Sometimes, car companies will slap new hubcaps on a vehicle and do their best to drum up excitement about a model that’s essentially identical to previous years. Other times, however, more significant changes will make a model year a pretty noteworthy upgrade or refresh for a vehicle. While the 2022 Chevy Equinox might not be an all-new generation for this popular compact crossover SUV, there’s a fairly substantial update for this year with a number of new features and options available.
If you’ve been interested in the Equinox and you’ve been unsure if it’s the right vehicle for you, then this is a great time to check it out. The exterior has been updated and refreshed in several impressive ways, and there are some other changes to be found throughout. Of particular note, the new RS trim for the Equinox brings some gorgeous new aesthetic touches and makes for a striking model. The engine change for this year is not one that I’m particularly excited about, but it’s certainly not a major issue, and the updates are excellent overall.
Exterior Updates for 2022
One of the biggest overall changes for the 2022 Chevy Equinox is an exterior refresh and facelift that makes this year’s model look better than ever before. That’s definitely saying something since the Equinox has long been held as one of the best-looking compact crossovers on the market. But with the 2022 update, it looks better than ever and has a more distinct style that really helps it stand out from the rest of Chevy’s lineup and other compact models out there.
Perhaps the most striking and immediately noticeable change to the exterior is the updated front grille, which has a bold and aggressive design that really speaks to the power and prestige of this vehicle. The headlights are also more distinct, and not only do they work beautifully, but even during the day, they are a perfect visual element to the 2022 Equinox’s front end. Both the front and rear bumpers have also been updated for the 2022 model, with subtle touches that help enhance the overall shape and design of the Equinox without dominating either end or making this sporty compact ever feel heavy.
The All-New Chevy Equinox RS
The update for the 2022 Chevy Equinox that I’m, personally, most excited about is the introduction of a new RS trim for this model. While the exterior update makes this crossover look amazing regardless of trim, the street-inspired RS features a sportiness and bold design that you simply can’t find in any of the other trims. There’s no such thing as a “bad” Equinox in terms of how great it looks, but it’s clear that the RS has been designed to stand apart and be something special.
The exterior of the Equinox RS features 19-inch Dark Android-painted aluminum wheels that not only look stunning but also ensure a smooth ride with powerful engineering. This is accompanied by LED headlamps that keep the road ahead of you beautifully illuminated, plus black bowtie badging designed to make a striking first impression. You also get a gloss-black mesh grille with a Black Ice surround, a unique lower fascia with body-color inserts, and gloss-black side rails and window surrounds that create a single, unified expression of strength.
Inside the 2022 Chevy Equinox RS, you’ll find Jet Black cloth seating, with leather-appointed details as an available option to take this refined upholstery even further. This features red stitching that truly pops in a way that immediately evokes the sporty performance and athletic design of this model. A black headliner and Black Ice chrome accents throughout the interior create a harmonious overall feel that perfectly ties together the exterior and interior while also delivering a unique sense of sophisticated power. It’s really quite impressive, and the overall look is a striking design that surpasses other compact models out there.
One Engine for Added Simplicity
If there’s one change for the 2022 Chevy Equinox that might be a bit controversial, it’s this one, but it really depends on what you want from your compact crossover model. There’s a single engine available for the 2022 model year, which is a 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine that delivers 170 hp for great overall performance. This comes paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission that’s electronically controlled with overdrive for smooth, effortless shifting that really feels fantastic on the road.
The reason this could be seen as a controversial change is because there was a 2.0L engine available as an option in previous years, which you could no longer get starting with the 2021 model. While some people probably wanted this engine, its removal is most likely an indication that most customers skipped it and stuck with the standard one, and it didn’t affect sales enough for Chevy to bring it back. However, most drivers are happy with the sporty responsiveness and performance of the standard Turbo engine.
Fantastic Tech Features
Since the 2022 Chevy Equinox isn’t a new generation, the vast majority of its features have been either subtly updated or remain as good as they’ve ever been. This means that while there are certainly some refreshed options to enjoy, like the new RS trim and an updated exterior, the heart and soul of this fantastic compact model remain the same. So whether you’re more focused on technology inside or great safety features, you’re still going to enjoy everything the Equinox has to offer.
For example, every Equinox model features active noise cancellation to ensure a quiet, comfortable ride to go along with its bold new exterior. You’ll get support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with compatible phones, along with keyless open and start, cruise control, and numerous USB ports, all standard. Looking at something like the Premier trim, then you get an 8-inch infotainment display with available Navigation and a Bose 7-speaker premium audio system. The Premier also features an 8-way power driver’s seat, perforated leather-appointed seating, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad to help keep all of your devices charged.
Safety You Can Count On
In terms of safety, the 2022 Chevy Equinox continues to be one of the safest vehicles on the road, making it a terrific option if you want a compact crossover that can help protect you and your loved ones. Every model comes with a Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, a Following Distance Indicator, and Front Pedestrian Braking at low speeds. You also get Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning in every model, plus a Teen Driver system that’s perfect if you have a young driver who needs to have safe habits reinforced.
The Premier trim builds on these fantastic standard safety features with LED daytime running lamps, along with an HD Rear Vision camera and both Front and Rear Park Assist. You also get a Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, a Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a Safety Alert Seat in the Premier trim. This seat provides you with vibration pulses along with the auditory alerts, which can help you more quickly and accurately identify potential crashes and other dangers while on the road. All of these features come together with the updates to the 2022 Chevy Equinox to deliver a driving experience that you can’t find anywhere else.
