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The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox receives a sporty and aggressive exterior refresh, but loses a powerful engine. It's still a capable SUV, so let's check it out.
2022 Chevrolet Equinox – media.chevrolet.com | Shop 2022 Chevrolet Equinox on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox has come to the dealers with a new makeover. Chevy has given it a much more aggressive-looking front end with slimmer headlights to match its sporty-looking Blazer big brother. The rear also receives a clean-up with more creases, bumper, and new taillights.
If you’ve wanted an RS version, Chevy gives you one for 2022, but it’s all flash and no dash since Chevy left off the go-fast equipment. The most significant addition is the stylishly handsome dark aluminum 19-inch wheels, which fill out the wheel wells. There’s also red stitching here and there in the cockpit, but no performance enhancements like we said.
Speaking of performance, or lack of it, Chevy got rid of the higher performance turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 that put out 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. So instead, the only option you have in the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is the 170 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged I4. It’s efficient but struggles to move the hefty Equinox. Chevy said it dumped the 2.0-liter because it only accounted for seven percent of Equinox sales volume. And that’s why we can’t have nice things. Engine aside, the Equinox still has its smooth-riding qualities, so let’s see if the 2022 model changes made things better.
The Breakdown
Updated exterior is a nice touch
More additional safety equipment
Great passenger and cargo space
Ride and handling are good
The lone engine is a let down
Bring back a satisfying engine
2022 Equinox Specs
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- 170 horsepower from base engine
- 203 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 29.9 cu-ft of cargo space
- 63.9 cu-ft of cargo space with seats down
- Towing capacity up to 1,500 lbs
2022 Chevrolet Equinox Powertrain
If we didn’t know any better, we would think GM is taking us back to the 70s with its woefully underpowered engines powering its big SUVs. The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox comes with just one engine option this year in the form of a 1.5-liter I4 that makes 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque.
So, instead of a sub-seven second 0-60 like you’d find in a comparable Honda CR-V, you have to pray that a 9 to 10 second 0-60 range is enough to get you on to the freeway. Of course, if you go for the optional and heavier all-wheel drive, then we hope you pack light.
As smooth as it is, the Equinox’s transmission seems to understand the gravity of the situation and refuses to downshift as a typical transmission would do when asked to help pass another car. It knows it won’t help, so it tries to make you feel good with high gas mileage. And getting excellent gas mileage is one thing this SUV is skilled at with its achievable 31 mpg rating. So, if you enjoy relaxed driving and don’t demand much out of your engines, then this roomy SUV would be your choice.
The ride is less relaxed, however. It seems that Chevy has wanted to add some fun-to-drive elements in the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, and it does well with the steering, which reminds us of the 2022 Chevy Bolt. The ride is smooth without being floaty, but the Equinox won’t absorb the initial impact on any rough patches in the way a Hyundai Tucson would; especially on the available 19-inch wheels.
2022 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy & MPG
Chevrolet reports the EPA has given the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox a fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in the city and up to 31 mpg while on the highway when setup with FWD. However, the Equinox’s AWD versions will average one mpg less, which is a small price for the extra benefit of AWD.
Towing & Payload
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lbs with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. This tow rating may seem low, but it’s similar to other competitors and Chevy knows that you won’t buy the Equinox if you’re considering full-time towing. However, it could pull along a small trailer with a motorcycle, so the Equinox isn’t all that bad.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The interior of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox will look familiar to you if you’ve been around a previous model or any other small Chevy in recent years. It won’t wow you with style or luxury, but makes you comfortable with its various soft-touch plastics, comfortable driving position, and seat fabrics.
There’s space to stretch out in the front and rear passenger seats with enough USB ports, cabin storage, and cup holders to keep occupants happy. We will advise you to move up to the Premier trim if you want better conveniences that include optional ventilated seats and a decent-sounding Bose audio system. If you’re willing to pay extra, Chevy will let you roll in some luxury.
Entertainment & Technology
For tech, the LS trim starts you off with a 7-inch touchscreen with Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system and, surprisingly, a standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto system. Unfortunately, Chevy’s excellent Infotainment 3 Plus is only available on the LT and up, with the LT also providing an optional 8.0-inch touchscreen.
The RS and Premium have the 8-inch touchscreen as standard and also receive a larger driver information screen. Chevy’s infotainment system is quick, easy on the eyes, and doesn’t require an hour in the owner’s manual to use. The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox also comes with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB connections, and an auxiliary input jack. In addition, standard 4G LTE onboard Wi-Fi resides in the Equinox and every other Chevy product, should you have the data plan.
Safety Features
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox comes with Chevy’s new standard safety assists system. Included is forward pedestrian detection, forward collision mitigation, emergency braking, and lane-keeping with lane departure warnings. In addition, adaptive cruise control, rear parking assists, and a few other things are available if you pay extra.
The NHTSA gave the 2022 Equinox a 5-star crash rating, and IIHS hasn’t rated the Equinox for safety. However, in 2021, the IIHS gave the similarly equipped Equinox a Top Safety Pick rating, so we suspect the new standard safety equipment will help to keep that rating.
2022 Chevrolet Equinox Trims & Pricing
LS – $25,800
The base model LS includes the 1.5-liter turbocharged I4 engine, FWD, keyless entry, single-zone manual climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Equinox also includes a rear vision camera, rear seat reminder, LED daytime running lamps, and Chevy’s standard safety features, including front pedestrian detection and emergency braking.
LT – $26,900
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox LT includes an enhanced 4.2-inch driver information screen, Chevy’s Infotainment 3 Plus system, an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, rear seat release levers, HID headlamps, and heated and power-adjustable exterior mirrors.
RS – $30,100
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox RS features blacked-out trim, unique dark painted aluminum 19-inch wheels, LED headlights, RS badging, black cloth upholstery, and red stitching throughout the interior.
Premier – $31,000
The 2022 Equinox Premier adds an 8-inch infotainment screen and HD Rear Vision Camera. Additionally, the Premier has wireless charging, leather seats, and touchless rear liftgate operation.
Warranties
There’s no innovation here as Chevrolet follows many other manufacturers in its 3-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and 5-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Chevy also provides complimentary maintenance for your first visit.
What we think
2022 Chevrolet Equinox – media.chevrolet.com | Shop 2022 Chevrolet Equinox on Carsforsale.com
Initially, we were very encouraged by the new look of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, but its lone small engine let us down. However, if you can get past that, the Equinox gives you the utility, safety, efficiency, and room to make owning it a pleasant experience. It may not be quick or be able to tow much, but it’ll suffice for a family road trip or some grocery getting.
