Everything You Need to Know About the 2019 Chevy Equinox

The 2019 Chevy Equinox is an excellent car for anyone looking for a versatile and affordable vehicle. It has a comfortable interior with plenty of room for cargo, and the ride is smooth and quiet. Plus, the Equinox comes standard with a long list of safety features. Whether you’re looking for a reliable family car or a safe and affordable first car, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is worth checking out.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Overview

The Equinox is Chevrolet’s answer to compact-crossover SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox was redesigned last year as a somewhat smaller but more advanced version of its predecessor.

The Equinox ranks well in its class due to its excellent expected reliability rating and fuel efficiency. No other vehicle can compete with its diesel engine, which achieves almost 40 mpg.

The Equinox also has something if you are a performance enthusiast/. It offers a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder.

The Equinox is an enticing option thanks to its simple, carlike driving, seating height similar to an SUV, and practicality. Chevy comes out strong with Equinox’s feature-rich options list, which includes many sophisticated infotainment and driver-assistance systems.

Equinox Trims L, LS, LT, Premier and which one should you choose

The Equinox’s starting MSRP undercuts the Nissan Rogue Honda CR-V and is comparable to the Ford Escape.

There are four trim levels for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox: L, LS, LT, and Premier. The L and LS trims can only be had a turbo 1.5-liter engine. On the other hand, the LT and Premier can have the 2.0-liter turbo engine or a turbodiesel engine. All trims are offered with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, except for the most basic model, which is solely offered with front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive costs $1,700 more.

Standard features on the basic model include a touch-screen infotainment system along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it’s worth upgrading to the LT trim because these versions come with optional extras like a bigger touch-screen, heated front seats, and blind spot monitoring. You can upgrade to Premier trim for standard leather upholstery and a slew of optional driver assistance technologies.

Nonetheless, the mid-level LT model with front-wheel drive may be a good match. If you value performance, the additional $2500 for the 2.0-liter engine is well worth it. To equal the CR-V in terms of features and equipment, additional packages such as the Confidence and Convenience package can be added.

However, you can omit the  $1,145 infotainment package because even the smaller screen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, you may use your phone to navigate at any time.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Exterior

Dimensions

Styling

The 2019 Equinox has the appearance of a younger midsize 2019 Chevy Traverse, but it has its distinct style. The Equinox crossover SUV is big enough to command attention while remaining sufficiently compact to fit in parking spots and garages. Roof rails are offered to provide utility and a more aggressive SUV appearance. Various options, such as the new Lights & Bright option, add features such as19 inch wheels and a chrome grille surround. Two exhaust valves distinguish models with the 2.0-liter turbo engine.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Interior

Dimensions

Quality, Space, and Comfort

Both rows are fairly comfortable, and taller passengers should have plenty of space regardless of where they sit. On longer journeys, the seats remain highly supportive. One drawback is that models with a sunroof have somewhat less headroom.

The cabin of the Equinox is made of solid materials and should appeal to a wide range of people; however, it feels a bit dated. Additionally, you can also spot some low-rent materials.

Nonetheless, the cabin is pretty practical, with lots of cupholders. Most interior amenities, however, are available as standard or optional equipment on higher models.

Cargo Space

The Chevy Equinox boasts 29.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats and approximately 64 cubic feet with the back seats folded. These figures are typical for a small SUV.

Entertainment

The Equinox is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. However, you also have the optional 8-inch display. The system runs the user-friendly Chevrolet Infotainment 3 interface, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

This infotainment system also incorporates Chevy’s Teen Driver monitor, which can watch your child’s driving patterns and lets you set a speed warning or a speed limitation. You may also set a volume restriction for the music.

With four standard USB connections, including Type A and Type C outlets, charging your gadgets should be a breeze in Equinox. There are two 12-volt outlets, one in the front and one in the cargo compartment, as well as a 120-volt, three-prong outlet. Wireless phone charging is offered on the top-tier Premier trim.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Features & Specs

Chevrolet Equinox L:

Engine Option

• 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4

Standard Features

• 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system
• Bluetooth
• Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay
• Six-speaker sound system
• Wi-Fi hot spot
• Proximity keyless entry
• Alloy wheels
• Four USB ports
• Rearview camera
• Rear seat reminder
• Teen Driver monitoring system
• OnStar telematics system

Chevrolet Equinox LS:

Engine Option:

• 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4

Standard Features

The Chevrolet Equinox LT has the same standard features as the base model, but it’s available with additional amenities.

Available Features

• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Rear-seat entertainment system
• Appearance packages

Chevrolet Equinox LT: 

Engine Options

• 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4
• 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
• 1.6-liter inline-4 turbocharged diesel

Standard Features

• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Upgraded headlights
• Satellite Radio
• 4.2-inch color driver information display

Available Features

• 8-inch touch screen
• Navigation
• Two additional USB ports
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear cross traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Remote start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated front seats
• Leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel
• Universal garage door opener
• Power Liftgate
• Household-style power outlet
• LED headlights and taillights

Chevrolet Equinox Premier

Engine Options

• 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
• 1.6-liter inline-4 turbocharged diesel

Standard Features

The Chevy Equinox Premier features leather upholstery and all the available features from the Equinox LT. Amenities exclusive to the Premier trim include:

• Eight-way power-adjustable passenger seat
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• HD Radio
• Seven-speaker Bose premium stereo
• Panoramic sunroof

Available Features

Available driver assistance features include:

• Safety alert seat
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Following distance indicator
• Pedestrian detection
• The surround-view parking camera system
• Automatic high-beam headlights

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Engine

1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4

• Power: 170 horsepower @5,600 rpm
• Torque: 203 lb-ft @2,000-4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4

• Power: 252 hp @5,500 rpm
• Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 2,500-4,400 rpm
• Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission

1.6-liter inline-4 turbocharged diesel

• Power: 137 hp @3,750 rpm
• Torque: 240 lb-ft @2,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission

2019 Chevrolet Equinox Performance

The 2019 Chevy Equinox offers three unique driving qualities thanks to its three separate powerplants. With a shorter body and reduced weight, the 1.5-liter engine produces enough power to propel the Equinox up hills, highways, and towns.

However, it might seem sluggish sometimes, and the transmission can be hesitant to shift. From behind the wheel, there’s also noticeable throttle lag – hit the pedal, and the engine takes a solid second to respond, making it difficult to accelerate out of curves or out of a sticky position.

Nonetheless, the available 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces much more power. It is one of the greatest engines in its class. Its 80-plus horsepower boost over the standard engine delivers astonishing, chirp-the-tires acceleration off the line and enough power for overtaking. If you floor it in a front-wheel-drive model, you’ll experience torque steer.

The 2.0T’s nine-speed automated gearbox operates smoothly and seamlessly, blending into the background of the driving experience. It’s a perfect match to the character of the powerful 252 hp 2.0-liter engine. The Equinox can tow up to 3,500 pounds with its turbo engine.

The diesel engine comes next. The Chevy Equinox is one of the few vehicles in its class to offer a diesel engine. Like the standard gasoline model, this one won’t win many races, but it’s a fuel-economy master. No other vehicle except a hybrid comes close to the EPA-rated fuel economy of up to 39 mpg.

Ride and handling

The Equinox LT handles well in turn and has a smooth ride. The chassis feels sturdy and stiff. The Equinox is agreeable and simple to drive, and its steering is accurate and direct.

The new Equinox absorbs bumps with barely a tremor through the cabin. There’s surprisingly little body roll, and the ride is beautifully damped, with well-controlled wheel movements and little sense of body float. Road and wind noise are wonderfully dampened, which is something that other popular small crossovers, the Honda CR-V and the Mazda CX-5, struggle with. You get outstanding dynamic capabilities when you combine the Equinox’s overall solidity with its well-weighted, precise steering and a strong, progressive brake pedal.

Fuel efficiency

The 2019 Equinox achieves some of the greatest EPA-estimated fuel efficiency among small SUVs when equipped with its turbodiesel engine. Models with the standard 1.5-liter engine also get great gas mileage.

MPG figures

If you choose all-wheel drive, remember that it is not an always-on system. The Equinox is front-wheel drive unless the driver selects AWD via a dial on the center console. This is ideal for keeping the Equinox in fuel-efficient FWD mode. The Equinox also has a stop/start feature that improves fuel efficiency.

Safety

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Safety Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration awarded Equinox a five-star safety rating.

The Equinox doesn’t scrimp on driver aids if you’re ready to pay for them. For the Equinox Premier, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, and parking assistance are standard features. These features are optional for the LT model. Even on the Premier, you need to pay extra for features like lane-departure warning,  front collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and low-speed automatic braking.

Reliability

The expected reliability rating for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is a flawless 5 out of 5.

How the 2019 Equinox Compares Against Key Rivals

2019 Chevrolet Equinox vs.  2019 Nissan Rogue

The 2019 Nissan Rogue features one of the prettiest interiors and largest cargo compartments in the class, but those are its sole benefits above the Equinox. The Rogue’s poor ranking is primarily due to its unrefined, underpowered engine and dated-looking infotainment system. In comparison to Equinox, it has inferior safety and expected dependability ratings.

2019 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2019 Ford Escape

The Escape features a variety of powerful engines and agile handling. However, it also receives some of the lowest projected dependability ratings in the class and has one of the lowest safety rankings. Both of these crossovers provide plenty of room for passengers, similar load capacities, and simple features. Choose the Equinox if you want an SUV with outstanding safety and estimated reliability scores.

Conclusion

After the Silverado pickup truck, the Chevrolet Equinox is the company’s best seller. The Equinox made its debut way back in the year 2005, while the latest third-gen model arrived in 2018.

Pros

• Potent turbo 2.0-liter
• Excellent predicted reliability rating
• Available diesel powertrain model with class-leading fuel economy
• Composed handling
• Intuitive multimedia systems
• Child-seat accommodations
• Available all-wheel drive
• Roomy interior

Cons

• Crash-avoidance features are not standard
• Some low-rent cabin materials
• Limited headroom with moonroof
• Available Options can make it quite expensive.

Verdict

While Equinox’s interior can feel a bit cheap and outdated, when compared to rivals, there are plenty of other positives for this vehicle.

The Equinox is practical since it offers enough rear passenger room and a versatile cargo compartment. Chevrolet’s infotainment system is quick and easy to use. and four standard USB outlets keep all passengers’ gadgets charged.

Although only the top-of-the-line 2.0-liter engine delivers exceptional performance, all gasoline and diesel engines deliver excellent fuel efficiency. Regardless, the body construction of the Equinox is tight, with a smooth ride and agile handling.

Altogether, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox isn’t a flashy SUV but ticks many boxes.

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