2020 Chevrolet Equinox

In a crowded lot of compact SUVs, the Chevrolet Equinox has garnered a lot of following because of its versatility, performance, and practicality. The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox comes with an option of either a 1.5L turbocharged inline 4 motor or a 2.0L turbocharged motor mated to a 6 speed and 9 speed automatic transmission respectively.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox comes in 4 trims and 2 different engine configurations to suit the needs of different customers. The standard 1.5L motor is available on all trims while a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged motor is up for grabs in the LT and the Premier trims. Customers have the option of choosing between Front Wheel Drive and AWD configurations in the available trims except for the base L which is only available in the 2WD option.

Chevrolet has also introduced a special edition of the Equinox on the 2.0L turbocharged engine called the Redline Edition. The changes are mostly cosmetic which adds a black grille, black mirror caps, black window trim and black Bow-Tie emblems to the standard Equinox. 

We Recommend

The base “L” trim will be a good choice for customers, who just want a decently equipped SUV. For people who want AWD with good amount of technologically advanced features, the LT trim makes for a good buy.

The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder is more than satisfactory. With a 6-speed automatic driving either the front wheels or all four wheels, the little turbo handily gets the Equinox going–KBB.com

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox comes in a total of 3 engine options which consists of 2 gas powered and 1 diesel powered Unit. The 2 gas powered engines on offer are the 1.5L 4 cylinder turbocharged motor that generates 170Hp and 203lbs-ft. of torque and a powerful 2.0L turbocharged motor delivering 252Hp and 260lbs-ft of torque.

The 1.5L unit does a decent perform decently in terms of performance on tarmac or on hilly road conditions. The engine also delivers good gas MPG of around 32 MPG on the Highway. The 2.0L motor takes power numbers to a different level and consumers upgrading from the 1.5L motor won’t be disappointed. The capable chassis and great handling of the package adds to the overall fun factor in the driving experience of the Equinox.

There are 2 different transmissions for the 2 different gasoline motors on offer. The 6 Speed automatic does duty on the 1.5L motor while a 9 Speed automatic transmission does duty on the 2.0L Motor. The transmission isn’t the quickest to respond but does respond well during overtakes or maintaining a constant speed during a hill climb.

In this overcrowded compact SUV group, the Mazda CX-5 produces the most power (187hp). The Mazda is closely followed by the Tiguan, CR-V, Santa Fe, Forester, and the Sorento. All of these vehicles manage between 180 and 185hp. The Chevy, GMC and the Nissan are level at 160hp. The Mitsubishi produces the least power at 166 horses. In terms of torque, the Tiguan produces the most (221 lb-ft) and the Outlander produces the least (162 lb-ft). 

Acceleration

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox’s acceleration ranks among the best in the class partly due to the powerful engines on offer and the nicely balanced weight distribution in the chassis. The powerful engine, however, generates some amount of torque steer which is evident, when you step on the gas hard. The Equinox has class leading performance figures and the low curb weight ensures that the Equinox doesn’t compromise on the fuel efficiency as well.

SUVs aren't necessarily known for their acceleration and yet the Chevy Equinox dashes to 60 faster than a lot of cars. Yes, in today's world, there are SUVs that accelerate faster than Equinox, there are SUVs that are faster than the supercars of the last generation but the Equinox still manages to impress everyone. The Subaru Forester is the slowest in the bunch to reach 60 miles an hour at 9.6 seconds. This can be blamed at the low power output and higher weight. 

Ride and Handling

Regardless of whether you're driving down the motorway or through the mountains, the Equinox delivers a smooth ride experience in all conditions. Sure, it doesn't have the athletic ability of the Mazda CX-5, or even the Honda CR-V, yet the Equinox feels plenty sporty. One of the downsides of the equinox is its big turning radius which ranks amongst the biggest in class, despite its compact proportions.

Braking

To match the superb driving dynamics of the 2020 equinox, the engineers at Chevrolet have provided potent braking units to the Equinox. The brakes offer good bite and feel with the pedal effort required being adequate for reducing speeds. The brakes are confidence inspiring and the ABS doesn't feel intrusive. 

The low curb weight and the potent brakes allows the 2020 Equinox to come to halt in the shortest distance. The Honda CR-V matches the Equinox’s class leading braking distances while the big heavy but sporty Mazda has the weakest times.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox currently on sale offers one of the highest fuel economy figures in the class if not the highest. The 1.5L unit manages to deliver an average MPG figure of 28 while the figure drops down slightly in the more powerful 2.0L unit. These figures are for the FWD variant while expect a drop of around MPG for the AWD variants. The 14.9L fuel tank and the 28MPG fuel efficiency offer good range from a fully loaded tank of Fuel making for shorter stops at the gas station during long commutes.

Fuel economy is a very important aspect of buying a compact SUV. The Equinox returns 26 miles to the gallon in city driving and 32 miles to the gallon on the highway. This makes for a combined mileage of 28 miles to the gallon. With the 14.9 gallon fuel tank, the Equinox has a pretty impressive range. The Ford Escape has the worst fuel economy in this group. It returns 21 miles to the gallon in the city and 29 miles to the gallon on the highway. 

This Chevrolet seats five. Both rows of seats have ample space, though the optional sunroof limits headroom for taller occupants. There's plenty of support for all-day driving, and overall comfort is on par with many rivals – Cars.USnews.com

Ergonomics and Comfort

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox doesn’t disappoint when it comes to interior comfort. The Equinox gets bucket seats that have an adequate amount of cushioning and gives a comfortable seating position to riders of all shapes and sizes. We, however, don’t like the awkward positioning of the AC vents and the lack of adjustment options on the lumbar support.

The equinox manages to offer good level of headroom and legroom to the passengers in the front. Seating 3 people abreast at the back won’t be uncomfortable as the Equinox offers good amount of shoulder room and leg room for passengers to rest their legs.

In terms of interior space, GMC Terrain offers the most to its passengers. It offers the most to both the front row and the rear row. All of these vehicles are capable of carrying 3 people abreast in the rear seats due to their boxy shape and design. As for the vehicles in this that have a third row, the seats are cramped and not useable for longer journeys.

Infotainment

Chevrolet has updated the infotainment system of the 2020 Equinox to keep pace with the competition. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox comes with a big color touchscreen infotainment system as standard on all the trims while you get most of the connectivity options in the Equinox that you will find in its rivals.

These are the list of features available from the infotainment system of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox

• Android Auto and Apple Car Play Compatibility
• 8” Touchscreen Infotainment System with Navigation
• SiriusXM Radio
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot Connectivity
• FM/AM Radio connectivity
• 4 USB Ports for Charging and Connectivity
• Bluetooth Telephony and Connectivity to Multiple devices
• Colored Driver Information System Screen

Cargo Capacity

One of the very few areas where the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox disappoints, is in its cargo space. Despite being a 5 Seater, the equinox fails to make a mark in terms of the storage space on offer for the cargo while other similar-sized SUV’s deliver better figures. For people wanting higher cargo space, the rear seats can be folded in a 60/40 split configuration that liberates a lot of Space.

The cargo capacity of the Equinox is not up to the mark. The Equinox has a total cargo capacity of 29.9 cubic feet. The Nissan Rogue offers the most cargo capacity at 39.3 cubic feet. The additional cargo capacity would come in handy specially for large families. 

Interior Features

The interiors of the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox on sale has a lot of standard equipment on offer. We have already discussed about the features inside the infotainment system above and will now be enlisting some of the important interior features.

• Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring System
• Teen Driver System
• Compass
• Power Adjustable Driver Seats
• Bucket Seats
• Keyless Access with Push Button Start
• Dual Zone Climate Control
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Flat Folding Rear Seats

Looking the part of a younger and smaller sibling to the midsize Chevy Traverse, the new Equinox retains a fresh look all its own–KBB.com

Design

The current generation of Chevrolet’s follow a similar design theme across the lineup and the 2020  Equinox is no different. At the front is a familiar looking Chevy grille with a big Bow-Tie logo in the front which will remind you of the new Cruze and the Malibu. The character lines flow through the front wheel arch and split through the midway. The rear end doesn’t look the best as the tail lamps and the design might remind you of smaller hatchbacks from Chevrolet.

Exterior Dimensions

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox isn’t a compact SUV in literal terms. The dimensions of the SUV will remind you of vehicles above its range. The Equinox, however, isn’t the tallest in its class and the sloping roofline adds to that feeling. The Equinox, despite its ‘not so small’ dimensions, is one of the easiest to maneuver SUVs in the city in densely crowded areas or in tight parking spaces.

Exterior dimensions are a very important aspect of an SUV. The bigger the dimensions, the more difficult it is to drive in the city. With a total length of around 183 inches, it cannot exactly be called a "compact SUV". However, the Kia Sorento is the largest in this bunch with a total length of 189 inches and a width of 74.4 inches. This definitely makes the Sorento a little difficult to maneuver around towns.

Exterior Features

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox’s exteriors have a decent set of features to keep the onlookers hooked at it, the moment they see it. Some exterior features include

• Outside Powered and Heated Mirrors
• 19” Alloy Wheels
• Hands Free Lift Tailgate
• Fog Lamps
• HD Rear Vision Camera
• Roof mounted luggage carrier provision
• LED DRL’s, Headlamps and Tail Lamps

The Equinox, despite its comparatively lower set of standard safety features has managed to ace the NHTSA tests with its sturdy build. The 2020 CX-5 got 5 Overall Stars from NHTSA.

Some of those features include

• ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
• Dynamic Stability Control with Traction Control
• Rear View Camera
• Teen Driver Assist
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• Side Curtain, Front and Thorax Airbags
• Seatbelts with Pre Tensioners and Load Limiters

Chevrolet Equinox vs Honda CR-V

There is no denying the fact that the Honda CR-V is one of the best SUVs in the segment. It flaunts an easy to understand infotainment system and best in class storage space. The CR-V additionally has a rich lodge that offers two lines of seating and has enough space to oblige grown-ups. The Equinox, however, offers a better fuel economy in the cities and a higher level of passenger space at the rear. The Chevrolet’s infotainment feels more intuitive to use as compared to the Honda’s slightly “clumsy” feeling unit.

Chevrolet Equinox vs Mazda CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the most Sportiest SUVs in the segment. The Mazda offers one of the best 2^nd row seating arrangement in the class as well. When it comes to the off-road ability, both the SUVs are nearly matched and have potent 4WD systems. The Chevy Equinox, however, offers similar performance at a lower price and also edges out the Mazda in terms of MPG in the city.

Chevrolet Equinox vs Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan has to be one of the best-built SUVs in the segment. The car has been solidly put together and exudes presence in flesh. It also has a potent AWD system in the form of the 4Motion technology on offer. The Equinox, however, offers a more powerful motor and a far better driving experience on all terrains.

The new 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the more feature-rich SUVs of its class. The Chevy fares well in offering ride quality, passenger space, and interior sound isolation. The Equinox also gives you the option of a powerful 2.0L motor.

The Equinox, however, lacks in terms of cargo space offered and in terms of the number of standard safety features on offer. All in all, if you are in a mood to buy a big American SUV that offers the thrills of the Mazda CX-5 and the practicality of the Honda CR-V, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is the SUV to go for.

2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUV Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How quick is the Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox manages to do the 0-60 dash in 6.4 seconds. The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine manages to push the Equinox to a top speed of around 120 miles per hour.  

Does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has an auto start-stop feature?

Yes, the 2020 Chevy Equinox is equipped with an auto start-stop feature. This feature saves a considerable amount of fuel by switching the engine off at traffic lights and other situations where the engine idles longer than a certain amount of time. 

Is the Chevrolet Equinox covered under warranty?

Yes, the Chevy Equinox covered under warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles- whichever comes first.