. Those can come in handy when pulling in and out of tight parking spots. The package that adds adaptive cruise control on RS trim Equinoxes also brings a camera that simulates a top-down view, making it even easier to park.

How comfortable is a used 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?

Front seating

The front seats in the Equinox accommodate a wide variety of body types, and they remain comfortable to sit in over long journeys. We found the leather upholstery on higher-trim Chevys doesn't breathe very well. Some Equinox models have cooled seats, which help, but otherwise the cabin can get a little swampier than anyone but a gator would like.

The second-from-bottom LT trim includes heated seats, but you'll need to find an RS trim with some available packages installed or the top-trim Premier to get cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated seats for second-row passengers. Climate control is a weak point on the Equinox. The cooling and heating vents are placed at the perfect angle to blast your knuckles with air, but they are poorly placed to cool down or heat up the cabin.

Rear seating

We think rear legroom in the Equinox is good for most adults, but keep an eye out for headroom if the SUV you're looking at has a panoramic sunroof. It cuts into rear seat headroom, which could be a problem if you're regularly transporting taller adults in the back seat. You can get heated seats for rear passengers on the Premier trim, but cooled seats are only available for front passengers. 

The step-in height of the Equinox is manageable for kids, and the small doors open wide enough to make getting in and out of tight spaces easy. Keep in mind that the low position of the doors makes it easy to scrape them on high curbs.

Ride quality and interior noise

It's not a silent oasis when on the highway, but we think the Equinox does an adequate job of keeping road and wind noise out of the vehicle. The ride quality is good and can absorb most modest bumps whether you're puttering around town or on a four-lane highway. We found the Equinox to be a little bit louder than the Honda CR-V in Edmunds' testing, but not by a significant amount.

Does a used 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have good storage?

Cargo 

The Equinox can hold 29.9 cubic feet of goodies behind its second row. That's a far cry from the 39.3 cubic feet offered by the Honda CR-V. But we think the Equinox offers enough storage for most families. Its nearly 30 cubic feet of storage is comparable to the dimensions of a standard four-burner stove, and the rear seats fold down easily to accommodate longer items. There's also a little bit of storage under the cargo floor in the trunk that can be quite useful. 

Storage

There are lots of little bins and cubbies to stow small items. The Equinox also offers a rubberized cellphone tray, which helps keep your phone in place while on the move. There are also a couple of handy clips under the lid of the center console storage bin. This can be a nice spot to store an insurance card, the registration, or a little bit of cash.

How easy is a used 2021 Chevrolet Equinox to use?

Entry, exit, and car seats

The Equinox has a low step-in height that makes it easy, even for smaller passengers, to enter and exit the vehicle. The doors are also small enough that they can still be opened widely in narrow parking spaces. The LATCH anchors are easy to find and hook up to, making it easy to install a car seat. Rear-facing car seats can fit comfortably if the passenger seated ahead doesn't have their seat slid all the way back.

Interior layout and visibility

The infotainment touchscreen is installed at an awkward angle, but that's about the only potential usability issue. Otherwise, there are plenty of physical buttons to control things like cooling and heating, and the system overall is easy to learn and to use.

What’s a used 2021 Chevrolet Equinox like to drive?

Driving

A 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine is the only one available on the 2021 Equinox and we think its 175 horsepower just isn't enough. Getting up to highway speeds is slow, and if the on-ramp is short, you'll find you need to give a big push on the accelerator pedal to get up to speed in time.

The other pedal works quite a bit better. We found the brake pedal to be responsive but not too sensitive in Edmunds' testing. And both steering and handling are impressive for an SUV of this size. The weak engine keeps the Equinox from being "fun to drive," but it's not overmatched on twisty roads. It does have a large turning radius, which can make navigating parking lots and making U-turns a bit of a chore.

Towing

The Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is in line with the competition. That's enough to tow a small boat, trailer, or camper.

EPA fuel economy estimates