Chevrolet Equinox Review 2021

Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV has a slow-moving 1.5-liter engine. However, it offers a higher fuel economy rating, sufficient to go for an extended family drive. Though there are small vibrations at a higher wheel size, the drive is smooth and accurate.

The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine has comparatively slow performance with 170 horsepower, making it challenging to reach highway speeds.  However, you can use a turbocharged 2-liter optional engine that produces 252 hp and 260 pound-feet torque.

Engine and Gear

Chevrolet Equinox has a six-speed automatic gear shifting mechanism. Downshifting is demanding, especially when you want more power.

Suspension

The front suspension system is made of tuned coil springs, and there are four link-independent rear suspensions. These front and rear suspensions provide the much-needed cushioning effect while driving on bumpy terrains.

Handling

Smooth and easy to drive, the steering control mechanism in Chevrolet is spot-on and accurate. Moreover, the steering wheel gives you a lane departure warning alert. In case you drift off from the lane without a turn signal, the steering wheel alert puts you back in the right lane.

Vibration

Older models of Chevrolet Equinox reported vibration issues from the rear-view mirror side. But the latest 2021 model has not reported any major vibration reports so far.

Ride

Though Chevrolet Equinox has comfortable steering, the ride gets harsh with a 19 inches wheelbase. When you ride over uneven roads, you can feel bumps in the cabin.

According to J.D Power ratings, Chevrolet Equinox has a reliability score of 87/100.This rating comes under the great category (81-90), with the best category ranging from (91-100). When it comes to safety, Equinox received 4 out of stars in the rollover test and 5/5 stars in the front cum side crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Brake

The 2021 version of Chevrolet Equinox has two major braking systems: front pedestrian braking and automatic emergency braking.

The front pedestrian feature helps you identify pedestrians to avoid a front-end collision. The detection is followed by activating a hard emergency braking. In contrast, automatic emergency braking is designed for lower speeds (less than 50 mph). If there is a possibility of a crash at low speeds, the hard emergency braking mechanism averts a collision.

Airbags

There are three types of airbags in the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox: overhead, front-impact, and side-impact airbags. 

Overhead airbags protect the passengers’ heads during an overhead collision or rollover. On the other hand, front-impact airbags protect the front-row passengers in the event of a crash. The side-impact airbags open up during a side collision to protect the passengers’ bodies.

Electronics

With a 7.0 – inch touchscreen, Chevrolet Equinox has an attractive electronic infotainment system. There is impressive standard WiFi connectivity, coupled with compatible Bluetooth and USB options. The infotainment system is fairly easy to use, and it offers quick responses.

Lights

Chevrolet Equinox comes with automatic high-beam headlamps. Based on the exterior lighting, the headlamp either turns ‘on’ or ‘off.’

Traction control system (TCS)

There is a robust traction control system that operates in collaboration with an electronic stability control system. When the wheels start to spin, the TCS gets activated and reduces the engine, thereby limiting the wheel’s spin.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

Seat belt pretensioners protect the front outboard occupant of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. During the event of a rollover or a side-crash, these pretensioners tighten the seatbelts. But, once activated, you cannot reuse it, and you need to replace the pretensioners.

The fuel economy is an estimate of the distance traveled by car and the corresponding fuel consumption. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has a decent engine with reasonable mileage for both city and highways. The gas-powered engine provides sufficient power for day-to-day smooth travel.

Engine size

The base engine of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is gas-powered 1.5 liters, giving you a maximum speed of 170 horsepower.

Gas per mileage consumption

With Equinox, you get an average mileage of 27 mpg. The mileage comes out to be 25 mpg for city roads and 30 mpg for highways.

The Equinox’s interiors are pretty attractive which are made of durable materials. Both the front and rear seat travelers can have a smooth ride. There is also an option to attach child safety latches in the rear seats.

Driving seat

There is a height-adjustable 8-way power driver’s seat. Also, you have the convenience of using a power-adjustable lumbar support. While the front headroom is 40 inches, the front legroom stands at 40.9 inches.

Dashboard

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system. You have an option to even upgrade to an 8-inch touch screen. There are 4 USB ports along with Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity.

Passenger seats and extras

The Equinox can ideally accommodate five people. The passenger seats have ample legroom as well as headroom. Its seats have standard cloth upholstery, and you can upgrade them to leather. In addition, you can install child safety seats using two sets of LATCH connectors. A tether anchor guarantees the safety of the middle seats.

Overall height and space

The overall length of the vehicle stands at 183.1 inches, while its height is 65.4 inches. Plus, the total passenger area that the car can offer is 103.5 cubic feet.

Trunk space

Behind its rear seats, the Equinox has a trunk space of 29.9 cubic feet. When you fold down the second row, you get a cargo space of 63.9 cubic feet. However, the trunk space seems a bit smaller compared to other cars of the same build.

Based on the different models, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has multiple pricing ranges. Quite naturally, the higher-priced ones have more advanced features as compared to the lower-priced ones, and you are free to choose a model that meets your budget and requirements.

Chevrolet Equinox has four trim levels. The entry-level L model starts at $24,995, while the price of the Premier model goes up to $32,695.

AWD

Apart from the entry-level L trim, all the trims get all-wheel drive. If you want AWD for the base trim, you can get it as an add-on.

Warranty

Equinox offers decent warranty packages with free dealer maintenance included for the first year. There is limited warranty coverage for three years (or 36,000 miles). A powertrain warranty comes for five years (or 60,000 miles).