Should You Buy a 2022 Chevy Equinox LS or LT?
Are you shopping for a new small SUV? One of the most popular options is the 2022 Chevy Equinox. In a crowded segment filled with excellent models, the Equinox competes against titans like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Along with affordability, one of the many benefits of an Equinox is the selection of trim levels. Two of the trim options are LS and LT. Should you buy a 2022 Chevy Equinox LS or LT?
2022 Chevy Equinox trim levels
What are the trim levels of a 2022 Chevy Equinox? According to Edmunds, the LS is the base model, starting at $26,995. One step up from the base model is the Equinox LT for $28,095. The two are far more affordable than higher trims, which is why they’re also more popular. However, it’s surprising how well-equipped the two bottom-tier Equinox models actually are. Even for $26,995, customers get a satisfying number of tech and convenience features.
The top trims are RS and Premier. Each one costs $31,295 and $32,195, respectively. While neither is overly expensive compared to competitors, the two range-topping Equinox models are a few thousand dollars above the base trims. Although the two are even more well-equipped, even the Premier version doesn’t come with everything. For example, buyers need the Comfort and Convenience II package to unlock heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, and more, regardless of trim level.
What comes with an Equinox LS?
Starting with the cheapest version of the Chevy SUV, customers get a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The same engine is under the hood of every Equinox model. Additionally, front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available. Next, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights make up the remaining exterior features.
However, even for under $30,000, the Equinox LS is filled with tech. The base model comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, push-button ignition, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. Moreover, standard driver aids include forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-seat reminder. Lastly, the LS model has an available LS Convenience package, adding a power-adjustable driver’s seat, an enhanced multi-color driver information display, and rear privacy glass.
What comes with an Equinox LT?
The most popular version of the 2022 Chevy Equinox is one step up from the base model. It’s the most popular because the price isn’t much higher than the LS trim, but many more features are unlocked. For example, chrome and body-colored exterior trim, satellite radio, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, remote rear-seat folding levers, and illuminated sun visors are standard. Additionally, the LS Convenience package is included with every Equinox LT.
Next, two new packages are available starting with this trim level. The Confidence and Convenience package and Infotainment package bring much more to the Equinox. For the C and C package, customers gain remote engine start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a power liftgate, parking sensors, and blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
Lastly, the Infotainment package improves upon everything else. An 8-inch touchscreen upgrade with a navigation system, high-definition backup camera, a 120-volt power outlet, and a heated steering wheel are included. Items like these make the SUV a comfortable, entertaining option for families.
Should you buy a 2022 Chevy Equinox LS or LT?
In conclusion, there is a clear winner for which Chevy Equinox trim level is better. Both the LS and LT models are more affordable than the range-topping options. However, the LT model adds much more equipment for a minimal additional cost. That’s why it’s Edmunds’ recommended model out of all four versions of the SUV. “It provides the broadest array of standard and available features at the most reasonable price,” Edmunds said. We agree with the publication, as the LT is an impressive upgrade over the base model without breaking the bank.
