2023 Chevy Equinox

　　

2023 Chevrolet Equinox Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　There's no shortage of appealing small SUVs, and the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox competes in a crowded field against benchmarks like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. But stylish design helps it stand out, with flowing surface lines, standard LED headlights and a classic front-end look. Buyers who want a little more edge can choose the new Midnight and Sport packages, which bundle gloss black wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. Both cost less than the existing RS trim, which offers a similar look but with more features and options.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox LS 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$143/mo  for Equinox LS

　　Equinox LS

　　LS 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $26,600 MSRPLS 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $28,200 MSRPLS Fleet 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $26,600 MSRPLS Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $28,200 MSRPLT 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) (Most Popular) - $27,700 MSRPLT 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $29,300 MSRPLT Fleet 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $27,900 MSRPLT Fleet 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $29,500 MSRPRS 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $30,700 MSRPRS 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $32,300 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $31,800 MSRPPremier 4dr SUV AWD (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $33,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　For 2023, the Equinox also gets a little more edge under the hood, with an additional 5 horsepower uncorked from the four-cylinder engine. We haven't found the turbo engine all that lively, so hopefully the extra power will inject the Equinox with a little more gallop. We'll let you know after we test it.

　　The Equinox faces stiff competition, and its small cargo space, lackluster cabin, and sluggish performance don't move the needle against the class leaders. We think most small-SUV shoppers would be better off with a Ford Escape, Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5.

　　

Which Equinox does zzdcar recommend?

We like the LT because it offers a wide range of standard and optional features at a reasonable price. We'd add the Safety and Infotainment and Confidence and Convenience packages for the larger touchscreen, heated front seats and adaptive cruise control. But there are several other packages and à la carte options that allow you to tailor the Equinox to your tastes.

　　

Chevrolet Equinox models

The 2023 Equinox comes in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS and Premier. Each is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 horsepower, 203 lb-ft of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Feature highlights include:

　　LS

　　The base Equinox comes with:

　　17-inch alloy wheels LED headlights with automatic high beams Keyless entry and push-button ignition Heated exterior mirrors 7-inch touchscreen Six-speaker audio system Satellite radio Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity) Two USB ports 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot The Equinox also comes standard with driver aids such as:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane keeping assistance (steers the Equinox back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Rear-seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle) Automatic high beams You can also opt for the LS Convenience package that adds:

　　Power-adjustable driver's seat Enhanced multi-color driver information display Rear privacy glass Stand-alone options include:

　　Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Rear parking sensors The Midnight and Sport Editions are two new packages available for the LS trim this year. Both include the same features, the only difference being the Midnight Edition's black metallic exterior paint. Both packages include:

　　18-inch gloss black wheels Front and rear black badges Body-color mirror housings LT

　　Our recommended trim level adds:

　　LS Convenience package Added chrome and body-color exterior trim Remote rear-seat folding levers Illuminated sun visors Several packages are available for the LT trim, including:

　　Confidence & Convenience package: Remote engine start Dual-zone automatic climate control Leather-wrapped steering wheel Heated front seats Power liftgate Front and rear parking sensors Safety and Infotainment package: 8-inch touchscreen High-definition backup camera 120-volt household-style power outlet Two additional USB ports (four total) Heated steering wheel Adaptive cruise control (adjusts the speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) RS

　　Has more standard features and a sportier look thanks to:

　　Features from the LT's Confidence & Convenience package Black-painted 19-inch wheels Black interior with red stitching Unique shift knob Power liftgate Roof rails The RS trim offers a unique RS Leather package with:

　　Leather upholstery Seven-speaker Bose sound system Many of the LT options and packages are also available for the RS, including the Safety and Infotainment package and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning.

　　Premier

　　Includes all the LT content, plus the Confidence & Convenience package. It also adds:

　　18-inch wheels Hands-free liftgate Ambient cabin lighting Wireless charging pad 120-volt power outlet 8-inch touchscreen Upgraded backup camera Heated steering wheel Driver's seat memory settings Leather upholstery Front and rear parking sensors Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) The Premier isn't fully loaded out of the box, however. You can also add:

　　Confidence & Convenience II package Power-adjustable passenger seat Ventilated front seats Heated rear seats Adaptive cruise control (adjusts the speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Equinox and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Driver Confidence III package Adaptive cruise control (adjusts the speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Equinox and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention) Infotainment II package (requires Confidence & Convenience II package) Navigation system Seven-speaker Bose premium sound system A panoramic sunroof is also available for all but the LS base trim.

　　zzdcar Latest Chevrolet Equinox News

　　zzdcar Top Rated 2024: These Cars, Trucks and SUVs Won Our Highest Honor

　　Redesigned 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Finally Stands Out From the Crowd

　　Drag Race! Watch the BMW M2 Battle the Chevy Corvette Stingray

　　General Motors Offers Incentives to Blazer EV, Lyriq Buyers to Offset Tax Credit Loss