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2022 Chevy Equinox Buyer’s Guide

Overview of 2022 Chevy Equinox

The 2022 Chevy Equinox is a popular small crossover in the Chevrolet’s SUV segment. It has updated front and rear fascias as well as a sporty-looking RS variant making it Chevrolet’s best-selling SUV.

Underneath the sleek, attractive lines lies a roomy cabin brimming with amenities. A 7.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, as is Chevy’s suite of active safety systems.

There’s a reason crossovers, like the 2022 Equinox, have mostly replaced minivans and sedans as the preferred family car. The utility component is prominent—it is one of the segment’s most roomy cars. Combine that with comfy, cushy seats and a smooth ride, and the Equinox becomes a formidable long-distance family mover.

Not to forget the above-average fuel efficiency, excellent predicted reliability rating, and great safety rankings.

The solitary 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine is adequate for the job. The Equinox is a capable handler with no compromise in ride comfort. Equinox’s base MSRP is likewise reasonable. Read on to know everything about the 2022 Chevy Equinox in detail.

What’s New in 2022 Chevy Equinox?

The following things are introduced or updated in the 2022 model of Chevy Equinox:

  • Revised design: It includes more pronounced headlamps, a new grille design, and redesigned front and rear bumpers.
  • Introduction of RS Model: The 2022 model includes sporty esthetic elements such as dark 19-inch alloys and blacked-out exterior trim. Its interior has a one-of-a-kind shift knob, red stitching, and black upholstery.
  • Idle start/stop system: The 2022 model has a button to disable the idle start/stop system.
  • Premier trim level: The Premier trim level adds more upscale cabin elements, such as French stitching and gloss-black trim on the console.
  • Wireless connection: Previously requiring a wired connection, the infotainment system now enables wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standards. Additionally, hands-free park assistance is now available.
  • Withdrew L model and turbocharged engine: Chevrolet withdrew the base L model as well as the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the 2022 model of Chevrolet Equinox.

The Exterior of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

Here are the exterior features of the 2022 Chevy Equinox:

1. Dimensions (inches)

The crossover SUV Equinox is tiny enough to fit in parking spots and garages but is huge enough to draw interest. The following table shows the exterior dimensions of the 2022 Chevy Equinox in inches:

DimensionsValues
Length183.10
Width72.60
Height65.40
Wheelbase107.30

2. Styling

Chevrolet has updated the style of the 2022 Equinox. The grille is wider and more muscular at the front. Equinox’s two-box form has smooth curves throughout the right places. Plenty of surface detailing along the sides creates interest, while the tail is simple and uncluttered.

The RS variant stands out the most with dark 19-inch wheels, a gloss black grille, and other blacked-out details.

The Premier trim level is decked up with chrome highlights, LED headlights, and a logo projection on the motorized tailgate.

Quad exhaust outlets for a dynamic look are also new to the 2022 Equinox range. These improvements keep Equinox modern while keeping an attractive appearance that should last for years.

The Interior of the 2022 Chevy Equinox

Here are the interior features of the 2022 Chevy Equinox:

1. Dimensions (inches)

The following table shows the interior dimensions of the 2022 Chevy Equinox in inches:

Front Head Room40.0
Front Leg Room40.90
Front Shoulder Room57.20
Rear Head Room38.50
Rear Leg Room39.90
Rear Shoulder Room55.50

2. Space and comfort

The Chevrolet Equinox offers a 5-passenger and a 2-row interior. In both front- and rear-seat you will feel at ease in the large cabin, which has enough amenities to keep you entertained on long journeys.

The well-cushioned front seats will keep you comfortable even on long hours of driving. With the more expensive variants, you may have power adjustments for the driver (optional for the front passenger seat), leather upholstery, heating and ventilation, and lumbar adjustment.

The broad opening of the back doors makes ingress and egress easy. Nearly 40 inches of legroom is available for passengers in the back seat.

3. Interior design and quality

The 2022 Chevy Equinox’s dashboard is sleek, contemporary, and minimalist, with an easy-to-use control arrangement. The design is simplistic and easy on the eye. The center of the dashboard houses a touchscreen display. Controls for widely used functions such as temperature and audio are straightforward.
Equinox’s cabin is composed of durable materials and should appeal to a wide range of buyers. While there are some low-quality materials, the soft-touch embellishments are a welcome surprise.

The top-tier Premier variant also has upgraded French stitching. While black upholstery, red stitching, and an RS gear knob distinguish the new Equinox RS variant.

4. Driving position and visibility

The seat has a lot of adjustability. However, the large C- and D-pillars obstruct the vision to the rear.

5. Noise & vibration

At higher speeds, the 2022 Chevy Equinox performs an excellent job of muffling road and wind noise.

6. Entertainment

Chevrolet receives high marks for technology, with numerous features that are standard across the board. Equinox’s infotainment system impresses with its ease of use. It comes with a standard 7-inch touchscreen or an optional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Both touch displays, however, feature uncomplicated menus and snappy responsiveness, and they’re mounted high on the dashboard, making them easy to see and control while driving.

The usefulness of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system continues to impress. Physical buttons and knobs for the major audio and climatic settings round out the package.

7. Cargo Area

The cargo space can fit a pair of bikes, a week’s worth of camping gear, or large things from the hardware store. It measures 63.9 cubic feet with the rear seats down and 29.9 cubic feet with the seats up. A manual liftgate is standard, while a motorized liftgate and hands-free power liftgate are optional.

Features of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2022 Chevy Equinox comes with enormous features including:

1. Engine Specs and performance

The engine of Chevy Equinox has:

  • 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 units.
  • Power: 170 hp @5,600 rpm.
  • Torque: 203 lb-ft @2,000-4,000 rpm.
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission

With the 2.0-liter engine no longer available, Equinox’s lone engine option is the 170-horsepower, 1.5-liter.

The performance is mediocre, and the car requires a heavy foot on highways. However, due to the shorter body and lighter weight, this combination is acceptable for the majority of daily driving requirements. The engine provides enough oomph to get the Equinox off the line and across town quickly.

The configuration has a 0-60 mph time of 8.9 seconds. The Equinox also ranks among the class’s most fuel-efficient non-hybrid cars.

The six-speed automatic gearbox is sleek shifting. However, in the interest of fuel economy, it remains in a higher gear and is reluctant to shift when there is a sudden power requirement.

2. Ride and handling

The Chevy Equinox is a pleasure to drive daily. On the road, the car feels very steady and smooth. The Equinox surprises by being balanced and competent on a tough, curvy course. When navigating corners, it remains steady and surefooted; its steering is also quick and lightweight.

Driving it is nearly as enjoyable as driving the class-leading Mazda CX-5. This is especially remarkable given how comfortable Equinox is. The suspension comfortably filters out the majority of road dips and jolts. Avoid the optional 19-inch alloy wheels for the smoothest ride and stick with the standard wheels, which have wider and more shock-absorbing tire sidewalls.

The brakes are dependable and excellent. This car’s pedal effort is adequate, and the response is neither grabby nor sluggish. It seems to be perfect.

3. Fuel efficiency

The 2022 Chevy Equinox delivers good fuel efficiency. It varies depending on the drivetrain you choose. The following table shows the MPG figures for the Front-wheel drive and All-wheel drive of Chevy Equinox:

Front-wheel driveAll-wheel drive
1.5-liter 26/31 MPG25/30 MPG

Keep in mind that all-wheel drive is not always on. Unless the driver selects AWD through a dial on the center console, the Equinox is front-wheel drive. This is great for keeping the Equinox in FWD mode and saving gasoline.

The Equinox also boasts idle stop/start technology, which enhances fuel efficiency even more. Most of the time, the system is smooth and unobtrusive, but you do have the option to turn it off with the push of a button. The button is located on the center dash, to the left of the hazard light switch.

4. Safety Ratings

Equinox is a safe car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded Equinox a five-star rating. And it narrowly missed out on Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHG) Top Safety Pick designation owing to a “Marginal” score in headlight performance, a marginal rating in the updated side impact test, and a poor rating in the updated moderate overlap front test.

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The following tables show the NHTSA safety ratings:

Crash TestRating
Frontal CrashFive-Star
Side CrashFive-Star
RolloverFour-Star
Overall RatingFive-Star

IIHS Safety Ratings 

The following table shows the IIHS safety ratings:

Crash TestRating
Small Overlap Front Passenger TestGood
Small Overlap Front Driver TestGood
Side Impact TestMarginal
Roof Strength TestGood
Moderate Overlap Front TestPoor
Rear Crash ProtectionGood
Front Crash PreventionSuperior
HeadlightsMarginal

5. Reliability

The expected reliability rating for the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is an incredible 90/100 from JD Power. 

Chevy Equinox Trims & Their Features

The Chevy Equinox has four trims or variants. The features of each of the trims are listed below.

1. Chevrolet Equinox LS Trim

The base Equinox LS trim comes with:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels.
  • LED headlamps.
  • Heated power-adjustable mirrors.
  • Keyless entry and ignition.
  • Four-way manually adjustable front seats.
  • 7-inch touchscreen.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (with wireless connectivity).
  • Six-speaker audio system.
  • 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
  • Voice recognition.
  • Four USB ports.

Standard driver assistance features are:

  • Automatic emergency braking.
  • Forward collision warning.
  • Pedestrian detection.
  • Lane departure warning and Lane keep assist.
  • Following distance indicator.
  • Automatic high-beam headlights.
  • Rear-view camera.
  • Rear-seat reminder.
  • Teen Driver system.

It’s also available with optional amenities, including an all-wheel drive. You can opt for packages such as:

  1. LS Convenience package.
    • Power-adjustable driver’s seat.
    • Rear privacy glass.
    • Enhanced multi-color driver information display.
  2. Driver Confidence II Package.
    • Rear cross traffic alert.
    • Lane change alert with side blind zone alert.
    • Rear park assist.

2. Chevrolet Equinox LT Trim

The LT trim level is your ticket to satisfaction. It comes with:

  • Standard LS convenience package.
  • HID headlights.
  • Chrome highlights.
  • Body-colored exterior trim.
  • Satellite radio.
  • Remote rear-seat folding levers.
  • Eight-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar control.
  • Illuminated sun visors.

The LT trim comes with the option of several additional packages, including:

  1. Confidence & Convenience Package
    • Dual-zone automatic climate control.
    • Heated front seats.
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel.
    • Remote engine start.
    • Rear parking sensors.
    • Blind-spot monitoring.
    • Power rear liftgate.
    • Front and rear park assist.
    • Rear cross-traffic alert.
    • Universal garage door opener.
    • Fog lights.
    • Heated steering wheel.
    • Panoramic sunroof.
  2. Infotainment Package
    • 8-inch touchscreen.
    • High-definition backup camera.
    • Navigation system.
    • Two additional USB ports.
    • 120-volt household-style power outlet.
    • Heated steering wheel.

3. Chevrolet Equinox RS Trim

The newly launched RS variant offers a sportier appearance and additional standard amenities as a result of:

  • Features from the LT’s Confidence & Convenience Package.
  • Black-painted 19-inch wheels.
  • Blacked-exterior trim.
  • Black interior with red stitching.
  • Unique shift knob.
  • Power Liftgate.
  • Roof rails.

The RS trim also comes with an optional unique RS Leather package which includes the:

  • Leather upholstery.
  • Bose sound system.

4. Chevrolet Equinox Premier Trim

The Equinox Premier trim is a higher-end model that includes all of the LT content as well as the Confidence & Convenience package. It also includes:

  • 18-inch wheels.
  • LED headlights.
  • Chrome exterior styling elements.
  • Hands-free rear liftgate.
  • Ambient lighting.
  • Wireless charging pad.
  • Driver’s seat memory settings.
  • Leather upholstery.
  • Upgraded backup camera.
  • 8-inch touchscreen.
  • Two additional USB ports.

However, the Premier does not come completely loaded out of the box. You have the option to include:

  1. Confidence & Convenience II package.
    • Ventilated front seats.
    • Heated steering wheel.
    • Heated rear seats.
    • Eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat.
    • Adaptive cruise control.
    • Surround-view camera system.
  2. Infotainment II package.
    • Navigation system.
    • Seven-speaker Bose premium stereo.

2022 Chevrolet Equinox’s Trims Prices

Here are the prices of the 4 trims of Chevy Equinox listed from lowest to highest price:

TrimsOriginal MSRP (including destination charges)
LS$27,695
LT$28,795
RS$31,995
Premier$32,895

The Equinox sits in Chevrolet’s crossover SUV series between the less expensive Trax and Trailblazer and the costlier Blazer and Traverse

Chevy has eliminated the L trim from the 2022 Equinox lineup, so the LS becomes the new base trim. Still, at a starting MSRP of $27,695 (including destination), it slightly undercuts rivals such as the Honda CRV, Mazda CX-50, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Toyota RAV4.

A 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, a six-speed auto gearbox, and front-wheel drive are standard. All trims are available with all-wheel drive, which costs an additional $1,600.

What’s the best trim option on the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox?

The entry-level LS trim is an excellent pick for most buyers since it comes equipped with a slew of tech and safety features.

Nonetheless, it is recommended that you upgrade to the LT. It is the Equinox portfolio’s sweet spot, giving the most comprehensive collection of standard and optional facilities at the most reasonable rate. When it comes to optional features, you may opt for the Confidence and Convenience package.

However, if you want more features, go straight for the Premier trim, which comes with all the bells and whistles as well as access to the complete list of optional extras.

Conclusion

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is a sleek crossover ideal for family-hauling responsibilities, with a big cabin, reasonable fuel efficiency, and a car-like driving demeanor. Chevy’s large list of standard infotainment and active safety systems, along with its below-average class pricing and a high expected dependability rating, make it a solid buy.

Moreover, with the 2022 model year, Chevy has upped the appeal of this small car by introducing a fresh and more modern exterior design. The 1.5-liter engine offers sufficient power for the majority of driving chores but if you are a driving enthusiast, you may wish to consider prior Equinox models that included the sporty 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

Now that you know all the features and prices of the 2022 Chevy Equinox and its variants, it’s up to you to choose the best for yourself following your needs and usage.

FAQ’s

Should you buy a used 2022 Chevrolet Equinox?

Yes, the used 2022 Equinox is a fantastic small SUV. The newly designed outside sheet metal conceals a functional cabin with two rows of big and comfy seats, user-friendly technology, and excellent fuel economy ratings.

It’s comfortable to drive on less-than-perfect pavement, and getting around town is simple. It also has an outstanding projected reliability rating and a robust set of basic active safety systems.

Will the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox last long?

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is expected to last considerably longer as it backs an exceptional JD Power rating of 90/100 in terms of reliability.

Where is the 2022 Chevy Equinox manufactured?

Chevrolet manufactures the Equinox 2022 in Canada and Mexico.

Is the Chevy Equinox safe?

The 2022 Chevy Equinox is relatively safe, as per the ratings of IIHS and NHTSA. The NHTSA awards it five stars overall, although it falls just short of the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick classification. However, Equinox also has a plethora of safety systems as standard equipment.