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.
2012CAREFULSerious complaints 1.9× usual, mostly engine and power train Extended coverage
507 serious complaints of 685, the most about engine (355) and power train (84); per car on the road, 1.9× this model's usual year. 3 recalls. NHTSA investigation PE20009: momentary increased steering effort.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2012 chevrolet equinox. The contact stated that the check oil engine warning indicator illuminated. The contacted assumed that the oil needed to be changed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Mar 2017
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated that her husband discovered that the timing chain had failed. In addition, there was an excessive consumption of oil causing the contact to add engine oil frequently. The engine warning light was illuminated.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, May 2024
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Some vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine, may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles [3,200 km] per quart [0.946 L] of engine oil), due to piston ring wear. 16118 - Special Coverage. (GCUS-9-4006, Apr 2017)
- Extended coverage Some 2012 model year Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine, may exhibit excessive engine oil consumption (less than 2,000 miles [3,200 km] per quart [0.946 L] of engine oil), due to piston ring wear. Special Coverage (Revised Service Procedure). (16118, Jan 2020)
- Extended coverage Some vehicles, equipped with a 2.4L engine and certified to the EPA Bin 4 emission standard and the California Cleaner Federal Vehicle option of Bin 4 emission standard, may exhibit catalytic converter and/or oxygen sensor performance degradation, without illumination of the malfunction indicator… (N192287100, Oct 2020)
- Extended coverage Emission Recalls and Special Coverage. (N192268180, Oct 2020)
- Extended coverage Some vehicles may have increased friction in the steering system. 14232 - special coverage. (G-205009, Nov 2014)
- Extended coverage Certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4l engine (laf, lea or luk) that have experienced high oil consumption may also experience a frozen and/or plugged pcv (positive crankcase ventilation) system during cold weather operation. 14882 - special coverage. (14882, Mar 2015)
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.
685 owner complaints · 3 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–26 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2012 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
2012 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.