Which year to buy
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year. first year of a new design.
2011AVOIDSerious complaints 2.6× usual, mostly engine and power train Extended coverage
647 serious complaints of 782, the most about engine (386) and power train (145); per car on the road, 2.6× this model's usual year. 3 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE20009: momentary increased steering effort.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2011 chevrolet equinox. While driving at 30 mph, the service engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the timing chain fractured. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 45,136.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Jul 2015
“Car stalled out while stopped at a stop light. Was able to restart and drive home. Was scheduled for an oil change the next day, went to drive the car and made it three houses down before it stalled out while driving. Engine light came on and would not start back up.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, May 2018
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage The chrome layer on the balance chain pins may wear, allowing the chain to stretch. 12313 - Special Coverage. (G-169470, Jul 2013)
- Extended coverage The chrome layer on the balance chain pins may wear, allowing the chain to stretch. 12313A - Special Coverage (revised part information). (G-171837, Jul 2013)
- Extended coverage A malfunction-indicator light (MIL) may illuminate due to thermal damage or face erosion of the catalytic converter. 15810 - Special Coverage. (GCUS-9-2602, Aug 2016)
- Extended coverage On some vehicles that are equipped with a 2.4L engine (RPO LAF), a malfunction-indicator light (MIL) may illuminate due to thermal damage or face erosion of the catalytic converter. 15810-02 - Special Coverage (revised warranty section). (15810, Jun 2018)
- Extended coverage Special Coverage Adjustment - Engine Balance Chain and Fuel Pump - Equipped with 2.4L Engine (LAF) (12313, Jul 2013)
- Extended coverage 12313C - Special Coverage. Bulletin was revised to remove special coverage adjustment for the fuel pump that is now included in Voluntary Emissions Recall 43180. (GCUS-9-2887, Sep 2016)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
782 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–26 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2011 trims and features
Every Equinox year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl; 3.0L 6-cyl · Drive: AWD, FWD
2011 Equinox trims
| 1LT | 2LT | LS | LTZ |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Chevrolet reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Chevrolet aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 26–27 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 71 | Forward collision avoidance (19) | — |
| 2025 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 26–27 mpg | Not rated | 0 | 228 | Electrical system (76) | Yes |
| 2024 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 26–28 mpg | Not rated | 1 | 79 | Fuel/propulsion system (23) | Yes |
| 2023 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 26–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 95 | Fuel/propulsion system (44) | Yes |
| 2022 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 27–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 173 | Fuel/propulsion system (76) | Yes |
| 2021 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 27–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 96 | Fuel/propulsion system (18) | Yes |
| 2020 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 24–28 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 309 | Service brakes (97) | Yes |
| 2019 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 1.6L 4-cyl turbo diesel 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 24–32 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 302 | Engine (100) | Yes |
| 2018 | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo 1.6L 4-cyl turbo diesel 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | AWD, FWD | 24–32 mpg | 4–5 of 5 | 5 | 408 | Service brakes (118) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–25 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 273 | Engine (178) | No |
| 2016 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 18–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 396 | Engine (201) | No |
| 2015 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 680 | Visibility/wiper (250) | No |
| 2014 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 548 | Engine (218) | No |
| 2013 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.6L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 751 | Engine (412) | No |
| 2012 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.0L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 685 | Engine (355) | No |
| 2011 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.0L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 19–26 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 782 | Engine (386) | No |
| 2010 | 2.4L 4-cyl 3.0L 6-cyl | AWD, FWD | 20–26 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 784 | Engine (271) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Apple lists CarPlay for: Equinox 2018–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | CHEVROLET EQUINOX SUV N/A AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 71 |
| 2026 | CHEVROLET EQUINOX SUV N/A FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 71 |
| 2025 | CHEVROLET EQUINOX SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 228 |
| 2025 | CHEVROLET EQUINOX SUV FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 0 | 228 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 79 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 1 | 79 |
| 2023 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 95 |
| 2023 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 95 |
| 2022 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 5 | 173 |
| 2022 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 5 | 173 |
| 2021 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 96 |
| 2021 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 96 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 309 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 4 | 309 |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 302 |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 4 | 302 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD Later Release | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 76 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD Later Release | 5 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 76 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD Early Release | 4 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 408 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD Early Release | 4 | Optional | Optional | 5 | 408 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 273 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 0 | 273 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 396 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 396 |
| 2015 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 680 |
| 2015 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 680 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 548 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 1 | 548 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 751 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 2 | 751 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 685 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 4 | Optional | Optional | 3 | 685 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 782 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 3 | 782 |
| 2010 | Chevrolet Equinox 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 784 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Equinox AWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2026 | Equinox FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2025 | Equinox AWD | Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2025 | Equinox FWD | Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2024 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2024 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2023 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2023 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2022 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2022 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2021 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2021 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo | 28 |
| 2020 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–27 |
| 2020 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–28 |
| 2019 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–32 |
| 2019 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–32 |
| 2018 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
24–32 |
| 2018 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Diesel, Turbo Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.5 L, Turbo Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo |
25–32 |
| 2017 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
18–23 |
| 2017 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
20–25 |
| 2016 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
18–23 |
| 2016 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
20–26 |
| 2015 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
19–23 |
| 2015 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
19–26 |
| 2014 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV |
19–23 |
| 2014 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
19–26 |
| 2013 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV |
19–23 |
| 2013 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, SIDI |
20–26 |
| 2012 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI |
19–23 |
| 2012 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV |
20–26 |
| 2011 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV |
19–23 |
| 2011 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L, SIDI Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI; FFV Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, SIDI |
19–26 |
| 2010 | Equinox AWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
20–23 |
| 2010 | Equinox FWD | Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
20–26 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.