The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the top contenders in the two-row crossover segment and the brand’s best-selling SUV. After spending a week in the Equinox RS, I can see why. It’s well-equipped, offers a smooth ride, and with the sportier look of the new-for-2022 RS trim, I think it looks pretty nice as well. Here are five reasons that I think the RS trim level is the best one to choose when shopping for a 2022 Equinox.

1. The 2022 Chevy Equinox RS has the most aggressive look

If you want a more aggressive look, then the Chevrolet Equinox RS is the one to get as it comes with a more menacing look inside and out. On the outside, it has a gloss black grille and exterior accents in addition to a set of Android Gray 19-inch wheels that fit the fender wells nicely. I can personally recommend pairing this look with the Iron Gray Metallic paint job for a truly bold look.

On the inside, the Equinox RS has black leather seats with contrast red stitching and a leather-wrapped steering wheel to match. The steering wheel feels great in your hands and the seats are comfortable. Overall, I think it’s a good-looking crossover that you probably won’t get bored of after five years of ownership.

2. The RS trim level is priced well in the lineup

The Chevy Equinox RS is the second-highest trim level in the lineup and is priced at $32,895 (including the destination charge), according to Autotrader. The top-trim Premier comes in at around $1,000 more and the lowest trim level starts at $28,595. Considering everything you get with the RS, it’s quite the value compared to the others without spending too much on a crossover this size.

3. The Equinox RS comes standard with the Confidence and Convenience package

Part of what makes the Chevy Equinox RS a great value is that it comes with everything that the lower LT and LS trim levels come with and more. Specifically, the RS trim comes with the Confidence and Convenience package, which includes the following:

• Rear park assist
• Rear Cross-traffic alert
• Lane change alert
• Dual-zone climate control
• Heated front seats
• Power tailgate

Those are some pretty heavy-hitting features that are sure to provide a lot of comfort and safety in whatever type of driving that you do. During my short time with the Equinox RS, I used all of those features, so I was glad that they were included in this trim.

4. The fuel-efficient turbocharged engine is standard

The Chevrolet Equinox used to come with a larger turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, but the automaker did away with that option and left the turbocharged 1.5-liter as the sole engine choice. That’s okay, though, as I’m happy to report that the smaller engine has enough zip to get around town and onto the freeway without much hesitation.

It’s not as smooth as the powertrains found in the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 and it could use more power, but it has plenty of punch for going uphill. It’s also fuel-efficient with EPA-rated fuel economy figures sitting at 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

5. The RS trim is loaded with tech features

My Equinox RS tester came with a 360-degree camera, wireless Apple Carplay, front and rear parking sensors, and a remote engine starter. That last feature came in handy on the colder days as I was able to start the car from the comfort of my apartment with the car situated nearly 100 feet away in the parking lot.

The 2022 Equinox RS has what you need

Ultimately, if you’re in the market for a small crossover and have the 2022 Chevy Equinox on your shortlist, it’s a good idea to check out the new RS trim level. It looks great, has a comfortable interior, and has all the tech features that you could want or need.