The 2016 through 2018 Chevrolet Equinox was recently recognized by Consumer Reports as a Best Used Car For Under $20,000 in the Midsize SUV category. The organization applauded the Equinox’s sizable rear seat, responsive handling, quality ride, and quiet cabin.
Joining the Chevrolet Equinox in Consumer Reports’ list of best used midsize SUVs is the 2014 through 2015 Honda Pilot, the 2016 through 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, the 2013 through 2014 Lexus RX, the 2011 through 2013 Toyota 4Runner, and the 2014 through 2015 Toyota Highlander.
According to the organization, each pick on the list is based on “years of test data and hundreds of thousands of survey responses,” and each performed well in testing when new, while also showing better than average reliability.
Among the list of highs for the Chevrolet Equinox, Consumer Reports liked the amount of space offered on the rear bench seat, and also noticed the improved cabin treatment compared to previous model years. The organization also said the ride was “taut yet supple and controlled,” and it said the handling was “responsive and secure.”
As for drawbacks, Consumer Reports called the Chevrolet Equinox’s base 2.4L I4 LEA engine “just barely adequate,” while also deriding the fuel returns for the optional 3.6L V6 LFX. The organization also found visibility to be lackluster, and said that the Equinox felt a bit dated compared to competition.
Consumer Reports lists the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox price range between $10,950 and $16,100. The owner reported fuel return figures come in at 25 mpg.
As a reminder, the latest third-generation Chevrolet Equinox was introduced for the 2018 model year, and offered three turbocharged engine options, including the 1.5L I-4 LYX, the 2.0L I-4 LTG, and the diesel-powered 1.6L I-4 LH7. The diesel option was discontinued following the 2019 model year.
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Source: Consumer Reports
Comments
Consumer Reports giving the Chevrolet Equinox a Best Buy for under $20K in the used market has to be seen as being a good thing, because most vehicles in this class are considered as junk; but to get a Best Buy classification suggests that the Chevrolet Equinox has come a long way and is well made.
This covers two generations of Equinox because the new one came out in 2017. The old one was much better than the new one. It was solid, and the V6 was nice. The new 1.5 l engine is abysmal. Turbo lag for days…
I have a 2009 Chevy Equinox with the 3.4 L V6 engine, and in eleven years it has only two problems: a failed #1 spark plug (replaced for free under the lifetime warranty), and three speed sensors (StabiliTrack warnings), which were replaced under the basic warranty since it was a supplier problem. And for maintenance, it had only annual oil changes (once a year), and last year it had one air filter replacement, one cabin filter replacement, and its first engine coolant replacement. That is all it ever needed. The Equinox with the V6 is the best of all, since it never had to run overloaded, even at 60 MPH, doing just 1700 RPM (i never need to run faster than 60).
But my next Equinox or equivalent must be electric.
This just shows how Consumer Reports advice should be taken with a grain of salt. They are recommending the 2016-2018 models. 2016 and 2017 were the previous generation, 2018 was the first year of the redesign.
Generally first year models should be avoided regardless of brand. Too many “new” issues tend to arise until the automakers sort out the bugs in subsequent model years. The 2018 will probably move to their “used cars to avoid” list in the next couple of years.
The claims that the 3.6L V6 in the Equinox has poor fuel economy is undeserved. I have a 2015 Equinox, AWD, with the 3.6L V6. I get 21mpg in mixed driving and 29mpg on the highway. That is actually great fuel economy for a V6 AWD crossover with 301hp. From what I have been reading online, drivers of the 2018 with the 2.0L turbo are not getting any better mileage than the V6.
I have a friend who sells Chevy vehicles. He says the newest Equinox has lots of engine failures.
Imo the 16 and up is a crappy car. I test drove the 16 and it just felt bad, got into the 15 and what a difference, it felt like I was in a cockpit.
Most of those in the market for a new car will disagree with that assessment.