2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Overview

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is an agreeable and practical compact SUV, but it lacks the charm of our favorite crossovers. Two turbocharged engines are available—a somewhat anemic 1.5-liter and a smooth and gutsy 2.0-liter—and either one can be paired with front- or all-wheel drive. A host of driver-assistance features are standard, including automated emergency braking, and the Equinox comes with all of the infotainment goodies we expect in a modern SUV. Average drivers will find the Equinox's carlike ride and handling perfectly acceptable, but driving enthusiasts will be better served by the sharper Honda CR-V or the downright sporty Mazda CX-5.

What's New for 2020?

Driver-assistance features find their way to the standard features list on the 2020 Equinox: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlamps—all previously optional—are now on all models. Further to that point, adaptive cruise control is now included in the optional Driver Confidence II package. Elsewhere in the lineup, a Midnight Edition package is new on LT models which blacks out just about everything that can be blacked out, including the Chevy bow-tie logos. The 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine is no longer available.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Underpowered and frequently out of breath, the base turbo four-cylinder engine won't win any fans with its sluggish performance. The turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes 170 horsepower, and when paired with the optional (and heavier) all-wheel-drive system (front-wheel drive is standard), it takes a heavy foot to hustle the Equinox up to highway speeds. A larger, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is optional and far better suited for the Equinox's weight. The standard six-speed automatic shifts seamlessly, and in the interest of fuel economy, the gearbox is reluctant to downshift when extra power is needed. Agreeable and easy to drive, the Equinox handles competently, and its steering is accurate and direct. The ride is a bit harsh, particularly with the optional 19-inch wheels (17s or 18s are standard), and rougher stretches of road translate some unpleasantness into the cabin.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

In the race for the best fuel economy, smaller engines are all the rage. Chevy's 1.5-liter turbo isn't speedy, but it does offer attractive EPA fuel-economy ratings. Honda's CR-V outpaces the Equinox in both acceleration and fuel efficiency. In the real world, EPA estimates aren't always so easy to achieve, and our all-wheel-drive Equinox proved thirstier than expected. It delivered just 28 of its rated 30 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route while the CR-V managed 32 mpg. Ironically, the Equinox's larger turbocharged 2.0-liter turbo recorded 30 mpg in our testing despite its 28 mpg rating.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Made from durable materials and nicely styled, the Equinox's cabin should draw broad appeal. Both front- and rear-seat passengers should find themselves comfortable in the spacious interior, with enough luxuries to keep them content on longer trips. The cabin features plenty of cupholders, but most interior luxuries are offered as standard or optional equipment on higher trim levels; the base Equinox L is a price leader with very few features. Some rivals offer more space behind the rear seats, but we still managed to fit eight of our carry-on suitcases back there. Aside from a capacious center-console storage bin, the Equinox's cabin storage is merely average.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 7.0-inch touchscreen (an 8.0-inch unit is optional) displays Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment interface atop the Equinox's dash; the system continues to impress with its ease of use and quick responses. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB connectivity, and an auxiliary input jack. Standard 4G LTE–powered onboard Wi-Fi makes the Equinox one of the best-connected crossovers.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Equinox nabbed a five-star honor from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but missed out on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Top Safety Pick accolades due to headlights that scored only Marginal in that agency's testing. For Equinox shoppers who place driver-assistance features at the top of their wish lists, automated emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlamps, and lane-keeping assist are all standard features. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Chevrolet's basic warranty package is just that—basic—but so are those of its competitors. The Kia Sportage and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Tuscon, both offer longer protection plans. Chevy also provides one free dealer maintenance visit within the first year of ownership, which is a nice perk.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for the first visit