Chevrolet Equinox Four Generations (2005-present)
Four gens. 1st-2nd V6/I4. 3rd gen all-turbo. 4th gen (2025+) bolder styling, 1.5L turbo only, ACTIV outdoor trim.
Four generations across the run. 1st gen (2005-2009): GM Theta platform, shared with Saturn Vue and Pontiac Torrent. 3.4L V6 (185 hp / 210 lb-ft) standard, 3.6L V6 (264 hp / 250 lb-ft) on Sport trim 2008-2009. 5-speed automatic. FWD or AWD. Built at CAMI Ingersoll, Ontario. 2nd gen (2010-2017): redesigned on GM Theta II platform shared with GMC Terrain. 2.4L Ecotec I4 (182 hp / 172 lb-ft) base, 3.0L V6 (264 hp) optional 2010-2012, then 3.6L V6 (301 hp / 272 lb-ft) optional 2013-2017. 6-speed automatic. FWD or AWD. 2016 mid-cycle facelift. 3rd gen (2018-2024): redesigned smaller, lighter, all-turbocharged engine lineup on D2 platform. 1.5L turbo I4 (170 hp / 203 lb-ft) base across the range, 6-speed automatic. 2.0L turbo I4 (252 hp / 260 lb-ft, optional 2018-2020 only) with 9-speed automatic. 1.6L turbo-diesel I4 (137 hp / 240 lb-ft) optional 2018-2019 only — short-lived diesel offering, discontinued due to lack of demand. FWD or AWD. 4th gen (2025-present): redesigned again on E2 platform, 2.5 inches wider than 3rd gen, bolder styling 'inspired by Chevy truck DNA'. Single engine: 1.5L turbo I4 (175 hp / 203 lb-ft) — only powertrain offered, no V6 / hybrid / 2.0L turbo. 8-speed automatic. FWD or AWD with switchable system. Trims: LT (base), RS (sporty), ACTIV (first-ever outdoor-themed trim — revised front fascia for off-road approach angle, terracotta interior accents, all-weather floor mats, more ground clearance). Standard 11.3-inch infotainment with Google built-in (native Google Maps / Assistant / Play Store), wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, 8-inch digital cluster. Chevy Safety Assist standard. Built at GM San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Equinox EV is a separate model line on Ultium platform — not covered here. EPA 26 mpg combined FWD, 25 mpg AWD on 4th gen.
Strengths
- 1.5L turbo / FWD / AWD wide availability (4th gen)
- ACTIV outdoor trim (4th gen, first-ever)
- 11.3-inch infotainment with Google built-in (4th gen)
- 8-speed automatic (4th gen)
- Chevy second-bestseller after Silverado
- Refreshed truck-inspired styling (4th gen)
- 3.6L V6 (2nd gen Sport / 2013-2017)
Weaknesses
- 1.5L turbo only on 4th gen (no V6 / hybrid option)
- 1.6L turbo-diesel (3rd gen) recall-prone, discontinued
- 2.0L turbo (3rd gen) discontinued early
- Cabin tech behind Tucson on 1st-2nd gen
- GM resale below RAV4 / CR-V
- Built in Mexico (4th gen) — some prefer US-built
- No hybrid offering (vs RAV4 Hybrid)
Notable tech
- 1.5L turbocharged I4 (4th gen)
- 8-speed automatic (4th gen)
- Google built-in infotainment (4th gen)
- ACTIV outdoor trim (4th gen)
- Chevy Safety Assist standard
- 11.3-inch infotainment + 8-inch digital cluster
- 3.6L V6 with 9-speed (2nd gen Sport)
- Switchable AWD system
Common issues
- 1.5L turbo timing chain wear (3rd gen)
- 1.6L turbo-diesel emissions issues / recall (2018-2019)
- Theta II V6 timing chain failure (2nd gen)
- Power-window regulator failures
- 2.4L Ecotec oil consumption (2nd gen common)
- AC compressor failures (high mileage)
- Infotainment freezes (3rd gen)
Used-market budget
$18,000
1st gen $5-9k. 2nd gen 2.4L $7-13k, 3.6L V6 $11-18k. 3rd gen 1.5T $14-22k, 2.0T $18-26k. 3rd gen post-facelift $18-30k. 4th gen 2025+ $28-36k+. ACTIV trim (4th gen) commands modest premium.
