2020 Chevrolet Equinox: Specs, Prices, Ratings, and Reviews (2024)

With the diesel engine deleted from the lineup, there are now only two engine choices. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor offers good fuel economy, while the 2.0-liter turbo-four brings welcome power upgrades.

The larger engine costs $2,500 on the LT and $2,700 on the Premier. The 1.5-liter engine retains Chevy's six-speed automatic transmission, while the larger sibling utilizes a nine-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available for $1,600 on every Equinox except the L.

The Equinox seats five and offers 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. If the second row is folded, the Equinox houses 63.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Every Equinox automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. Also standard are lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, which come in handy on long freeway drives.

Although the LT trim brings standard HID headlights, there isn't much in the way of safety upgrades until the Premier. The range-topping trim gets LED headlights and taillights, blind-spot monitoring, lane change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. Unfortunately, adaptive cruise control is only available on the Premier model, and even there it's part of a $1,650 package.

The 2020 model hasn't been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA yet, but expect it to keep its five-star overall safety rating from last year.

The Equinox features a 7-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 3.5-inch driver information display is also standard, but a 4.2-inch color version takes over on the LT and up. The LT and higher also get SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Premier trim gets an 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation and wireless charging.

The LS is the true base model of the lineup, but it's specification is almost identical to the L despite the $2,500 price premium. The only things new to the lineup are a spare tire and carpeted rear floor mats.

Basically, you're paying for the privilege of being able to select all-wheel drive, more exterior colors, and standalone options and packages. Our favorite is the LS Convenience Package ($685) that adds an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support and deep-tinted rear glass.

The Equinox LT is the first trim where the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine becomes available. It also gets the 4.2-inch driver information display and an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar control.

Shoppers can unlock the Equinox's full array of safety features with the Confidence and Convenience Package ($2,045). It brings blind-spot monitoring, lane change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist alongside creature comforts like remote start and heated front seats.

Those looking to trick their Equinox out in black will want the Midnight Edition Package ($2,230), while the 8-inch touchscreen with navigation requires the Infotainment Package ($745).

The Premier trim gets a wealth of extra safety, technology, and comfort features over the LT. Additionally, the Equinox Premier is bolstered by chrome exterior touches, a hands-free gesture liftgate, and heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The cabin gains the 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless charging, and an HD rearview camera. The driver and passengers can enjoy perforated leather seating, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Audiophiles should consider the Infotainment II Package ($1,125), which adds a seven-speaker Bose audio system and HD radio.

Compare Equinox Trims Side-By-Side

Chevy also improved the Equinox’s headlights, allowing it to receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. The model also carries a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Well-equipped higher trims. Ignoring the Equinox’s base L trim, its lineup is comprised of value-packed options that come with a strong list of niceties.

Standard features on the L trim include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, six audio speakers, wi-fi hot spot, keyless open and start, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and automatic headlights.

While not as well equipped as rivals, the addition of more standard safety features makes the L trim a stronger value option for 2020.

Higher Equinox trims come with a hands-free liftgate, an 8-inch touchscreen, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated exterior mirrors, a wireless charging pad, heated front seats, leather upholstery, and remote start.

Average interior space and comfort. As a compact crossover, the Equinox is easy to get in to and reasonably spacious for three passengers in the back. The seats are comfortable, and while the driver’s seat lacks height adjustability, it’s still easy to find the ideal seating position.

Cargo capacity isn’t stellar, lagging behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, but it’s certainly not bad for the segment. The Equinox has 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total of 63.9 cubic feet. That should be more than enough for most.

No longer the star in fuel economy. With the discontinuation of the diesel engine, the Equinox isn’t the star of the compact segment anymore, but its engine provides a decent amount of grunt for daily use.

The standard motor is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 170 horsepower. LT and Premier trims can be fitted with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that’s rated at 252 hp, making it the one to have if you seek more power.

Fuel economy for the Equinox falls behind the competition with the death of the diesel. The 1.5-liter is rated at an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon combined, while the 2.0-liter achieves 25 mpg. The CR-V and the RAV4 are both rated at 30 mpg combined.

Final thoughts. The 2020 Chevy Equinox is far from our favorite compact crossover, but it should meet the needs of most buyers. Now that more safety features come standard, it’s a stronger value option and can now stand its own against rivals when it comes to safety.

Where the Equinox falls behind the competition is its bland exterior styling and low-quality cabin. We know the model was redesigned in 2018, but we’re looking forward to a mid-cycle refresh in the near future that will hopefully bring some standout elements. The interior of the Equinox is just adequate. Materials aren’t as nice as competitors’ and fit and finish lags behind the competition.

The CR-V continues to be the perennial leader in the class. It’s more efficient, has a larger cargo area, and has a cabin that’s more comfortable. The Subaru Forester is another strong competitor. It comes with all-wheel drive as standard, is an excellent value proposition, is more efficient, has more cargo space, and comes with high-quality interior materials.

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