Chevy Equinox Buyer’s Guide: Years to Avoid & Reliability

 

Why You Should Trust This Guide

Look I’ve been covering cars in the US market for over 15 years now and I’ve personally tested alot of Equinox models from all three generations. This isn’t some fluff piece written by someone who’s never sat in one. Everything here comes from NHTSA complaint data, actual class-action lawsuit documents, owner surveys from real people, and my own road testing. I don’t work for any dealerships so I’m gonna tell you the truth even when it’s ugly.

The Quick Verdict

Here’s what nobody’s gonna tell you at the dealership: Between 2010 and 2015 Chevy sold literally hundreds of thousands of these SUVs with an engine that was basically designed to burn oil like crazy. We’re talking about adding a whole quart every 1000 miles. Class-action lawsuits happened. People were pissed. If you’re shopping used this is the minefield you gotta navigate carefully.

The Bottom Line:

✅ Buy These Years:

• 2009 (surprisingly solid for first gen)
• 2019-2026 (way more reliable than the old ones)
• 2026 EV (seriously this is a steal at 27495 after the tax credit)

❌ Avoid Like Your Life Depends On It:

• 2005-2008 (engines were weak, crash ratings sucked)
• 2010-2015 (the oil consumption nightmare years)
• 2018 (had some early bugs they hadn’t worked out yet)

⚠️ Be Careful With:

• 2016-2017 (still had some oil issues lingering)

💰 What You’re Actually Getting: The Equinox starts at 28800 bucks which makes it one of the cheapest compact SUVs you can buy right now. You’re getting decent tech and enough space for most families but you’re giving up cargo room and long term reliability compared to the RAV4 or CR-V. That’s just the reality of it.

🔋 The EV Thing: The 2026 Equinox EV costs 34995 but after you get that 7500 dollar federal tax credit you’re only paying 27495. That’s actually cheaper than the gas version man. Plus you get 319 miles of range and 213 horsepower which is way more power than the gas model. If you can charge at home this is honestly a no brainer.

If you only remember one thing from this whole article: Stay the hell away from 2010-2015 models unless you enjoy checking your oil every week.

Reliability

So between 2010 and 2015 Chevy had this massive problem with the 2.4 liter EcoTec engine. The piston rings were designed wrong basically and they let engine oil leak into the combustion chamber where it just burned off. This wasn’t like a minor issue either.

Real owners were reporting they had to add a full quart of oil every 1000 miles. That’s insane. Some people got stranded on the highway when their engines just seized up from running out of oil. You’d get fouled spark plugs, engine misfires, random power loss, and sometimes the whole engine would just shut down while you’re driving. Imagine that happening with your kids in the car.

The problem got so bad that multiple class action lawsuits were filed against GM. The 2010 through 2013 models with that 2.4L engine were the worst offenders. Just the 2010 model year alone got over 300 complaints filed with NHTSA. Eventually GM extended some warranties for affected owners but alot of people still got stuck with repair bills that cost more than what their car was worth at that point.

Years You Should Absolutely Avoid

2005-2008 (The First Gen Disasters): These early Equinox models had weak 3.4L V6 engines that loved to blow head gaskets. Cooling system problems electrical issues rust problems you name it. The 2006 model got over 1000 complaints to NHTSA which is crazy. Safety was bad too cause the IIHS crash tests showed poor ratings and the 2007 had recalls for airbag failures. Power windows would stop working for no reason. Just a mess all around honestly.

2010-2015 (The Oil Burning Years): This is the danger zone man. That 2.4 liter four cylinder is basically a ticking time bomb. Here’s what you’re looking at:

• You’re gonna be adding a quart or more of oil every 1000 miles
• Engine stalling or shutting down randomly while driving
• Check engine lights constantly for misfires
• Timing chains wearing out cause there’s not enough oil
• Complete engine failure that costs over 4000 bucks to fix

The 2013 model also had the infotainment system crapping out and more timing chain problems. By 2015 they added transmission issues and faulty ignition switches to the mix cause why not make it worse right.

2018 (Early Third Gen Problems): The third generation that started in 2017 was way better overall but 2018 had some growing pains. Software bugs would trigger check engine lights for no reason. It got more owner complaints than the years after it. Not a total disaster like the 2010-2015 models but not the safe bet either.

The Most Reliable Equinox Years

2009: This late first gen model is actually pretty solid if you’re shopping used on a budget. It missed most of the early problems and came right before the oil consumption crisis started. Good build quality and way fewer repair reports than the years around it. Kind of a hidden gem honestly.

2019-2021: These third gen models are where things finally got better. Modern styling strong safety scores and way better reliability than before. The current generation actually ranks as the second most reliable compact SUV behind only the RAV4. Owners are reporting they can hit 200000 miles if you keep up with maintenance.

2023-2026: The newest models have had years to work out the bugs. The 2024 and newer Equinox got IIHS Top Safety Pick and 5 star NHTSA ratings. That 1.5L turbo engine they’re using now instead of the old 2.4L hasn’t shown any signs of the oil consumption problems. Seems like they finally figured it out.

Common Problems

Even the good years aren’t perfect though. Here’s what to watch for:

Timing Chain Failures: These can wear out early or just break which destroys the engine. Listen for rattling noises when you start it cold.

Transmission Acting Weird: The 9 speed automatic in some second gen models hesitates or shifts rough. Software updates help sometimes but some owners say it never really gets fixed.

Electrical Gremlins: Faulty ignition switches sensors going bad power windows that stop working. The 2015 was really bad for ignition switch problems that could make the engine stall.

Fuel Pump Recalls: The 2020-2024 models had a recall for fuel pump modules that could cause hesitation or power loss. If you’re buying used make sure that recall got done.

Throttle Body Carbon Buildup: Some owners get Engine Power Reduced messages and sluggish acceleration cause the throttle body gets gunked up with carbon.

Performance

The EPA claims the 2026 Equinox gets 26 city and 28 highway. Real owners are seeing something different in actual driving.

From my testing and talking to actual owners most people are getting 24 to 26 MPG combined when they’re doing mixed driving. If you’re mostly highway you might hit 28 or 29 MPG. But if you’re stuck in city traffic alot you’re looking at 22 to 23 MPG. That CVT transmission in the front wheel drive models helps with efficiency but man does it feel sluggish when you try to accelerate hard.

What’s Under The Hood In 2026

The 1.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder makes 175 horsepower and 203 pound feet of torque. That’s adequate for getting around town but nothing special. Car and Driver called the acceleration lethargic and honestly they’re not wrong about that.

Zero to 60 takes 8.6 seconds. For comparison the RAV4 does it in 8.1 and the CR-V in 8.3. You’re not losing races but you’re definitely not winning them either.

Now here’s where it gets interesting. Chevy ditched that sluggish 6 speed automatic from the old model and gave the 2026 Equinox two new transmissions. Front wheel drive models get a CVT but it’s not like the typical droning CVTs you’re used to. This one actually feels pretty responsive and doesn’t buzz the engine to redline unless you’re really asking for maximum speed. It’s way better than the old 6 speed was.

All wheel drive models get an 8 speed automatic that’s a night and day difference from before. It keeps the engine in the boost better and generates enough power that you can actually bark the front tires with minimal effort in 2WD mode. Yeah you can switch between 2WD and AWD with a pushbutton on the left side of the dash which is pretty convenient.

Towing Stuff

Max towing is 1500 pounds if you get it equipped right. That’s enough for a small utility trailer or maybe a couple jet skis but don’t plan on hauling a camper with this thing. The Hyundai Tucson can tow 2000 pounds so if you need more capacity look at that instead.

What It’s Like To Actually Drive

The Equinox is built for comfort not for being sporty. The ride is smooth on highways and the cabin stays pretty quiet when you’re cruising. But if you try to push it hard through corners you’re gonna feel alot of body roll. The steering is light and numb which is great for parking lots but not so great on twisty roads.

Cabin noise gets noticeable at highway speeds especially with that CVT droning when you accelerate. It’s not terrible but the RAV4 and CX-5 are definitely quieter.

One cool thing is the drive mode selector on the RS and Activ trims. Front wheel drive models get Normal and Snow modes while all wheel drive versions add an Off-Road mode. The off-road mode relaxes the traction and engine controls to let the rear end slide a bit more on dirt and gives you more wheelspin when you’re powering out of mud or loose gravel. It’s not gonna turn the Equinox into a rock crawler but it’s nice to have if you’re hitting dirt roads or camping spots.

This is a daily commuter not a canyon carver. If you want something fun to drive look at the Mazda CX-5 or maybe even the Ford Bronco Sport.

Interior & Family Stuff

Five seats and 63.5 cubic feet of cargo sounds good on paper. But here’s what that actually means when you’re loading groceries and strollers and sports equipment and all the other stuff families haul around.

Cargo Space Reality

Behind the rear seats you get 29.8 cubic feet. That’s below average compared to competitors:

• Honda CR-V has 39.3 cubic feet
• Toyota RAV4 has 37.5 cubic feet
• Hyundai Tucson has 38.7 cubic feet

Fold the rear seats down and you get 63.5 cubic feet total. Again competitors do better:

• CR-V has 76.5 cubic feet
• RAV4 has 69.8 cubic feet
• Tucson has 74.8 cubic feet

What this means: The Equinox works fine for weekly grocery runs and trips to the airport. But if you’re hauling furniture from IKEA or loading camping gear for four people you’re gonna wish you bought the CR-V instead.

Seats And Comfort

The Equinox seats five people. There’s no third row option at all so if you need that you gotta get the bigger Traverse.

Front seats are comfortable for long drives with decent lumbar support and you can get them heated. Rear legroom is okay for adults though if you’re over 6 foot 2 you’re gonna feel cramped on road trips.

Car seats fit pretty well. You can get two car seats in the back no problem and even squeeze in a third if they’re narrow models. The LATCH anchors are easy to get to which is nice.

Tech And Screens

The 2026 Equinox actually got a pretty big upgrade here. You get an 11.3 inch infotainment screen which is way bigger than the old 7 or 8 inch screens. There’s also an 11 inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. Both screens feature Google built-in technology which is nice.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims which is good. The system works fine and it’s pretty intuitive though it’s not as polished as what Honda or Mazda have.

One cool thing is the passthrough center console. Instead of a normal closed console the Equinox has this open design so you can slide stuff from the driver side to the passenger side. It’s actually really useful for storing purses or bags or your fast food order.

Heated front seats and heated steering wheel are available on higher trims. Ventilated seats though? Not available at any price which kinda sucks.

Trim Levels And What Makes Them Different

For 2026 Chevy offers three trims: LT, RS, and Activ. They dropped the base LS and the upgraded Premier trims from previous years.

LT Trim: This is your entry level model with all the basics. You get that 11.3 inch screen, heated seats and steering wheel are optional, and you can choose between front wheel drive or all wheel drive.

Activ Trim (The Off-Road One): This is the new rugged trim for people who wanna look outdoorsy. The Activ gets some legit all-terrain tires called General Grabber A/Ts in size 235/65R17. These are true all-terrain tires with aggressive tread but they’re surprisingly quiet on the road. You barely notice them unless the cabin is completely silent.

The Activ also gets a bit more ground clearance, unique front and rear fascias with black trim, black roof rails, and 17 inch aluminum wheels. Inside you get Evotex seating material in Maple Sugar and black with orange piping on the seat shoulders. The headrests have ACTIV stitched on them which is a nice touch. Standard heated seats and steering wheel too.

You also get a drive mode selector with Normal, Snow, and Off-Road modes if you get all wheel drive. The off-road mode lets the rear axle slip more for better traction on dirt.

RS Trim (The Sporty One): The RS is the performance-oriented trim with sportier looks. You get a unique front fascia with larger openings, black Bow Tie badge, body-color lower valance, and either 19 inch wheels standard or optional 20 inch wheels. Black roof is standard on the RS.

Inside the RS gets Evotex seating in black with Torch Red accents along the seat shoulders and Santorini Blue contrast stitching. The headrests have RS embossed on them. The coolest part is the flat-bottom steering wheel which is exclusive to the RS trim. You also get the drive mode selector and heated seats and steering wheel standard.

All three trims handle pretty much the same on paved roads. The suspensions are tuned to deliver similar driving dynamics and steering response even with the different wheel and tire choices.

2026 Equinox EV vs Gas 

So that 7500 dollar federal tax credit makes the EV cheaper than the gas model. Here’s the catch though you need to be able to charge at home for it to really make sense.

Why The EV Is Better

Range: You get 319 miles with front wheel drive or 307 miles with all wheel drive. That’s enough for most daily driving and even weekend road trips without worrying about running out of juice.

Power: 213 horsepower with front wheel drive or 288 horsepower with all wheel drive. The AWD version goes from zero to 60 in just 5.8 seconds which is almost 3 seconds faster than the gas model.

Price: It costs 34995 but you subtract that 7500 tax credit and you’re paying 27495 effective. That’s actually 1305 bucks cheaper than the gas LT model.

Running Costs: Charging at home costs about 4 cents per mile versus 12 cents per mile for gas at 3.50 a gallon. Over 10 years and 150000 miles you’ll save somewhere between 10000 and 22000 dollars just on fuel.

Maintenance: No oil changes no transmission fluid no spark plugs to replace. EVs have way fewer moving parts so maintenance costs are lower. You’re looking at saving 3000 to 5000 bucks over 10 years.

Driving Feel: Instant torque silent operation smooth acceleration. The EV feels like a premium vehicle compared to the gas model’s CVT drone.

Why The Gas Model Still Makes Sense

Refueling: Five minutes at any gas station versus 8 hours on a Level 2 home charger or 38 to 44 minutes on DC fast charging.

No Learning Curve: You don’t have to learn anything new. No charging anxiety no worrying about finding chargers on road trips.

Apartment Living: If you can’t install a home charger the gas model is basically your only real option.

Upfront Cost: 28800 versus 34995 before the tax credit. If you don’t qualify for that federal credit the gas model is cheaper.

What I’d Actually Recommend

Get the EV if:

• You have a garage or driveway where you can install Level 2 charging
• Your daily commute is under 200 miles
• You qualify for that 7500 dollar federal tax credit
• You want the best performance and lowest running costs

Get the Gas Model if:

• You live in an apartment and can’t charge at home
• You take road trips over 300 miles pretty often
• You don’t qualify for the tax credit
• You just prefer the simplicity of gas refueling

The Math: If you drive 15000 miles a year the EV saves you about 1200 bucks annually just on fuel. Add in maintenance savings and you’re looking at 1500 to 2000 per year. Over 10 years that’s 15000 to 20000 dollars in your pocket.

How The Equinox Stacks Up Against RAV4 And CR-V

Here’s how it compares to its two biggest competitors:

Where Equinox Wins:

• Cheapest starting price by 1150 bucks compared to RAV4
• That passthrough center console is unique
• You can get it as an EV with 319 mile range

Where RAV4 Wins:

• Best reliability in class at 4.5 out of 5
• Better fuel economy at 30 MPG combined
• Way better resale value
• More cargo space at 37.5 cubic feet

Where CR-V Wins:

• Most cargo space at 76.5 cubic feet with seats down
• Better overall value for your money
• More rear legroom for passengers
• Quieter cabin at highway speeds

My Take: If you’re buying new and want the cheapest option the Equinox makes sense. If you’re buying used or you care about long term reliability the RAV4 is worth spending that extra 1150 bucks. If you need maximum cargo space the CR-V wins hands down.

Faq’s About The Equinox

Is the Chevy Equinox a good car?

The 2019 and newer models are solid and reliable. You gotta avoid those 2010-2015 models cause of the oil consumption issues. It ranks 23rd out of 26 compact SUVs for reliability but it offers really good value for the price.

Is a Chevy Equinox a small or midsize SUV?

The Equinox is what they call a compact SUV. It sits between the subcompact Trax and the midsize Traverse. It seats 5 people and has 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

What is the most common problem with the Chevy Equinox?

Excessive oil consumption in those 2010-2015 models with the 2.4L engine. Owners were adding 1 quart every 1000 miles which led to class action lawsuits. The newer 2019 and up models don’t have this problem.

Is an Equinox a safe car?

Yeah it’s safe. The 2024 and newer got IIHS Top Safety Pick and 5 star NHTSA ratings. Standard Chevy Safety Assist includes automatic emergency braking lane keep assist and forward collision alert.

Is the Chevy Equinox a long lasting car?

The 2019 and newer models can hit 200000 miles if you keep up with maintenance. Older models from 2010-2017 have shorter lifespans cause of engine problems. Average reliability is 3.5 out of 5 which ranks 23rd in the class.

Is a Chevy Equinox considered a luxury car?

Nah it’s not a luxury car. The Equinox is a mainstream compact SUV. If you want luxury you should look at the Cadillac XT4 which is built on the same platform but with nicer stuff. The Equinox focuses on value and being practical over premium materials.

What Chevy Equinox should I stay away from?

Avoid 2005-2008 cause of weak engines and poor safety. Avoid 2010-2015 cause of oil consumption. Avoid 2018 cause of early third gen issues. Best years are 2009, 2019-2021, and 2023-2026.

Is the Chevy Equinox expensive to maintain?

No it’s actually below average. Annual repair costs are about 537 dollars compared to the class average of 652. But those 2010-2015 models might need expensive engine repairs cause of the oil consumption thing. The 2019 and newer models have lower maintenance costs.

Final Verdict – Should You Buy It Or Not?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox is all about value not about being the most reliable thing on the road. If you’re shopping new and you want the cheapest compact SUV with decent tech it makes sense. If you’re buying used though you gotta be really careful about which years you’re looking at cause there’s alot of landmines especially in that 2010-2015 range.

Buy It If:

• You’re looking at 2019-2026 models
• You want the best bang for your buck in this segment
• You care more about tech features and low upfront cost
• You’re interested in that EV with the 7500 dollar tax credit
• You don’t need maximum cargo space

Pass On It If:

• You’re looking at 2010-2015 models cause the oil consumption risk is way too high
• You need maximum cargo space cause the CR-V has 13 more cubic feet
• You care about long term reliability cause the RAV4 is the safer bet
• You tow stuff frequently cause the Tucson can tow 500 pounds more
• You’re buying used without getting a thorough pre purchase inspection done

Wait If:

• You’re thinking about 2018-2019 cause they had early issues
• You wanna see more long term reliability data on the 2024 and newer models
• You’re hoping for better incentives on the EV

The Smart Play: That 2026 Equinox EV at 27495 after the tax credit is honestly the deal of the decade if you can charge at home. You get 319 miles of range 213 horsepower and way lower operating costs than any gas compact SUV. It’s faster quieter and cheaper to run than the gas model.

For gas buyers the 2024-2026 models are solid choices if you’re okay with average reliability and below average cargo space. Just stay far away from those 2010-2015 oil burners.

The Equinox isn’t the best compact SUV out there but it’s the best value if you shop smart and avoid the problem years.