If one thing is true about Chevy vehicles, it’s that they remain useful far longer than most other brands. When buying used, Chevy is a trustworthy automaker certain to give drivers an experience comparable to buying brand-new without having to worry about the price tag that comes with it. There’s a world of used Chevys that can afford endless adventure, utility, and fun, but one model that’s sure to stun is the Chevy Equinox.
Whether buying on a budget or just interested in what this fantastic SUV’s previous iterations have to offer, there’s always a reason to look for a used Chevy Equinox for sale near you. But with such a diversity of this model to choose from over nearly two decades of reinvention, it can be difficult to narrow down which Equinox is just right for you and your family. Each iteration brought some kind of new innovation to the table—and in some cases, certain features of the vehicle were actually better in previous years than in more recent ones, meaning that the Equinox has different strengths and weaknesses depending on the year you’re looking at.
Featuring a peppy performance, competitive efficiency, and plenty of comfort for families big and small, the Chevy Equinox is a staple of the Chevy brand, helping to transport families wherever they need to go—and on their terms. We know the Equinox is an iconic vehicle with a litany of features that make it useful in all kinds of driving scenarios, but which iteration is right for you? If you’re looking to jump behind the wheel of an Equinox sometime soon, take a look at these three model years that we think are particularly noteworthy…
The 2010 Chevy Equinox
The 2010 Chevy Equinox hit the scene twelve years ago; since then, few of the subsequent models have been able to go toe to toe with the under-the-hood power it had up its sleeve. Not only that, but the 2010 Chevy Equinox also featured quite a few comfort features that made it quite the sought-after family vehicle.
This version of the Equinox comes with the option of two engines, the standard of which is the 2.4L four-cylinder that produces up to 182 hp, making the 2010 Equinox capable of competing with even the newest Equinox models. This engine is paired with a six-speed transmission, helping to deliver a fluid acceleration that was as efficient as it was fun.
In addition to the 2.4L engine, the 2010 Equinox also has a 3.0L V6 option capable of producing an impressive 264 hp—a considerable amount more than most other Equinox models that followed, making it the perfect choice for those who prioritize power in their SUV. This V6 could get from zero to sixty in less than eight seconds.
The 2010 Equinox also features a comfortable and spacious interior that seats up to five riders, so the whole family can experience the exhilaration of the Equinox. Its dashboard was the most futuristic of its time, with USB and AUX ports for you to connect your devices; this was, after all, just prior to the standardization of the touchscreen.
The 2013 Chevy Equinox
In the three years that followed the 2010 Equinox, Chevy made some key improvements to the vehicle that innovated overall performance, especially in the area of efficiency; by the time the 2013 model year came around, Chevy was sitting on the most impressive fuel economy you could find in a family SUV. With two even more powerful engine options to choose from, the 2013 iteration of the Chevy Equinox gave drivers even more ways to tailor the vehicle’s performance to their liking.
The 2013 Equinox was built with fuel economy at the forefront. Between the standard 2.4L EcoTec engine and the available 3.6L V6 engine, this Equinox provided efficiency like never before. Of the two options, the standard engine was actually more efficient when compared side-by-side; capable of getting up to 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, families driving the 2013 Equinox could get the best efficiency possible in a Chevy SUV right out of the gate.
For those who want the best performance out of their Equinox, the 3.6L V6 engine also touted a competitive fuel economy, getting up to 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway—an impressive fuel economy rating for a high-performance SUV. And with a six-speed transmission that was highly intuitive for its time, the 2013 Chevy Equinox was one of the best iterations yet for those looking to hit the road longer and save at the pump.
This model saw the early stages of the modern Chevy Safety Assist suite of driver assistance features, with Forward Collision Alert, Lane-Departure Warning, and Rear Park Assist available in a “Safety” package. Also available were monitors embedded in the backs of the front seat headrests (and a DVD player to service them) for the entertainment of your second-row passengers.
The 2016 Chevy Equinox
We’ve already discussed how the Chevy Equinox is known for its exceptional performance and efficiency. However, there are other important factors to consider when selecting an SUV. Comfort is one of the top priorities for many SUV buyers, and the 2016 Equinox delivers just that.
In 2016, Chevy made an effort to create the most comfortable Equinox interior yet, and they certainly succeeded. Those riding in the front seats of the 2016 Equinox can get comfortable with 40.9 inches of headroom and 39.2 inches of legroom; in the back, 41.2 inches of headroom and 39.9 inches of legroom help folks big and small stay cozy throughout any ride, making the 2016 Equinox fantastic for road trips. This was the roomiest Equinox yet, and it outranked every other model in its class in that respect.
With this comes ample cargo space, especially when the 2016 Equinox model’s back seats are folded down. With the seats in the upright position, the Equinox has 31.5 cu.ft. for cargo; in the folded position, 63.7 cu.ft. gives drivers the ability to bring all sorts of equipment with them on their adventures.
Its dash was an experimental combination of touchscreen and tangible controls, with dials and buttons, making it a surefire pleaser for both sides of the futurism debate. Bluetooth capabilities were standard, as was the app for SiriusXM should you want the glories of satellite radio. Upgrades included built-in navigation and heated leather seats.
Always Dependable, Even Years Later
Each year, Chevy introduces new and exciting innovations for one of their most popular SUVs. The various Equinox models produced over the years prove how dedicated Chevy is to innovation in all their vehicles, especially family-oriented SUVs. Unbeatable power, efficiency, and comfort have traditionally been words associated with the Equinox, and that continues to this day.
Buying a used vehicle can be nerve-wracking; it can feel like taking a chance on a car without truly knowing whether or not it will be of high quality or if it’ll suit you and your family. This may be true of other brands, but with Chevy’s belief in creating dependable vehicles, you can rest easy when you see that iconic bowtie logo: whether it was released in 2010 or 2020, you’ll get a high-quality vehicle that works as though it was released just yesterday, all at a price that will have you driving home with a smile.
So if you’re considering a used SUV as your next vehicle, you might just want to find a Chevy Equinox near you.
