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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2020 Chevrolet Equinox: Midpack Excellence
Compare the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox to its competition and you’ll find an affordable and competent SUV
2020 Chevrolet Equinox – chevrolet.com | Shop 2020 Chevrolet Equinox on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox?
An agreeable and competent SUV, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is largely unchanged from the previous model. Part of the third generation, bowing in 2018, the 2020 model picks up a Midnight Edition package. Available on LT trim, it features a Mosaic Black paint job, 19” gloss black rims, Jet Black perforated leather seating and black accents across the board. As well, the array of driver assistance systems that were previously optional are now standard. The 1.6-liter, turbodiesel four has been discontinued.
The Breakdown
252 hp turbo-four provides plenty of scoot
Standard safety features net a 5-Star ribbon
Fuel economy estimates crack 30 mpg
Packages can pile on thousands in extra costs
Solid SUV with a good mix of features and capabilities
2020 Equinox Specs
- 170 horsepower from base engine
- 203 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 29.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 63.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Standard 4G LTE WiFi hotspot
- Chevy Safety Assist with 6 included systems
- Trailering package nets hitch and trailer brakes
2020 Chevrolet Equinox Powertrain
The 2020 Chevy Equinox offers two powertrain and drivetrain options. A 1.5-liter turbocharged four makes 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque that runs to the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic. Upper-level trims have access to the 252 horse, 2.0-liter turbo as well both drivetrains and a 9-speed transmission. The bigger motor and upgraded transmission offer ample thrust and smooth shifting while the smaller engine might have difficulty toting around a roughly 3,500-pound Equinox. Four-corner independent suspension and StabiliTrak will make for confident driving but watch out for rough roads on the available 19” wheel and tire setup.
Towing & Payload
Any 2020 Chevrolet Equinox can be used to tow, but you’ll want the larger motor if you plan to haul anything more than a jet ski. The 1.5-liter engine is only rated for 1,500 pounds of towing, whereas the 2.0-liter with its 260 lb-ft of twist has the ability to tug around 3,500 pounds of stuff. To do so, your Equinox needs to be fitted with the Trailering Equipment package. It includes a hitch and 7-pin sealed connector for the trailer brakes and lights. This setup also features a heavy-duty cooling system.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy & MPG
Idle stop/start tech is in use on all 2020 Chevrolet Equinox models as are active aero shutters in the front grille, which open and close as needed to add cooling or improve aerodynamics. This helps the 1.5-liter, FWD equipped Equinox achieve an EPA estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. Tacking on AWD results in a loss of 1 mpg for both figures. As expected, the punchier two-liter motor has worse fuel economy even with the more efficient transmission. 22 and 29 are the city and highway mpg estimates on FWD models versus 22 and 28 with AWD configuration.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Inherent features like an acoustic laminated windshield and powertrain noise-cancelling tech make for a pleasant cabin experience in the Equinox. You can dress up the looks with a Jet Black and Brandy two-tone leather scheme not to mention climate-controlled seating. An available panoramic sunroof and interior ambient lighting furthers the upmarket feel. Cargo wise, folding the back seat yields an ample 64 cubic feet of volume and a cubby under the rear floor is great for keeping valuables out of sight.
Entertainment & Technology
No matter the trim, every 2020 Equinox is equipped with Apple and Android smartphone integration software. While an 8” touchscreen display is optional, even base models come with a 7” version. A standard Wi-Fi hotspot and OnStar communication keeps everyone connected for fun and in an emergency. Basic audio is a 6-speaker layout though a higher-end Bose system is available along with SiriusXM satellite radio. Qi wireless charging, an exterior surround vision camera view and high-def rearview cam are accessible on Premier trim.
Safety Features
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox earned NHTSA’s 5-star rating for good reason. Chevy’s Safety Assist suite of driver aids includes automated emergency and pedestrian braking, a following distance indicator and IntelliBeam automatic brights. This can be beefed up with options like adaptive cruise control and blind zone alerts. Airbags cover driver and passenger from frontal and side impacts as well as head-curtains for both rows of seating. A rear seat reminder will alert the driver to check back seats and the Teen Driver feature helps parents work with their youngsters on safe driving practices.
2020 Chevrolet Equinox Trims & Pricing
L – $24,995
The entry-level 2020 Chevy Equinox can only be equipped with the smaller displacement, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and 6-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available but is pricey here at $4100. However, entertainment and safety features are ample and included. Chevy’s Infotainment System 3 is managed with a 7” touchscreen display and has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay software baked in. In addition, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot capability is standard across the Equinox lineup. Chevy Safety Assist contains a half dozen driver-assist aids like automatic high beams, lane keeping assist and forward collision alert. 17” alloy wheels and heated mirrors on the outside with a backup camera and active powertrain noise cancellation on the inside round out the L trim amenities list.
LS – $27,495
Stepping up to LS trim reduces the optional AWD cost to $1600 but is also only available with the 1.5-liter motor. Unlike the entry level Equinox, this trim gives access to a handful of packages. The $685 Convenience group adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat, including lumbar support and tinted rear glass. Embroidered front head rests and upgraded carpeted floor mats make up the $285 Interior Enhancement package. Like the L trim, an LS Equinox has a 60/40 split/fold rear seat, cloth surfaces along with 12V outlets upfront and in the cargo hold.
LT – $28,695
An Equinox LT comes with the 1.5-lter motor but can be optioned with the 2.0 for $2500, which also brings the 9-speed transmission, 18” wheels and the towing package. In either configuration, the instrument panel is upgraded from a monochromatic screen to a 4.2” color display and high-intensity discharge headlights. The Confidence and Convenience package adds rear cross traffic and lane change alert to the safety list along with dual zone climate control, heated front seats and a power liftgate for $2045.
Premier – $32,595
The top-line Premier trim can be outfitted with either motor and front- or all-wheel drive. Outside, 18” rims, a motion-activated liftgate plus LED front and rear lamps spruce things up. Inside, perforated leather, 120V power, and the larger 8” touchscreen are included. An $1125 infotainment package has navigation, a 7-speaker Bose audio system and HD radio. Tick the $1650 Comfort & Convenience II group for ventilated front seats, heated rear outboards, a heated steering wheel and power-adjustable passenger seat.
Warranties
Any free maintenance is nice at this price point, even if it’s only a single visit in the first year. Bumper-to-bumper coverage of the 2020 Equinox is good for three years or up to 36,000 miles. Corrosion is warrantied for the same period though rust-through increases it to 6 years or 100,000 miles. Powertrain components have a 5 year/60,000-mile warranty, which is the same term for Chevy’s roadside assistance program.
What we think
2020 Chevrolet Equinox – chevrolet.com | Shop 2020 Chevrolet Equinox on Carsforsale.com
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox represents a sensible, capable option in the crowded segment of compact SUVs. The $25,000 entry point offers a wide range of standard safety tech, interior comfort, and entertainment amenities. However, you have the option to step up the features list with a host of trims and packages.
