Buyers of the 2022 Chevy Equinox are getting treated to a mid-cycle refresh of one of America’s favorite compact SUVs. The Equinox has long been a vehicle favored as a family car that retains a position in the Top 10 Consumer Rated SUV list from JD Power, as well as maintaining a high rating for quality and reliability. While the Equinox is a road-oriented vehicle, it does provide a raised driving height for extra visibility and available all-wheel drive for all trims. Its plush, quiet interior and smooth ride quality make this a comfortable crossover perfect for trips or long days of errand-running.
New features and styling for 2022 give the Equinox a modernized look in contrast to its previous year, with minor touches to the exterior lights and a few trim level changes that bring better features into the entry-level trims. A new sporty RS trim joins the lineup for the 2022 Equinox, with attractive red stitching and interior details to contrast the dark sport styling. All models for 2022 are powered by the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to tow a small trailer up to 1,500 pounds.
What’s great about Chevy is the tendency to dole out features for each trim level, so you gain new conveniences or luxuries if you splurge for a more expensive model. While the standard features are generous, particularly with the driver-assist safety suite, buyers who can’t do without certain features will be rewarded by spending a little extra. Of course, if you prefer not to upgrade trim level, you can always choose one of the packages which offer certain features buyers might be seeking, like remote start or a sunroof.
Trim Level Overview
With the new trim level changes, the lineup now begins with the LS, which used to be a mid-level trim. Standard features of the LS are inclusive and should make budget-conscious buyers happy. Sought-after features like LED headlights, keyless entry, push-button ignition, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are just a few of the conveniences to expect with the base trim. Chevy also provides the option for activating OnStar service, as well as a WiFi hotspot, and all buyers will receive access to a number of free services with connectivity whether you subscribe or not.
All 2022 Equinox models come standard with Chevy’s safety suite, which includes front pedestrian braking, forward collision alert with auto emergency braking, and lane keep assist with lane departure warning for more safety on the roads. Automatic high beams are a wonderful convenience for those drivers who find it frustrating to have to keep clicking the high beams on and off every time you pass a vehicle at night. Finally, a following distance indicator measures the gap between you and the vehicle you’re behind in terms of seconds. If you ever took driver’s ed, you probably learned about counting the seconds between a road marker the vehicle in front of you passes until you arrive at the same marker; anything less than three seconds means you may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident if that vehicle stops suddenly. Thus, the following indicator.
Next on the trim list is the LT, which comes standard with a powered driver’s seat, SiriusXM satellite radio, and remote folding rear seats that can be released from the cargo area; now you don’t have to scurry to the second row or crawl through the trunk to get to the levers. Very convenient. A little bling is added to this trim with chrome exterior accents to give it some verve. If you bump up to the RS, you gain larger wheels for improved performance, a powered liftgate, and a black interior with black exterior accents for a sporty look. Upgrades in conveniences include remote engine start, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Extra safety features are also added with a blind-spot monitor and parking sensors to warn you when you get too close to another vehicle at low speeds.
As with all the other trims, the Premier takes many of the features of the RS—sans the sport styling—and adds more. With the top-level trim, you get plenty of spoiling from features like the hands-free tailgate, wireless charging, and a driver’s seat memory function. Of course, the interior is upholstered in leather, and you get the joy of playing with ambient lighting that can be changed to a number of colors to suit your mood. Safety features are upgraded with the safety alert seat, which vibrates to warn you when one of the safety features senses an issue that requires your attention. This can be disabled if you would rather stick with the warning chimes.
Packages Available for 2022 Trims
Each trim has the option of adding packages so you can gain the features you may feel are missing from a certain trim level without having to purchase the next trim in the lineup. Chevy gives you a number of choices to boost each trim, which allows buyers to pick and choose to make their Equinox more personalized to individual tastes. With the LS, you can add the Driver Confidence II package, which gives you extra safety features like rear park assist and lane change alert with side blind zone alert. The LS Convenience package offers a powered driver’s seat with lumbar control and tinted rear glass.
For the LT, you can add the Infotainment package that gives you a number of tech features like extra USB ports, an upgrade to the infotainment system that includes navigation and a larger 8-inch screen, plus a heated steering wheel. The Driver Convenience package for the LT provides a long list of goodies like heated front seats, remote start, and a powered liftgate. Opting for the Confidence and Convenience package covers some of the same features as the Driver Convenience package, but then it gives you an even longer list of features like a universal home remote, fog lights, and several driver-assist aids.
When you choose the RS trim, you can add on the RS Leather package, which adds leather upholstery and the premium Bose sound system to your 2022 Equinox. The Hit the Road package provides cross rails to the standard roof rack and molded assist steps to help you climb into the SUV more easily. You can also add the Advanced Safety package, which gives you Surround Vision for 360-degree camera views, programmable exterior mirrors, and adaptive cruise control. Smaller options like the Cargo package add helpful accessories like a retractable cargo shade and a cargo net that can keep your grocery bags from rolling around in the back, while the Floor Liner package puts all-weather floor liners and a cargo bay liner in the rear to keep the carpets cleaner.
For the Premier, you might think the top tier would have everything, but you can still choose packages that give you even more options. Options from previous trim levels are given new features, like the Confidence and Convenience II package, which now includes ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and the Surround View 360 camera, among others. The Infotainment II package is only available if you add the Confidence and Convenience II, but it gives you navigation and a Bose sound system. Many of the packages from previous trims are already included in the Premium trim, though a few like the Floor Liner package can be purchased for the accessories.
Style, Options, and Value
This is a great year to purchase the 2022 Chevy Equinox if you’re considering it as an option. With all the new trim changes and features, the 2022 Equinox is a great value in its segment. Whether you are looking for a basic yet comfortable vehicle or are interested in a luxurious option like a fully-loaded Premier, the Equinox has something for everyone. And with the new RS, there is even a sporty option that is sure to stand out in a crowd.
