The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is back with no major changes. The most notable development is that the 1.6-liter diesel engine has been dropped due to low demand. The lack of changes also means that many advanced safety features still aren't widely available.
Choosing Your Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet offers four trims for the Equinox: L, LS, LT, and Premier. Pricing starts at $24,995 including destination for the L and goes up to $32,595 for the Premier.
Engine Choices
With the diesel engine deleted from the lineup, there are now only two engine choices. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder motor offers good fuel economy, while the 2.0-liter turbo-four brings welcome power upgrades.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
1.5L Turbo-4 | 170 hp | 203 lb-ft | 1,500 lbs | 28 mpg |
2.0L Turbo-4 | 252 hp | 260 lb-ft | 3,500 lbs | 25 mpg |
The larger engine costs $2,500 on the LT and $2,700 on the Premier. The 1.5-liter engine retains Chevy's six-speed automatic transmission, while the larger sibling utilizes a nine-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available for $1,600 on every Equinox except the L.
Passenger & Cargo Capacity
The Equinox seats five and offers 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. If the second row is folded, the Equinox houses 63.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Safety Features
Every Equinox automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams. Also standard are lane keeping assist and lane departure warning, which come in handy on long freeway drives.
Although the LT trim brings standard HID headlights, there isn't much in the way of safety upgrades until the Premier. The range-topping trim gets LED headlights and taillights, blind-spot monitoring, lane change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist. Unfortunately, adaptive cruise control is only available on the Premier model, and even there it's part of a $1,650 package.
The 2020 model hasn't been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA yet, but expect it to keep its five-star overall safety rating from last year.
Connectivity
The Equinox features a 7-inch infotainment screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. A 3.5-inch driver information display is also standard, but a 4.2-inch color version takes over on the LT and up. The LT and higher also get SiriusXM satellite radio, while the Premier trim gets an 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation and wireless charging.
L - From $24,995
The Equinox L is unlikely to be found on dealer lots, as it's special order only and designed for fleet use. As such, it's also the most spartan trim with cloth upholstery, two paint choices, and halogen headlights. Riding on 17-inch aluminum wheels, the L does offer keyless entry, keyless start, and heated outside mirrors.
LS - From $27,495
The LS is the true base model of the lineup, but it's specification is almost identical to the L despite the $2,500 price premium. The only things new to the lineup are a spare tire and carpeted rear floor mats.
Basically, you're paying for the privilege of being able to select all-wheel drive, more exterior colors, and standalone options and packages. Our favorite is the LS Convenience Package ($685) that adds an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support and deep-tinted rear glass.
LT - From $28,695
The Equinox LT is the first trim where the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine becomes available. It also gets the 4.2-inch driver information display and an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar control.
Shoppers can unlock the Equinox's full array of safety features with the Confidence and Convenience Package ($2,045). It brings blind-spot monitoring, lane change alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist alongside creature comforts like remote start and heated front seats.
Those looking to trick their Equinox out in black will want the Midnight Edition Package ($2,230), while the 8-inch touchscreen with navigation requires the Infotainment Package ($745).
Premier - From $32,595
The Premier trim gets a wealth of extra safety, technology, and comfort features over the LT. Additionally, the Equinox Premier is bolstered by chrome exterior touches, a hands-free gesture liftgate, and heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals.
The cabin gains the 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless charging, and an HD rearview camera. The driver and passengers can enjoy perforated leather seating, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Audiophiles should consider the Infotainment II Package ($1,125), which adds a seven-speaker Bose audio system and HD radio.
Compare Equinox Trims Side-By-Side
Choosing a 2020 Chevrolet Equinox LT provides a full choice of engine and drivetrain combinations, while the Confidence and Convenience Package justifies its cost with useful safety and comfort features.