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2025 Subaru Impreza Review2023 Chevrolet Equinox Review
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Chevrolet Equinox – chevrolet.com | Shop 2023 Chevrolet Equinox on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox?
Chevrolet adds five horsepower to the Equinox this year for a new grand total of 175. In addition, it’s added three new paint colors along with two new appearance packages called Sport and Midnight respectively.
The Breakdown
Very comfortable ride
Attractive pricing
Nice interior on upper trims
Underwhelming engine
Slow transmission
Lack of standard safety features
We’d love a second engine option
2023 Chevrolet Specs
- 175 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
- Optional 8-inch touchscreen
- 5-star crash test rating
- 3-year limited-warranty coverage
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Powertrain
The entire Equinox lineup utilizes the same 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It makes 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque and then sends it to the front or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s a bit of a letdown if we’re totally honest but it is fairly fuel efficient.
During everyday driving sessions it’s relatively quiet and unobtrusive but it lacks the power and refinement that some rivals possess. Additionally, the six-speed automatic can be slow to respond when you want more power. The Equinox isn’t particularly engaging to drive and that’s hampered further by a tendency to exhibit body roll in harder corners and a somewhat spongy braking response. Those looking for a bit more power might want to look at the Chevrolet Blazer.
Steering feedback is better but we’d love to see Chevrolet open up another engine and drivetrain package for the RS and Premium models in the future. 175 horsepower just isn’t really enough to move the Equinox along with any real gusto.
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy & MPG
Since every Equinox comes with the same drivetrain, they all get similar fuel economy figures. The front-wheel drive version gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. Add the AWD system and that dips to 24 and 30 respectively.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The inside of the Equinox is a bit of a mixed bag. The materials used throughout aren’t particularly nice or high quality. There’s lots of foam and plastic which is a bit of a drag but the upshot is that they’re supremely durable and easy to keep clean. We’d love to see Chevrolet axe the plastic and overly simple-looking buttons too.
Nevertheless, owners won’t ever be confused about where vital controls are or how to use them properly. We’re very impressed with the seating trim. Unlike some other GM products, these seats stand out with contrasting colors and great bolstering. Higher trims can even add heating to the rear seats. A heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and ventilated seats are also available.
Overall, the ride is quiet and comfortable above all other qualities. The seating is spacious and supportive in both the front and second rows. Cargo space behind the second row is good too with just under 30 cubic feet available. Fold those seats down and it’ll open up over 60 cubic feet.
Entertainment & Technology
The base infotainment system in the Equinox consists of a 7-inch touchscreen and Chevrolet’s MyLink user interface. It’s one of the better UIs in the business but we think the Equinox would benefit from a larger screen. The optional 8-inch unit would serve better as a base feature with a 10-inch or larger screen as the upgrade. As it stands, the cramped screen can be a little harder to use in motion (due to smallish touch points) than we’d like.
Thankfully, Chevrolet also equips the system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, and Bluetooth and USB connectivity. Buyers will also appreciate the inclusion of 4G LTE onboard. Audiophiles can add a seven-speaker Bose sound system though it didn’t prove dramatically better than the stock six-speaker system in our testing.
Safety Features
The base safety package in the Equinox includes lane-keep assist, rear-seat reminder, automatic high beams, and forward collision mitigation. While the IIHS didn’t give the Equinox any awards for safety, the NHTSA did give it five stars in its crash testing protocol.
2023 Chevrolet Equinox Trims & Pricing
LS – $27,995
The base Equinox LS gets a 7-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, six speakers, LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, and two USB ports. Safety features include forward collision mitigation, rear-seat reminder, automatic high beams, and lane-keep assist. The only other safety equipment available at this trim level is rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change alert.
LT – $29,095
The LT trim adds illuminated sun visors, remote rear-seat folding levers, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, rear privacy glass, and an upgraded driver information display.
RS – $32,095
This largely appearance-focused package adds 19-inch wheels, a black interior with red stitching, roof rails, a unique shift knob, and a power liftgate. Buyers can add leather upholstery and a seven-speaker Bose sound system.
Premier – $33,195
The top trim gets 18-inch wheels, a 120-volt power outlet, an 8-inch infotainment screen, ambient cabin lighting, a wireless charging pad, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, an upgraded backup camera, parking sensors, and blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert.
Those who want more safety equipment can add adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a 360-degree camera system as part of a package that costs $1,745. As an added benefit, that same package includes heated outboard rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a power-adjustable passenger seat.
Warranties
Every Equinox comes with the same basic three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and powertrain coverage that lasts for five years or 60,000 miles. Chevrolet also covers the first routine maintenance visit. Competitors from Kia and Hyundai offer more coverage and maintenance too.
What we think
2023 Chevrolet Equinox – chevrolet.com | Shop 2023 Chevrolet Equinox on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is much like the one we reviewed last year. It’s not going to wow anybody with technology, horsepower, or luxury, but it’s a reasonably well-rounded family hauler.
We’d love to see more safety tech, a bigger touchscreen, and some better interior materials but at this price point, it’s hard to argue against it. Check out our article on new car incentives to find an even better deal. A used Equinox isn’t a bad option either.
