When in the market for a new SUV, the choices can get overwhelming fast. Every manufacturer is vying for buyer attention by offering every possible shape and size of vehicle for nearly every kind of need. Instead of showing you all the options, this run-down of the 2020 Chevy Equinox is going to discuss one trim level with specific option choices to demonstrate how the Equinox can be the perfect vehicle for a family. If you need an SUV that has the right space with the potential to tow a small camper or trailer, the 2020 Equinox will make a great choice.
The Trim
For the best value and options choices, the recommended trim level is the LT. This is the third out of four trim offerings, but for the price and features that come standard with this model, it is the best value. Starting price for this model is $27,500, but this SUV is better with all-wheel drive and the more powerful 2-liter turbo engine. This will bring the price up to around $32,000 (excluding dealer fees/discounts/taxes), but the extra expenditure is worth it. On this model, all-wheel drive can be used when you want it, so you won’t have to worry about the Equinox being a gas guzzler. Additionally, the more powerful engine will open up the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Families who love camping will find this option handy.
Exterior and Safety
This exterior is hiding a few surprises which will affect the driving experience in several unexpectedly convenient ways. A laminated windshield dampens sound to reduce exterior noise, so the interior cabin noise will only have to compete with your kids making a racket in the back seat. Active Aero Shutters open and close to increase aerodynamics and to cool the engine, which is a good feature to have when towing in order to prevent engine overheating. Heated exterior mirrors are handy, too. If you live in a wintry climate, saving time on having to chip ice off those wing mirrors means you can rush out the door at the last minute when the kids are taking too long to cram their school bags full of supplies in the morning.
Automatic high beams will remember to lower intensity when oncoming traffic or tail lights are sensed on the road ahead, so you don’t have to worry about blasting anyone’s retinas by accident. Several other automated features will keep you safer on the road, such as auto emergency braking, following distance indicator, front pedestrian alert, forward collision alert, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, and stability and traction control. In case of emergencies or accidents, you will also have OnStar included.
To keep the kids safe while in the back seat, rear door locks will keep them from opening the door while you’re on the highway, and a rear-seat reminder will let you know you need to get children out of the back seat before you exit the vehicle. When they graduate to the driver’s seat, teen driver features will allow you to program the vehicle so it will cap the speed or allow for other limits to be installed when certain drivers are behind the wheel. You still need to make sure you’re awake enough to drive, but at least the exhaustion of parenting gets easier with the safety features in the Equinox LT.
Interior and Infotainment
If you need cup holders, you’re covered. When you fill the five available seats, it’s good when you have space for everyone’s stuff and have ways to keep everyone entertained. Cargo space in the rear allows for plenty of luggage, even with the seats up, but if you need more room to move bigger items, you will have up to 63.9 cubic feet of space when you fold down all the seats flat. Storage pockets behind both front seats, as well as in the doors, center console, and center armrest, make enough room for all those snacks and games for long trips. A hidden compartment under the floor in the back seat can make your valuables safer when you don’t want to carry them. Charging everyone’s devices can happen between the two USB data ports, charging ports in the rear of the center armrest, and the extra plug in the cargo area.
For the driver, a powered seat with lumbar support will keep you comfortable. Steering wheel-mounted controls will allow you to operate audio features easily. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will keep everyone busy, especially with the onboard 4G WiFi, and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. If your passengers choose to stay busy with their phones, you can enjoy the Sirius XM radio or the convenience of Chevrolet MyLink, which will allow you to display apps from your smartphone on the eight-inch infotainment screen. If you purchase the interior enhancement package, you can gain a few extra comforts like rear-seat infotainment with or without a DVD player and upgraded floor mats and cargo net.
Even though the laminated windshield provides noise dampening, active noise cancellation is also offered to quiet the cabin even more. Keyless start and telematics come standard on the LT, but you can also upgrade with the convenience package to gain heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, remote start, a universal home remote, and fog lamps. If you value privacy, the LT comes standard with tinted rear windows, which is great when traveling long distances with a lot of cargo in the trunk.
Towing Capability
If you upgrade to the 2-liter engine with all-wheel drive, you will be able to tow up to 3,500 pounds. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission which supplies 252 horsepower with 260 lb-ft of torque. A tow/haul button will be installed, so when you hook up your trailer, you only need to hit the button so the transmission will automatically adjust to the weight of your trailer and will help maintain the engine output to maintain vehicle responsiveness.
A towing package needs to be installed, which will also include the need for a hitch. These must be factory installations, so you will need to order your vehicle with this inclusion to be able to add the packages. It’s important to note that towing a small camper will be possible, but do remember that the camper or trailer you tow must not exceed the weight allowance. What this means is that you cannot tow a trailer which already weighs 3,500 pounds, and then add your supplies to the trailer. You must take into account the weight of the supplies you plan to bring and ensure that your camper or trailer is light enough to also accommodate your cargo without overtaxing the engine.
Final Overview
When you consider purchasing a 2020 Chevy Equinox, keep in mind that Chevy has a lot of extra options or packages which can be purchased to build the vehicle to the specs you need for your family. If you value more technology, you can add the confidence II package. It adds on the safety seat, which vibrates when the onboard safety system senses danger, plus HD surround system, adaptive cruise control, heated back seats, ventilation for the front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Chevy often allows for plenty of mixing and matching of features between trims, so if you’re willing to pay extra for features you want, you can always ask if they are available for the LT trim.
In general, the 2020 Chevy Equinox is a comfortable, reliable, and flexible vehicle to drive. It has the space for families to take long trips or shuffle cargo for school, work, and events. Having the ability to tow small loads makes the convenience of this SUV even more adaptable, and the means to keep everyone occupied on the drive is a boon for parents. Knowing you have the safety features to assist you on the road will give you peace of mind, so if you’re seeking a vehicle with all the fun of modern life and the ability to handle rough roads in the woods, the 2020 Equinox may fulfill everything you need in an SUV.
