If you’re looking for a used Chevy Equinox for sale near you, you will find plenty of options. The compact crossover SUV is a popular body style in general, and the Equinox, in particular, is a popular model, so you can probably find a wide range of options, old and new, at your local dealership. While having plenty of choices is good because it means you’re more likely to find something that works for you, anyone who’s ever sat down to order at a restaurant with a multi-page menu knows that decision fatigue is a real issue that can make narrowing things down to a single option a daunting task. To help you narrow down those options, we’re going to focus specifically on the third-generation Equinox, which was in production from the 2018 to 2024 model years.
While some drivers on a budget might be able to find a good model among the later years of the second generation, the third brought so many updates, from more modern styling to a trimmer shape and size to improved tech features, that most shoppers will find it worth their while to stick to generation three instead of moving any further into the past. While the fourth generation that kicked off in 2025 has a lot to offer, it’s still quite new. You’re not likely to come across very many used models, and the ones you do find will probably have a close-to-new price tag.
Within the third generation, there are seven model years, each one with its own array of trim levels, so there are still decisions to be made. Luckily, we’re here to help make those decisions a little easier. So, let’s dive in and take a look at the things you should keep an eye out for when shopping for a third-generation Chevy Equinox.
Engine and Performance Options
For most of the third generation, the Equinox only offers one engine option: a 1.5L Turbocharged I-4. From the 2018-2022 model years, this engine was rated at 170 hp, but a re-tuning for the 2023 model year brings that up to 175 hp. Torque has remained steady at 203 lb-ft throughout the generation. This engine is a versatile choice that’s going to work well for most drivers. While it will not exactly deliver exciting driving dynamics, it supplies enough power to comfortably drive the Equinox, even at highway speeds.
And when paired with front-wheel drive, it delivers 28 MPG on the highway, which is what the average 2024 vehicle gets, according to the EPA. That puts a 2018 model on par with vehicles made five years later, which isn’t half bad. With this powertrain, the Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lbs.
If you want better performance or fuel economy, you can keep your eye out for the two other engine options available during the early years of generation three. For more power, you can look for the 2.0L turbocharged I-4 that was available from the 2018 model year to the 2020 model year. While it drops fuel economy down to 25 MPG combined with FWD or 24 MPG combined with AWD, it brings horsepower up from 170-175 hp to 252 hp and torque up from 203 lb-ft to 260 lb-ft, which translates to faster acceleration and a more responsive feel.
This is an even bigger advantage if you prefer the extra traction of all-wheel drive. Since an AWD Equinox is heavier, it takes more power to get it moving. This engine also increases the towing capacity to 3,500 lbs, making it a good choice for those who like to travel with a trailer or other cargo.
Last and rarest is the 1.6L Turbo Diesel engine, which was only available for the 2018 and 2019 model years. The selling point of this option is its fuel economy: 32 MPG combined driving whether you pair it with front- or all-wheel drive. The main drawback is power: the diesel engine drives well once it gets up to highway speeds, but it takes a minute to get there since it only produces 137 hp. Despite diesel’s reputation for towing prowess, this engine offers the same 1,500 lbs of towing as the base gas engine.
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Touchscreens
The first model year of this generation, 2018, offers all of the basic infotainment features as standard fare, so you don’t need to worry about getting a model that doesn’t have a touchscreen, Bluetooth, a USB port, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. For the 2019 model year, the number of standard USB ports was raised to four, and the backup camera was upgraded to a new model with a higher resolution. Throughout the entire generation, you can expect to find either a 7- or 8-inch central touchscreen display (depending on trim level) and Chevy’s MyLink infotainment interface, which is easy to use so you won’t have to struggle through a learning curve if you’re switching over from another brand.
Standard and Available Safety Features
While the infotainment setup remained largely the same throughout the third generation of the Equinox, the onboard safety features changed a great deal over the years. The 2018 Equinox has a fairly solid lineup of driver assistance features, with Forward Collision Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Assist, all available.
You can even get Chevy’s Safety Alert Seat on this model, which uses vibrations to let you know instantly whether a detected threat is coming from the right or left. However, none of these features come standard on entry-level trims, so you’ll have to make the effort to keep an eye out for them. For the 2019 model, Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Pedestrian Braking both became available, but only as optional features on the top-tier Premier trim.
If you want to ensure you have a solid lineup of driver assistance tech, it’s easiest to stick to the 2020 model year or later. The 2020 Equinox offers Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and automatic high-beam headlights across all trim levels. While Adaptive Cruise Control is still optional, it’s now part of a package available on more trims than just the Premier, making it easier to find.
What Trims Are Available?
The third-generation Equinox has a fairly steady lineup of trims that don’t change much from year to year. L is the entry-level model. On the other end of the spectrum, the top-tier Premier can be had with everything from heated and ventilated seats to a wider variety of tech features, making it a more comfortable option. The LS and LT trims are both somewhere in the middle, letting you choose your own compromise between price and available features. For the 2022 model year, the L trim was removed and replaced with the RS, which is unique in the lineup because of its distinct styling touches, including black exterior accents and black upholstery with red stitching.
A Third-Generation Equinox Is a Great Pre-Owned Option
Now that you know some of the major factors to look out for when shopping, you can narrow down your choices quickly and hone in on the ones that will work for you. Most dealerships these days have online inventory pages with simple filters that make this process a snap. Trying to keep every single variant in your head at once can make the shopping process overwhelming, so instead it’s best to figure out your own personal priorities and keep them in mind. Write down a list of the features you must have and those you’d like to have and refer to it when you’re deciding between models. With this process, it’s easy to find one that will serve you well.
