Chevrolet Equinox

Name: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
Brand: Chevrolet

EPA MPG: 20 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 20 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Equinox splits the difference between small SUVs and midsized models. While nice and roomy inside, it's less efficient than other five-passenger SUVs, but burns as much gas as larger, seven-passenger models.

2012 SUVs Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Chevrolet Equinox

vs. Similar Cars

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GMC Terrain

Honda CR-V

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2004

2005

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2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

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2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Chevrolet vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2012 Compact SUVs Ratings

2012 Chevrolet Equinox

$4,475 - $5,225

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

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EPA MPG NA

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2012 Ford Escape Hybrid

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EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2012 GMC Terrain

$5,125 - $5,775

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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2012 Honda CR-V

$7,975 - $11,075

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Tucson

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2012 Infiniti EX

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2012 Nissan Rogue

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2012 Nissan Xterra

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EPA MPG 18 mpg

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2012 Subaru Forester

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Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2.4-liter 4 (182 hp)
3-liter V6 (264 hp)

6-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2025-Present

Current Generation

Redesigned for 2025, the Chevrolet Equinox is similar in size and mechanical details to the SUV it supplants. It is again powered by a 175-hp, 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but this time it is paired with either a CVT (FWD) or 8-speed automatic transmission (AWD). The Equinox is offered in three trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV, each with their own styling touches. The RS is positioned as the sporty-looking choice, and the ACTIV is dressed for adventure. All share an interior that houses twin 11-inch screens and boasts standard niceties like heated seats and steering wheel. We managed 25 mpg overall for the AWD model we tested, which lags behind class leaders. The ride is mostly comfortable, handling is responsive but not sporty, and stopping distances are competitively short. The front seats are reasonably comfortable and the rear seat is spacious. The LT AWD we tested comes well-equipped with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start.The Equinox features standard Chevy Safety Assist, a bundle of active safety and driver assistance features.

2018-2024

2018 Redesign Year

The new Equinox has tidier dimensions, bringing it in line with the small-SUV segment dominated by the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The Equinox packs the latest infotainment and safety technology, and two small-displacement turbocharged engines, plus a diesel choice that's promised to deliver an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. Power comes from a 170-hp 1.5-liter mated to a six-speed automatic; the uplevel engine is a 252-hp, 2.0-liter four mated to a nine-speed automatic. The MyLink infotainment system is offered in 7- and 8-inch forms, each with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The interior has some cheap touches, however, the seats are quite comfortable. Updates for the 2020 model year saw the discontinuation of the diesel engine. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine option was dropped for 2021. The Equinox received a number of exterior styling updates for 2022. Other changes include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

2010-2017

2010 Redesign Year

The redesigned 2010 model, which offers four-cylinder and V6 engines, is light years better than its predecessor. It still has a roomy rear seat, but the interior is much nicer. The ride is taut, yet supple and controlled. Handling is responsive and secure. But fuel economy still falls short of the best small SUVs. We recommend skipping the base Equinox and jumping right to an LT, which comes with a power driver's seat. While the four-cylinder engine manages to get the job done, the V6 is more enjoyable. The 2013 models brought a much quicker optional 3.6-liter V6, as well as a revised interior with new infotainment technology. WiFi debuted in 2015. For 2016, Equinox got a smattering of cosmetic updates and advanced safety features, including available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which join forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems. Also, a rear-view camera became standard on all trim lines.

2005-2009

2005 Redesign Year

The first-generation Chevrolet Equinox is a mediocre SUV. While it has a roomy rear seat, the interior is crafted of subpar materials. The old-tech 185-hp, 3.4-liter V6 lacks refinement and returns poor fuel economy. A tip-up onto two wheels in the government rollover test was another negative until electronic stability control became standard in 2007. Ride and interior noise are improved in 2007 models, though handling remains clumsy, even with electronic stability control. The body also leans a lot in turns. Curtain airbags were made standard for 2009 (they were previously an option).