The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV designed for families, commuters, and drivers who want comfort, safety, and modern technology at a reasonable price. For 2022, Chevrolet refreshed the styling and added the sporty RS trim, making the Equinox more attractive while keeping it practical and affordable.
It competes with popular compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape in one of the most competitive segments in the market.
Exterior Design
The 2022 model received a refreshed look. Updates include:
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New front grille design
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Slimmer LED headlights
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Updated front and rear bumpers
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New wheel designs
The new RS trim adds black exterior accents, black wheels, black badging, and red interior stitching, giving the SUV a sporty and aggressive appearance without changing the engine performance.
Overall, the Equinox looks modern and stylish while maintaining a clean, family-friendly design.
Engine & Performance
The 2022 Equinox comes with one engine option:
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1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
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170 horsepower
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203 lb-ft of torque
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6-speed automatic transmission
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Available Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Performance is smooth and comfortable for everyday driving. It is not a sports SUV, but it provides enough power for city driving, highway cruising, and light road trips. Acceleration is average for the class.
The ride quality is comfortable, and the suspension absorbs bumps well. Steering is light, making it easy to drive in traffic and parking areas.
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency is one of the Equinox’s strengths.
FWD Models:
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26 mpg city
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31 mpg highway
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Around 28 mpg combined
AWD Models:
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Slightly lower at around 25–30 mpg
This makes it a good option for daily commuters looking to save fuel.
Interior & Comfort
Inside, the Equinox offers a simple and functional cabin.
Interior Highlights:
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7-inch touchscreen (8-inch available)
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Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
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Wi-Fi hotspot capability
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Multiple USB ports
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Comfortable seating for 5 passengers
Higher trims include:
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Heated front seats
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Dual-zone climate control
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Power driver seat
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Leather-appointed seating
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Bose premium audio system
Passenger space is good in both front and rear seats. The seats are supportive for long drives.
Cargo Space of 2022 Equinox
The 2022 Equinox offers:
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29.9 cubic feet behind rear seats
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63.9 cubic feet with rear seats folded
While this is slightly less than some competitors, it is still practical for groceries, luggage, and family use.
Trim Levels
The 2022 Equinox is available in four trims:
1. LS
Base model with essential features and strong safety equipment.
2. LT
Adds comfort features and optional packages.
3. RS
Sporty appearance with black styling and upgraded features.
4. Premier
Top trim with premium interior materials and advanced technology.
Safety Features of 2022 Equinox
Safety is a major strength of the 2022 Equinox. It includes Chevy Safety Assist as standard, featuring:
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Forward Collision Alert
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Automatic Emergency Braking
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Lane Keep Assist
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Lane Departure Warning
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Following Distance Indicator
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Automatic High Beams
Available features include:
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Blind Spot Monitoring
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Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
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Adaptive Cruise Control
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Surround-View Camera
The Equinox earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it a safe choice for families.
Reliability & Maintenance
The 2022 Equinox generally offers average to good reliability. Regular maintenance and proper servicing help keep it dependable. Some owners report minor infotainment or electronic issues, but major mechanical problems are not common.
Maintenance costs are typically affordable compared to many competitors.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Comfortable ride quality
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Good fuel economy
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Strong standard safety features
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Affordable pricing
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Stylish RS trim
Cons
Only one engine option
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Acceleration is average
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Interior materials are not class-leading
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Cargo space slightly below the top rivals
Who Should Buy the 2022 Equinox?
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is ideal for:
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Families needing a safe and practical SUV
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Daily commuters wanting good fuel economy
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Buyers looking for a stylish but affordable compact SUV
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Drivers who prioritize comfort over sporty performance
If you want strong resale value and maximum cargo space, models like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V may offer advantages. However, if you want a balanced SUV with modern technology and safety at a competitive price, the Equinox is a smart choice.
Final Verdict
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is a well-rounded compact SUV. It may not be the most powerful or the largest in its class, but it delivers where it matters most: comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, and everyday usability.
For buyers looking for a dependable and stylish compact SUV without overspending, the 2022 Equinox remains a solid option.