Sometimes one must take a step back before taking a few steps forward. That’s the approach Chevrolet seems to be taking with its compact SUV. The 2021 Chevy Equinox won’t offer the same powertrain options as its predecessor, but the 2022 Chevy Equinox will debut an all-new turbo engine.

According to GM Authority, the 2022 Chevy Equinox is getting a massive engine upgrade. It’ll feature an available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine more potent than the only engine option on the 2021 model.

The 2020 Chevy Equinox won several awards, including ‘Best Family Cars’ and ‘Best Cars for Teen Drivers’ by Parents Magazine. However, car shoppers may want to avoid the 2021 Chevy Equinox by either purchasing the 2020 version or waiting for the upcoming 2022 model.

Chevrolet puts upgrades on the backburner for the 2021 model year 

Chevrolet’s vision for the future of the Equinox was put on hold. According to Car and Driver, a refresh was scheduled for the 2021 model year. However, it was pushed back a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the 2021 Chevy Equinox in a state of limbo.

The only engine the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox comes with won’t wow too many drivers. This 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine delivers 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the weaker standard engines in the compact SUV class. Its fuel economy numbers are modest but not excellent, coming in at an EPA-estimated 28 MPG city/highway combined.

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox carries over most of the same features as the previous model. Meanwhile, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox displays a redesigned front end with a new grille and headlights. Chevrolet will also release a sporty RS trim with a blacked-out exterior trim and red contrast stitching in the interior.

The 2022 Chevy Equinox gets a brand-new engine 

Many shoppers will be surprised to learn that the 2020 Chevy Equinox’s new engine isn’t quite as powerful as the outgoing one. However, there’s still plenty of reasons to be excited.

GM Authority reported this new available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. Additionally, it delivers 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That’s 15 less horsepower than the old 2.0-liter turbo engine, but most drivers won’t feel a noticeable difference.

This all-new powerplant is a significant upgrade over the standard option in terms of power. Plus, it’s expected to close the efficiency gap compared to the old 2.0-liter turbo engine, which only managed an EPA-estimated 25 MPG city/highway.

Buyers beware: The 2021 Chevy Equinox misses the mark

Savvy shoppers know that every vehicle has its up years and its down years. The 2021 model year will undoubtedly be the latter for the Chevrolet Equinox. Previous editions of the Equinox’s previous editions had trouble measuring up to its rivals, so removing a key feature didn’t do the 2021 Chevy Equinox any favors.

Thankfully, Chevrolet was quick to fix the issue, and the 2022 Chevy Equinox will gain a powerful engine with a host of other welcomed updates. Buyers who are looking for an SUV with significant advancements would do well to simply overlook the blip that is the 2021 Chevy Equinox and wait for the 2022 model.