Like most other automakers, Chevrolet has a lot of SUV options in its lineup, and one of the company’s best options right now is the Equinox. The compact crossover SUV is a relatively affordable option that gives drivers a strong balance of features, but its affordable starting price tag may not be a realistic cost for the SUV. Here’s a look at the 2023 Chevy Equinox and how much a realistic build for the compact crossover can cost. 

A good trim choice for the 2023 Chevy Equinox

Chevy has four trim options available for the Equinox right now. The base trim is the LS, and it starts at about $28,000. It’s followed by the LT, which goes for $29,000. After that, there’s the RS, and it starts at $32,000. The Premier is the Equinox’s top trim, and it costs $33,000. Under the hood, all Equinox trims are equal as they all get the same 175-hp engine and front-wheel drive.

It costs $1,600 to add all-wheel drive to the SUV. That won’t be necessary for most folks though, since the Equinox can’t off-road well. And since there are no differences under the hood, the trims primarily upgrade the interior and exterior of the compact SUV. The top trim adds luxury features like leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and wireless phone charging. 

However, those luxury features aren’t necessary for most folks, especially anyone who has a budget. The RS trim largely makes the SUV look sportier, and that’s also not necessary or useful for most families. The LT trim only costs $1,000 more than the base trim, but it doesn’t add many standard features to the car. Instead, it gives shoppers access to more packages and options. That makes it a better deal than what the base trim offers.

The options and packages that are available for the 2023 Chevy Equinox

Like many other automakers, Chevy has a lot of options that car shoppers can choose between, but most of those options aren’t worth it. For example, there are some paint choices that can cost upwards of $1,000, and that’s just not a good bargain. Some options that are worthwhile, however, are smart safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. Chevy offers them in a $200 package.

This package is available on the base trim, but that’s not the case with the $1,200 Safety and Infotainment package. This package is only available on the LT trim and up, and it adds some useful tech features to the SUV.  For example, it swaps out the standard 7-inch touchscreen for an 8-inch one. More importantly though, it adds adaptive cruise control to the car, and that’s a valuable feature for anyone who’s planning on using their Equinox for commutes.

The Safety and Infotainment package provides other features too, such as a heated steering wheel and an HD backup camera. That said, that package can only be bought if the $1,600 Confidence and Convenience package is added on. The Confidence and Convenience package does add more useful luxury features at least, such as heated front seats and front and rear parking sensors.

How much a realistic 2023 Chevy Equinox build costs

In total, a realistic Equinox build can cost just under $32,000. That’s about $4,000 more than the $28,000 starting price tag of the Equinox. The useful packages that Chevy offers adds up to $2,800 in total. Roughly $1,400 came from the destination charges that the automaker tacked on.

As such, a realistic Equinox build won’t cost that much more than a standard version, but shoppers should be prepared to pay for some additional features.