The 2022 Chevy Equinox arrives as the fifth model year for the third-generation crossover, introducing a mid-cycle enhancement, otherwise known as a refresh or facelift. Notably, the 2022 Chevy Equinox LT trim level no longer offers leather seats. That said, equipping the 2022 model year with leather is still roughly equivalent in price to that of the 2021 model year.
To accurately explain the difference here, we must first take a look at the 2021 Chevy Equinox LT. Priced at $30,995, the 2021 Equinox LT came equipped as standard with Premium Cloth upholstery. However, customers could upgrade to leather with the $1,350 Leather Package (RPO code PCQ), which included (relevant RPO codes listed in parentheses):
- Jet Black perforated leather-appointed seating (H0Y)
- memory settings (A45)
- inside rearview auto-dimming mirror (DD8)
- outside heated power-adjustable and auto-dimming mirrors (DWL)
Selecting the Leather Package also required the Confidence & Convenience Package (RPO code PCP), which was priced at $2,045 and included:
- Remote Start (BTV)
- dual-zone automatic climate control (CJ2)
- driver and front passenger heated seats (KA1)
- leather-wrapped steering wheel (N34)
- Universal Home Remote (UG1)
- power liftgate (TB5)
- front fog lamps (T3U)
As such, in order to get leather seats in the 2021 Chevy Equinox, buyers had to pay at least $32,190. Meanwhile, leather was standard in the 2021 Chevy Equinox Premier, priced at $32,695.
By contrast, the 2022 Equinox LT no longer offers leather, with Premium Cloth set as the only way to go. Then there’s the new 2022 Equinox RS, which offers Premium Cloth as standard, and is priced at $31,295. The new RS also offers the RS Leather Package (RPO code PCW), priced at $1,580 and including:
- Jet Black perforated leather-appointed seating (HMR)
- Bose premium 7-speaker system (UQA)
- driver side seatback map pocket (EA1)
The RS Leather Package also requires the $650 Advanced Safety Package (WPV), which includes:
- HD Surround Vision (UV2)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (KSG)
- outside heated power-adjustable manual-folding mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators (DWK)
The Advanced Safety Package also requires the $895 Infotainment Package (WPZ), which includes:
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system with connected Navigation and 8-inch diagonal HD color touchscreen (IOU)
- two USB ports, located in front console bin (MCZ)
- two USB data ports, includes SD Card Reader, auxiliary input jack, located within front center storage bin (MCR)
- heated steering wheel (UVD)
- 120-volt power outlet (KI6)
Put it all together, and you’ll find that a 2022 Chevy Equinox RS with leather seats will cost at least $34,420. Meanwhile, the Equinox Premier gets leather seating as standard, starting at $32,195.
The takeaway is this – leather is no longer available for the 2022 Chevy Equinox LT, but comparing the 2021 LT with options against the 2022 Premier, we find there’s only a $5 difference between the 2021 and 2022 model years with regard to leather seats. That said, leather is a lot costlier in the new RS.
As a reminder, the 2022 Chevy Equinox is offered with a single engine option, namely the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LYX gasoline engine, rated at 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Under the skin is the GM D2 architecture. Production for the U.S. market takes place at the GM CAMI plant in Ontario, Canada, as well as the GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
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Comments
In 2 months, having four wheels will be optional.
Apparently, reading the article before commenting is optional.
I confess to skimming but I stand by my remark. The LT with leather was comparable to the Premier because GM required other packages. GM could’ve removed this requirement, but instead chose to remove leather from the LT altogether. I’m surprised GM continues to cut features and choices from the current gen Equinox.
Part of a larger industry push toward buy the higher priced trim or get a stripper model. Any concept of maintaining a value price point model is put the window.
They already mostly eliminated heated seats and heated steering wheels from the non-top exclusive models while other automakers are trying to keep the popular features being built and eliminating some of the lesser-known features. But GM’s thinking is to pack the lot with Premier and High Country models of their vehicles. Why anyone would buy from GM without looking at other manufacturers is beyond me…and I come from a GM family. The loyalty is no longer there. I’ll still buy UAW built cars if possible, but GM is no longer my first stop on the car buying merry-go-round.
I feel the same concerning loyalty. I will lose $2,000+ since my Equinox was not delivered by year end-$1000 GM rewards and $1000 COSTCO. When I complained to GM Rewards team and said this would be my last GM vehicle and I would be cutting up my GM rewards card, he said that was my decision. So much for customer service!!
Most car owners are not going to buy in 2022 or even 2023. Dealers selling new cars for $5000 above the MSRP will find themselves in financial trouble, wondering why customers are not purchasing and going to dealers who did inflate prices, when inventories increase in 2023. I will continue to drive my present GMC and wait it out.
For a vehicle that is already at the bottom of its competitive set. The Equinox is a snooze in its current form.
wow,looks like consumer reports really laid it to G M regarding the 5.3 engine. I can understand why, mine was in the shop 2 weeks for a rebuild, 7000 miles. Now I have a vibrating 8 speed transmission. I think the shoddy workmanship and using the cheapest parts possible is really catching up. After many years of Silverado ownership I am switching to Toyota trucks.
What does this have to do with Equinox leather seats
You mean the kind of leather that feels like vinyl?
More like the Vinyl that sort of has the look of leather.
You have get?? a Premier first-maybe. My ’22 Premier was ordered May 17, 2021 and it is STILL in Mexico waiting for components.
It is all about getting the MSRP up.
If it is a popular option,put it in a up-level trim.
Mine was built August 18th of 2021 and is still sitting in Mexico. No info from my dealer. I’m already 4 months into extending my old lease and that will be up in 2 months. Not sure what I’m supposed to do then. Thanks GM!