Chevrolet Equinox

Chevrolet Equinox at a glance

The Equinox is listed in our Chevrolet catalogue; since 2017 the larger Blazer has covered the mid-size role above it. Its first two generations were twinned with the Pontiac Torrent and the GMC Terrain; the third generation also wore Holden badges in Australia and New Zealand.

Generations

First generation (2004-2009). Built by CAMI Automotive, the GM and Suzuki joint venture in Ingersoll, Ontario, the first Equinox rode on a long 2,858 mm wheelbase and used a 3.4-litre V6 with 138 kW (185 hp) and a five-speed Aisin automatic. The Sport version of 2008-2009 added a 3.6-litre V6 with 197 kW (264 hp) and a six-speed automatic. The Pontiac Torrent was the twin; production of the Equinox ended in May 2009. GM also built a small fleet of hydrogen fuel-cell Equinox in 2007-2008, with a claimed range of about 320 km (200 miles).

Second generation (2009-2017). On a stiffened Theta platform, the Equinox gained a four-cylinder base engine, the 2.4-litre Ecotec with 136 kW (182 hp). A 3.0 V6 with 197 kW (264 hp) was offered until 2012, then a 3.6 V6 with 224 kW (301 hp) until 2017, all with a six-speed automatic. Production moved between Ingersoll, Oshawa and Spring Hill, Tennessee. A bi-fuel version that could also run on compressed natural gas joined in 2013, OnStar with 4G LTE and Wi-Fi arrived for 2015, and a mid-cycle facelift followed for 2016.

Third generation (2017-2024). Unveiled on 22 September 2016, it was smaller and lighter, fitting the compact class, while the new Blazer took over the mid-size role. It brought turbocharged engines and a diesel option, and was built in Ingersoll, Mexico and China. A facelift appeared in February 2020 for the 2022 model year. This is the generation sold as the Holden Equinox in Australia from November 2017 until Holden closed in 2020.

Fourth generation (2024 onwards). Unveiled on 23 January 2024, it uses the VSS-S platform and shares its San Luis Potosí plant with the GMC Terrain. Trims were reduced to LT, RS and ACTIV. In China, a plug-in hybrid sold as the Equinox Plus was offered from March 2024 until August 2025.

Engines, transmissions and performance

The current Equinox has one engine, a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection and stop-start. Front-wheel-drive cars use a CVT and 250 Nm, while the all-wheel-drive versions get the Hydra-Matic 8T45 eight-speed automatic and 275 Nm. Chevrolet has announced that the eight-speed automatic will be used on all versions from the 2027 model year.

The Chinese Equinox Plus combined a 1.5-litre engine with 132 kW (177 hp) and an electric motor with 140 kW (188 hp) for a system output of 272 kW (365 hp) and 565 Nm. GM quoted 6.8 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and an electric range of 80 or 120 km (WLTC), depending on the battery.

The third generation's diesel was dropped after 2019 and the 2.0 turbo after 2020, so the 2022 Equinox was sold with the 1.5 turbo only. All-wheel drive on that generation used a GKN system that the driver could disconnect to save fuel.

Dimensions, space and boot

These are Chevrolet's figures for the 2025 model. The boot volume is measured by the US SAE method and is not directly comparable with European VDA figures, which are usually lower for the same space. At 4.65 m long and 1.90 m wide, the Equinox is close in size to European compact SUVs; our size comparison tool shows how it lines up against cars you know.

Fuel economy and running costs

GM's published US data for the current car does not include a European test-cycle figure, and the Equinox was never type-approved for the EU, so there is no WLTP consumption to quote. The towing limits of 363 kg (FWD) and 680 kg (AWD) are low by European standards, which is worth knowing if you plan to pull a caravan. Our fuel cost calculator will estimate running costs once you have a real-world consumption figure.

Trims and equipment

The fourth generation is sold as LT, RS and ACTIV, down from four trims on the previous car. Selectable drive modes were introduced on RS and ACTIV and extended to every version for the 2026 model year. The third generation was sold in more trims and, in its last years, only with the 1.5 turbo.

Safety

The Equinox has not been tested by Euro NCAP because it is not sold in Europe. In the USA, the 2010 Equinox was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, rated Good in the moderate overlap, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. The 2022 model kept Good ratings in the small and moderate overlap, roof and head restraint tests, but scored Poor in the IIHS's updated moderate overlap test and Marginal in the updated side test; its vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention was rated Superior. In Australia, ANCAP tested the 2017 Holden Equinox and gave it 14.21 out of 16 in the frontal offset test, 15 out of 16 in the side test and full marks in the pole test, with pedestrian protection rated Marginal.

Reliability and known issues

We have not found verified reliability statistics for the Equinox in European sources, and we do not list unconfirmed faults. If you are looking at a used Holden Equinox in Australia or an imported car, check whether recall work has been completed and look for a full service history.

Sales

The Equinox has been one of the best-selling SUVs in North America. US sales were lowest in 2008 at 67,447, peaked at 346,048 in 2019 and were still 274,356 in 2025. Canadian sales peaked at 24,446 in 2017, Mexican sales at 13,712 in 2016 and Chinese sales at 71,497 in 2018, before falling to 852 in China in 2025. The Holden version sold slowly: orders were paused in October 2018.

Rivals

In North America the Equinox competes with the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Hyundai Tucson. Its closest relative is the GMC Terrain, built in the same San Luis Potosí plant. European buyers who want a similar-sized SUV should use our car finder to filter compact SUVs that are on sale in their country.

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