Which year to buy
Best bet2021Fewest serious problems: 0.5× usual
Newest we'd buy2024The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2010–2011Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2012–2013, 2025More problems; check the recalls were done
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.
2013CAREFULSerious complaints 1.8× usual, mostly engine and power train Extended coverage
539 serious complaints of 751, the most about engine (412) and power train (80); per car on the road, 1.8× this model's usual year. 2 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Aug 2023
“The contact owns a 2013 chevrolet equinox. While driving 45 mph, the engine stalled without warning. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road where it was able to be restarted. The failure recurred numerous times.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Oct 2016
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Some vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine (RPO LEA) 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. (N192291100, Jan 2020)
- Extended coverage Emission Recalls and Special Coverage. (N192268180, Oct 2020)
- Extended coverage On some vehicles, equipped with e85 flex fuel capability (fhs), the flexible fuel sensor may become inoperative during normal operation due to an electrical failure caused by road salt and other environmental contaminants. 14289 - special coverage. (G-199041, Aug 2014)
- 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)
- Extended coverage Some 2012-2014 model year (my) buick verano, 2011-2014 my chevrolet cruze and volt, 2010-2014 my chevrolet equinox and gmc terrain, and 2013-2014 my chevrolet malibu vehicles, equipped with electronic power steering (nj0/nj1), may have increased friction in the steering system. 14232a - special… (14232, Jun 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.
751 owner complaints · 2 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–26 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2013 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; 3.6L 6-cyl · Drive: AWD, FWD
2013 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.