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Chevrolet Equinox (3rd Gen)

18-21 · Chevrolet Equinox

80out of 100

The 3rd gen Equinox added turbocharged power and modern safety tech, but the 1.5T LFV engine has documented oil consumption and piston issues, the same concern that followed GM's small-displacement turbos into this generation.

Score breakdown

70/ 100Reliability×2.578/ 100True Annual Cost×2.095/ 100Safety×2.565/ 100Practicality×2.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A modern compact SUV with a familiar GM problem: turbo engine reliability. The 1.5T LFV had oil consumption and piston ring issues on early production. GM issued a TSB and eventually an extended warranty on some units. The 2.0T is more powerful but adds more complexity. Good safety ratings and cargo space.

Why it's on this list

Strong safety ratings and competitive cargo space at used prices of $14k–$20k. If you verify the 1.5T has had the TSB addressed, the 3rd gen Equinox is a functional modern compact SUV.

The honest trade-offs

1.5T LFV oil consumption TSB, verify it was addressed on your specific VIN. RepairPal 3.5/5 reliability. Reliability still below CR-V and RAV4 equivalents. Infotainment (Infotainment 3) is a step up from previous gen but still not Honda/Toyota level.

What to buy and what to avoid

19-21 LT AWD with the 1.5T. Verify the TSB for oil consumption was completed. Avoid the 2018 first model year. The 2.0T Turbo is available but adds cost. 1.5T is the common and generally fine pick once TSB-addressed.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,430 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$608 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$187 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,920 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,480 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,825 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,385 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
28[5]
MPG city / hwy
26 / 32[5]
Engine
1.5L turbo 4-cyl (LFV)
Horsepower
170 hp
Torque
203 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
63.9 cu ft
Stock tires
225/65R17
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
19%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$608 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.5[1]
Severe issue probability
13%[1]
250k-mile survival
40%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$22 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Chevrolet Equinox?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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