How the Equinox Shines From One Generation to the Next

For twenty years, the Chevy Equinox has been providing drivers with a well-rounded option that encompasses everything there is to love about the crossover segment. Combining the comfort and efficiency of a sedan with the improved ride height and utility of an SUV, the Equinox has easily risen through the ranks to become Chevy’s second-best-selling model after the full-size Silverado 1500 pickup. If you’re searching for used cars for sale near Fairfield and haven’t considered the Equinox, it might be time to stop by McCluskey Chevrolet.

It’s hard to go wrong when choosing between used Equinox models. Chevy is on a solid winning streak with each generation of the Equinox outpacing the last in terms of power, efficiency, comfort, and convenience, but even some of the older models represent a notable value that makes them worthy of a closer look. Join us as we trace the SUV’s history, examine some of the highlights, and learn why drivers have been so quick to embrace the Chevy Equinox…

Second Generation (2010-2017)

The second-gen Equinox represents an interesting engineering achievement on the part of Chevy. With the financial crisis of the late 2000s still rocking the market, the automaker was forced to do more with less when it came time to redesign the Equinox. Chevy wasn’t in a position to invest in developing a new platform, so it took the existing Theta platform, stiffened it, and raided the GM parts bin to update the Equinox without incurring the costs associated with building an entirely new model from scratch. That’s not to say the Equinox belongs in one of Fairfield’s many antique stores; Chevy introduced some enticing new features, including a fresh dashboard, vents, the Multi-Flex sliding rear bench seat, and a unique front fascia inspired by the SUV’s European cousin in the Chevrolet Antara/Opel Captiva.

The real highlight would probably have to be the new 2.4-liter inline-four engine, which leveraged GM’s Ecotec approach to up the SUV’s fuel economy to an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway in front-wheel drive, and 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway in all-wheel drive. The four-cylinder engine put a premium on efficiency, but drivers looking to access a little extra power could always opt for the optional 3.0-liter V6. Available on the LT and LTZ trims, the V6 dramatically improved the crossover’s horsepower with 264 ponies on tap. Later updates would see GM add flex-fuel capability to the 2.4-liter engine that allowed the Equinox to operate on E85 starting in 2012, as well as the introduction of a 310-hp version of the V6 in 2013.

Chevy was also quick to embrace emerging trends in automotive technology, outfitting the second-gen Equinox with an all-new Chevy MyLink infotainment system starting in 2012. The infotainment system included everything from Bluetooth connectivity and OnStar services to a touchscreen interface and a voice command feature that provided drivers with a hands-free way to interact with their vehicle. These features might not sound too revolutionary in this day and age, but at the time, they represented a major milestone for the compact crossover.

Chevy would go on to add a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and an optional DVD entertainment system in 2013 and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot in 2015. Toward the end of its lifecycle, the 2016 Equinox was treated to a mid-cycle refresh that brought the SUV into the modern age with a long list of styling upgrades, ranging from a new grille and headlights to new wheels, tail lights, front fascia, and dual chrome exhaust tips.

Third Generation (2018-2024)

The third-gen Equinox saw the crossover come into its own with Chevy making some important updates, bumper to bumper. While the Equinox had historically been offered as a midsize model, GM shrunk the SUV down to a compact model in order to make room for the revived Chevy Blazer. This decision allowed Chevy to attract a new set of drivers who were looking to ditch their sedans, and the timing couldn’t have been better. The crossover segment was continuing to enjoy a meteoric rise, and the third-gen allowed Chevy to capitalize on the segment’s popularity to give buyers an alluring new option in the fast-growing segment.

The Equinox’s smaller size not only aligned with industry-wide trends, but it also opened the door to a new breed of ultra-efficient four-cylinder engines. These turbocharged options ranged from a 170-hp 1.5-liter base unit and a 252-hp 2.0-liter option to a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel that represented a first for the Chevy crossover. A little forced induction and a new stop-start ignition system went a long way to up the Equinox’s fuel economy, with the third-gen SUV boasting anywhere between 22 and 26 MPG in the city and 28 and 32 MPG on the highway for the gas-powered model and up to 28 MPG in the city and 39 MPG on the highway for the turbo-diesel.

The third-gen Equinox also saw some changes in terms of how that power was distributed throughout the vehicle. Chevy teamed up with GKN Driveline to equip the Equinox with an all-new AWD system that brought some important advancements to the SUV’s powertrain. The push-button system allowed drivers to disengage the AWD system at their discretion, improving fuel economy and making the new Equinox more versatile and efficient than ever before.

If there’s one area where the third-generation Equinox really outpaced its predecessor, it would have to be the SUV’s suite of advanced safety features. The Equinox’s arsenal of ADAS included forward collision alert, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, following distance indicator, and forward automatic emergency braking, all of which were treated as standard features. The decision to offer such a generous array of standard ADAS set Chevy apart in a market where such tech is often treated as optional add-ons and cemented the brand’s reputation for safety-conscious design.

The compact crossover also included some unique safety features that had not yet made their way into the mainstream, including GM’s IntelliBeam automatic high beams, a Rear Seat Alert system, and a Surround View camera system that’ll make it just a little easier to squeeze into a tight parking spot.

The third-gen Equinox stayed ahead of the curve throughout its seven-year run with a mid-cycle refresh that saw the 2022 model gain some important exterior enhancements, ranging from revised headlights and a new grille to a fresh set of bumpers and a new RS trim that gave the popular SUV a performance-inspired makeover. Equipped with Dark Android 19-inch wheels, quad-tip exhaust, and black upholstery with red stitching and black exterior accents, the RS allowed the Equinox to show off its sporty side while remaining well within the budget of the average driver.

Fourth Generation (2025-Present)

The Equinox’s latest iteration might represent the most impressive model to date. Hitting the market in 2025, the fourth-gen Equinox is built on an entirely new platform that gives the SUV a roomier interior and wider body that makes all the difference when venturing into off-road terrain. The Equinox doubles down on its go-anywhere reputation with a new ACTIV trim that includes exclusive 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an overhauled front end with rugged styling touches like black badging and two-tone exterior color that speak to the model’s off-road ability.

The fourth-gen Equinox is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The combination promotes efficiency with around 26 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway in FWD, which makes it the perfect choice for a quick trip to Cincinnati on I-75. If you’re looking to maximize your screen time, the current Equinox has you covered with an 11.0-inch configurable Driver Information Center and a generous 11.3-inch infotainment display that’s 30% larger than the third-gen version. This infotainment display gives drivers the opportunity to enjoy the full scope of Google’s built-in services, which allow for hands-free access to various navigation, communication, and entertainment features.

It’s easy to go a little overboard when trying to integrate the latest and greatest in infotainment tech, but Chevy has taken a restrained approach that proves the company is receptive to customer input. While other brands have digitized every aspect of the driving experience, Chevy has bucked the trend by employing traditional controls where they make the most sense. The Equinox’s climate control system is activated using a set of physical buttons and rotary dials that represent a refreshing alternative to the touchscreen-based interfaces that have come to dominate the industry. This simple design choice ups the SUV’s convenience and safety, letting drivers achieve the perfect temperature without having to navigate endless menus and icons on a screen while driving.

The Equinox sees modest changes for the 2026 model year, but there is one important update that is worth a closer look if you’re looking to gain a little confidence when facing tough road conditions: its Drive Mode Selector, which was previously limited to the upper trims, now comes standard across the entire 2026 lineup. This clever little feature gives drivers the ability to pick the perfect setting for whatever the road might throw at them, with Normal, Snow/Ice, and Off-Road Modes all on the table. By adjusting the crossover’s throttle mapping, acceleration, and torque response, the Drive Mode Selector can up the traction when the going gets tough or prioritize efficiency during normal conditions.

Picking Your Pre-Owned Equinox

No matter which generation you settle on, McCluskey Chevrolet offers a wide range of quality pre-owned Equinox models. The second-generation Equinox provides plenty of room for passengers and cargo alike thanks to its midsize design, representing a real value in a market where rising prices have made newer models less accessible. Whether you’re headed for a weekend of family fun at Kings Island or sticking close to home for an afternoon of cycling on the Great Miami River Recreational Trail, the Equinox is up for any adventure you can dream up.

Drivers will also find the third- and fourth-gen Equinox to be surprisingly spacious while emphasizing the sort of efficiency that’s made the SUV such a popular choice over the last two decades. The third-generation Equinox gives drivers the opportunity to enjoy all the modern safety, comfort, and convenience tech that’s come in recent years, while the fourth-gen version solidifies the crossover’s tech-forward reputation while providing an enticing new off-road option in the ACTIV trim. If you’ve been considering a used Chevy Equinox for sale, now is the time to visit McCluskey Chevrolet and experience this versatile SUV for yourself.