2022 Chevrolet Equinox Vehicle Highlights:

• 2022 Chevrolet Equinox ($28,595 – $33,795)
• Five-Star Overall Safety Rating – NHTSA
• Pro: The Equinox is a cost-effective option with plenty of standard tech features.
• Con: It’s not as smooth or upscale as some competitors

The compact crossover segment is overflowing with legendary stalwarts like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and the Mazda CX-5. It’s a tough market for the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox to compete in, but it does so in a safe manner. Truth be told, the Equinox isn’t as upscale as the CX-5 nor as capable as a Subaru Forester but it offers buyers a little of everything in between for a very fair price.

I spent a week in the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox RS and was impressed with its overall comfort and satisfied with its bold new look. However, there were a few parts of it that left much to be desired.

What’s new on the 2022 Chevy Equinox?

The Chevrolet Equinox was refreshed for the 2022 model year and a new RS trim is now available. The Equinox’s makeover brought about a sharper headlight design, a new grille, and updated front and rear bumpers.

The RS trim level darkens up the SUVs’ look by adding a set of Android Gray 19-inch wheels and black-out exterior trim pieces. On the inside, there’s an RS-exclusive shift knob and black leather upholstery with red stitching. Gone is the hybrid powertrain as well as the more potent 2.0-liter engine that was previously offered, which leaves a turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine as the sole choice for buyers.

Which Equinox trim is right for you?

Choosing the right Chevy Equinox trim is easy as there are only four different trim levels to choose from:

• Equinox LS: $28,595
• Equinox LT: $29,695
• Equinox RS: $32,895
• Equinox Premier: $33,795

Out of the four trim levels, I recommend the RS trim but not because I’m partial to it. For the money, its seems like it could be the best value as it comes standard with many of the features that are optional on the lower trims. Also, the darkened trim pieces give the car an edgier personality.

My tester for the week came with the optional Infotainment package and the Advanced Safety package. The price as tested was $36,020.

The Chevy Equinox blends in with the crowd

Another reason that I would recommend the Equinox RS trim over the others is that the crossover has a non-descript look to it. That’s neither good nor bad, it’s just obvious that GM played it safe with the Equinox’s aesthetics. As such, opting for the RS trim level gives the Equinox a unique that will make it stand out just a little more in the grocery store parking lot.

Otherwise, the Equinox does look a little sleeker and richer than the outgoing model, however, it can still be outshined by the Mazda CX-5 and to some eyes, the Honda CR-V.

Is the Equinox comfortable?

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Yes, the Chevy Equinox is comfortable no matter which seat you’re sitting in. The front seats are supportive, although, they could use a little more bolstering. The rear seats provide plenty of leg and headroom, even for passengers that are six feet tall. However, the middle seat passenger may feel a little cramped.

Overall, the cabin feels a little sparse compared to rivals, but that’s part of the Equinox’s charm. The HVAC knobs and buttons are easy to read and within easy reach, and although the 8-inch doesn’t sound like it’s big enough, it is. I was also impressed with its resolution and touch responsiveness.

How’s the tech in the Chevy Equinox?

The Equinox comes pretty well-equipped in its standard form when it comes to tech features. According to Kelley Blue Book, the base LS trims comes with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, four USB ports, and a Teen Driver System that can set parameters and relay driving information.

If you want a more robust roster of tech features, then I recommend stepping up to the higher trim levels. Working your way up the ladder will unlock more amenities like a power driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera, a leather interior, and a power tailgate.

You can also get heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Bose Audio system when opting for certain packages or the higher trim levels.

How well does the Equinox handle?

The 2022 Equinox handles surprisingly well considering its tall stature. Other rivals in the category, like the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V, will provide a more engaging driving experience. However, the Equinox’s driving highlight is how comfortable it is on every surface. The suspension soaks up road imperfections and bumps really well, but that comfort comes at a cost.

The Equinox’s steering feels a little loose and vague and its turning radius is not very good. While that might not seem like a big deal, it will be when you end up making a five-point turn just to get into an empty spot in a parking lot.

What engine does the Chevy Equinox have?

Under the hood of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is a turbocharged 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that can send power to either a two- or an available all-wheel drive configuration. One thing to note about the Equinox’s all-wheel drive system is that it’s essentially a part-time setup in which the driver has to switch it on to get all four wheels going.

In my real-world testing, I found that the engine needed a second to get going until the boost kicked in mid-way through the powerband. This equated to tepid acceleration from a stop and even flooring it to catch up to freeway speeds. Don’t get me wrong, the Equinox can get moving just fine, but it’s not a super smooth experience as it climbs its way up the RPM range.

Also, in terms of fuel economy, the EPA estimates that the Equinox can achieve up to 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway in all-wheel drive form. Add one mpg to both figures for front-wheel-drive. In my week of mixed driving at a mile-high elevation, I averaged 21.6 mpg.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox a safe car?

Yes, not only did the Equinox receive a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but it also comes standard with a wealth of safety features. Some of the most notable features include a forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.

Stepping up to the LT and higher trim levels will add safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with a rear-cross traffic alert, and parking sensors. Other interesting safety features include the Safety Alert Seat feature in which the driver’s seat vibrates when the car is too close to an object. Additionally, the Premier trim comes with an automatic parking assist, which helps you parallel park.

Is the Equinox expensive to maintain?

The Chevy Equinox is relatively inexpensive to maintain. According to Edmund’s True Cost to Own calculator, it should cost an average of $5,370 to maintain an Equinox for the first five years. Chevrolet also includes one free maintenance check-up when you purchase, so that should help cut costs a little.

Fortunately, you won’t need to worry too much about some repairs for the first few years as the Equinox is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Additionally, a 5-year/60,000-powertrain comes standard.

MotorBiscuit gives the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox an expert rating of 7.1 out of 10

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is a comfortable and capable crossover that is sure to fit a variety of budgets. However, in comparison to others in the tough segment, it’s very “middle of the road.”

That’s not a bad thing as there’s a lot to like about the Chevrolet Equinox but anyone looking for something more upscale may find it other competitors. Nonetheless, the Equinox holds its own in the class and offers a lot of value for the money.