What’s Included With The Chevy Equinox Base Model?
The Chevy Equinox has a bit of a higher starting price than other rivals in the compact SUV market. So what gives it an edge against competitors? Maybe the Chevrolet Equinox includes more bells and whistles than other options. Let’s see what’s included in the base model and what features you have to pay for to add on.
What’s Included in the Chevy Equinox Base Model?
The Chevy Equinox base model starts around $23k, making it more pricey than other compact options. For example, the Hyundai Kona starts around $20k, and the Nissan Kicks starts around $18k. However, it is cheaper than the Toyota RAV4, which starts around $25k, so maybe it’s a fair option in the middle.
In the base model of the Chevy Equinox, you get the 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that pumps out 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This isn’t a bad amount of power at all. With this engine, the Chevy Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lb. Plus, with the base engine, the Chevy Equinox can go from 0 to 60 in 6.8 seconds! That’s a fast and sporty acceleration for a compact SUV.
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You can pay to upgrade to the 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine for a better fuel economy. Also, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out 252-horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This additional power enables the Chevrolet Equinox to tow up to 3,500 lb.
Chevy Equinox Base Model Features
The Chevy Equinox is packed with noise cancellation materials to block out the engine’s sounds and city noise for a quiet ride. The multi-link rear suspension should also help absorb impacts for a smooth drive.
However, all-wheel-drive is not included in the base model. You have to upgrade to the Chevy Equinox LT trim for the option to add AWD. It will cost about $29k for your Chevy Equinox to have AWD, making the cost to upgrade about $6k. That’s a lot to add the ability to drive through snow and other slippery conditions.
At least you get 17″ all-season tires included with the base model. That’s a good size for cornering and enhanced traction. But you don’t get the roof rack or rear tinted privacy glass. To our surprise, you do get heated rear mirrors, so you aren’t totally on your own in the Equinox against wintery conditions.
Chevy Equinox Safety And Tech
With the base model of the Chevy Equinox, you do get a 7″ LCD infotainment center that can connect to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and it has a built-in 4G LTE Wi-fi hot spot. You don’t get the 120-volt outlet, but 12-volt auxiliary outlets and USB ports are included in the front and rear.
The base model is also loaded with safety features. You get automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, pedestrian alert, rear-seat alert, the teen driver package, and more. You can also add the HD rearview camera, smart cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and other safety features. Overall, the Chevy Equinox Base model is a fair deal, unless you want all-wheel-drive or to tow something that’s over 1,500 lb.
