One glance around any parking lot and it’s easy to see that SUVs are the top choice among drivers. Their popularity stems from a variety of factors, from their elevated driving position to the fact that they provide ample room for passengers and cargo. Their popularity means there are many kinds of models to consider, which can make determining your next SUV overwhelming. However, there is one compact SUV you can count on time and again to provide reliability, responsive handling, and generous safety, connectivity, comfort, and convenience features: the Chevy Equinox.
You can surely find a used Chevy Equinox for sale at your local dealer, but first, take a look at our guide below to get an idea of what this fine SUV offers across its various trim levels of the past few years, as well as what changes have been made to the most recent iterations. With this information in hand, you are almost guaranteed to have a stress-free shopping experience.
An Overview of the Equinox
The Equinox has been a part of the Chevy lineup for two decades now, and during that time, it has remained at the top of the list as far as driver satisfaction goes. In fact, according to JD Power, it has been the most awarded compact SUV for new vehicle quality for the past ten years. This gives you peace of mind that choosing a used one is a smart investment. Additionally, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has consistently awarded the Equinox with a five-star overall rating. Both of these distinctions are key, particularly if you’re shopping for a used model to accommodate your growing family.
When looking for a used Equinox, you can get the most for your money by focusing on the past few model years, which takes you back to about 2021. That model year is part of the third generation, which debuted in 2018 and received a facelift in 2022. When the 2021 Equinox arrived on dealership lots, it continued to offer drivers their choice of four trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier. However, as part of the 2022 facelift, the brand discontinued the L trim, making the LS the base and adding the RS trim.
Regardless of model year, all four trims are equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged I-4 engine that offers a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. The 2021 and 2022 versions of the Equinox differ slightly from the 2023 and 2024 versions in that they provide 170 hp, while the more recent two make 175 hp. You can also expect the same for fuel economy figures over the last few years: front-wheel-drive models offer 28 MPG combined in all four years, but all-wheel-drive models are slightly different, with the 2024 and 2023 Equinox delivering 26 MPG combined, while the 2021 and 2022 Equinox provide 27 MPG combined.
With these things in mind, you might wonder which of those four trims might be the best choice for you; keep reading to learn more.
The Equinox L
If you happen to find a 2021 Equinox L, you will be happy to know that, while it was the base trim, it still offered quite a few amenities, especially if you’re getting it for accommodating more passengers or cargo. For instance, it offered the same seamless connection to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as the other trims, as well as Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. Additionally, Wi-Fi capability is standard, as it was throughout all four trims that year.
Regarding safety, the brand’s suite of driver assistance features (called Chevy Safety Assist) was front and center, offering things like Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams. These same standard features were found in all four trims. Other highlights of the L trim included centrally located USB charging ports, a push-button start, a rear vision camera, and LED daytime running lamps.
The Equinox LS
As mentioned, the LS became the base trim when a facelift came in the 2022 model year. For all four trims, the update included front-end changes, with enhanced styling for the headlights, grille, and bumper, as well as a new rear bumper. For the LS trim, in particular, you will find the same amenities listed for the L trim, in addition to SiriusXM radio, which provides a wide variety of stations depending on your subscription.
If you want an LS that is a bit different from the rest, check out the Sport or Midnight Editions of the trim, starting with the 2023 model year. These special editions offer enhanced exterior styling, such as gloss black wheels and specialized badging, making the trim not so basic after all.
The Equinox LT
The LT trim is widely considered the option to choose when looking for the most well-rounded Equinox, as it brings standard chrome styling, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and the ability to enjoy SiriusXM. Additionally, when shopping, look for the addition of the Confidence & Convenience Package, which takes comfort to the next level by offering things like dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate.
Additionally, choosing this package boosts safety, as it provides Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Even better, for drivers living in cooler or warmer environments, having a standard remote start makes the prelude to the drive more accommodating.
The Equinox RS
This trim is the one to choose if you’re looking for an SUV with an edgier vibe. As mentioned, it debuted for the 2022 model year and quickly became a fan favorite. What sets the RS trim apart is its styling, both inside and out. Additionally, you will find that it provides you with a wide range of standard amenities, from those that bring added comfort and convenience to those that boost safety.
For instance, the included Driver Convenience Package brings a remote start, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. Meanwhile, the Driver Confidence II Package, which is also included, gives you added confidence when backing out of congested areas thanks to Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, while Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert makes transitioning from one lane to the next much safer.
The Equinox Premier
The Premier trim topped the Equinox’s lineup for these four model years, adding to the amenities already listed to ensure your drive is even smoother, safer, and more convenient. Thus, this is one of the most sought-after trims when looking for a used Equinox, as it gives you the most for your money, including a larger eight-inch touchscreen display.
It also had enhanced driver assistance safety features, such as front and rear parking aids, thanks to the Driver Confidence II Package. You will also find a hands-free liftgate, memory settings for the driver’s seat and outside mirrors, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad for compatible devices.
Check Out a Used Equinox Today
Across all four trim levels, from 2021 to 2024, the Chevy Equinox offers something for everyone, whether you want an efficient commuter vehicle that sits higher than a sedan, need more space to accommodate more passengers or cargo, or are looking for a sporty SUV that offers a long list of amenities. Additionally, you can rest easy with the Chevy brand by your side, knowing that your Equinox will serve you well for many years.
