Since 2004, the Chevrolet Equinox has been a vital player in the compact SUV market, but quality varies across model years.
This guide delves into the Equinox’s history, highlighting the best and worst years based on data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and other reliable sources.
We’ll cover major features, common issues, and recall histories for each model year.
Ready to discover which Equinox years are worth your money and which to avoid?
Let’s plunge in and explore the Chevrolet Equinox lineup!
Table of ContentsShow
Chevrolet Equinox Generations
The Chevrolet Equinox burst onto the scene in 2004, carving out its place in the crossover SUV market. With a blend of V6 power and family-oriented features like a sliding rear bench, Chevy aimed to win over both urban dwellers and suburban families looking for an economical SUV option.
Here’s a succinct summary of the Equinox’s evolution from day one to now:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (GMT191) | 2005-2009 |
| 2nd generation (GMT172) | 2010-2017 |
| 3rd generation (GMD2XX) | 2018-Present |
Understanding these generational shifts is vital to making a smart choice, whether you’re in the market for an Equinox or just curious about how this SUV has evolved over time.
Chevrolet Equinox Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to ranking the Equinox’s finest and worst years, we leave no stone unturned. Our analysis digs into a broad range of factors, including:
- Owner-reported reliability (from surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds owner ratings
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
Get ready for a graphic breakdown of all these ratings in the chart coming up:
Following that, you’ll find a convenient table that sorts every Chevy Equinox model year into best, neutral, or worst categories based on our data crunching:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (GMT191) | 2009 | N/A | 2005 2006 2007 2008 |
| 2nd generation (GMT172) | 2016 2017 | 2014 2015 | 2010 2011 2012 2013 |
| 3rd generation (GMD2XX) | 2019 2020 2021 2023 | N/A | 2018 2022 |
In our book, “Neutral Years” are those that didn’t make waves – they’re the steady performers without major highs or lows.
While we weigh all factors, some, like NHTSA recalls, can really tip the scales. A spike in complaints and recalls often indicates a decline in reliability.
Now, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of the best, neutral, and worst Chevrolet Equinox years.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Equinox 1st Generation (2005-2009)
The Chevrolet Equinox made its debut in 2004, marking Chevy’s considerable entry into the compact crossover SUV arena.
In this first generation, 2009 stands out as the shining star, boasting a robust 85 J.D. Power score from previous owners. On the flip side, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 are the years you’ll want to think twice about.
The Best Years: 2009
2009 proved to be the first-gen Equinox’s golden child, thanks to improved features and fewer headaches compared to earlier models.
Under the hood, you’d find a 3.4L V6 engine coupled with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Trim levels ranged from the basic LS to the decked-out LTZ, which boasted upgrades like a premium sound system, navigation, and opulent interior materials.
Safety got a boost too, with advanced airbag systems and stability control features.
While 2009 wasn’t problem-free, the issues were fewer and less severe than in previous years, making it the top selection for the first generation.
The Worst Years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Steer clear of the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 Equinox models. These years racked up innumerable NHTSA complaints and adverse ratings from previous owners, especially on VehicleHistory and Cars.com.
The 2005 Chevy Equinox was plagued by electrical gremlins, head gasket failures, overheating engines, transmission problems, and persistent steering issues.
2006 brought its own set of problems, including a faulty heater system that often blew cold air and unpredictable ABS brakes that engaged at random.
The trouble train kept rolling with the 2007 and 2008 models, which suffered from defective passenger airbag sensors and power steering problems.
Perhaps most concerning were reports of a strong fuel smell around the vehicle and even fuel leaks – definitely not something you want in your family SUV.
For the complete scoop on recalls and complaints, check out the NHTSA reports for the 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 Chevrolet Equinox models.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Equinox 2nd Generation (2010-2017)
The second-generation Chevrolet Equinox, spanning from 2010 to 2017, marked a period of enhancement and refinement for the brand.
In this generation, 2016 and 2017 shine as the premier picks, earning high marks from previous owners on VehicleHistory, Cars.com, and Consumer Reports. However, you’d do well to avoid the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 models.
The Best Years: 2016, 2017
The 2016 and 2017 Equinox models stand head and shoulders above the remainder in this generation.
These years offered buyers a choice of engines, including a 2.4L 4-cylinder and a heftier 3.6L V6, both coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Trim levels came in L, LS, LT, and LTZ varieties, each step up adding more luxurious and advanced features.
One potential hiccup to watch for is excessive oil consumption. While it’s worth keeping an eye on, these model years are still celebrated for their overall improvements.
The Neutral Years: 2014, 2015
The 2014 and 2015 Equinox models sit in the middle ground. They kept the identical engine options but showed efforts to smooth out earlier kinks.
These years earned adequate ratings from previous owners on platforms like VehicleHistory and Cars.com. While they had their strengths, they also held onto some issues from earlier models, particularly the oil consumption problem.
The Worst Years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Looking for Chevy Equinox years to avoid? The early second-gen models – 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 – are at the peak of that list, thanks to a colossal mountain of NHTSA complaints and recalls.
The 2010 model took criticism for engine troubles, especially stalling and consuming oil. It also struggled with faulty windshield defrosting and defogging systems, leading to recalls.
These engine troubles, particularly the oil consumption problem, stuck around for the 2011, 2012, and 2013 models.
The 2013 Equinox even threw some novel problems into the mix, with timing chain issues and more accounts of engine stalling.
For the full picture on recalls and complaints, check out the NHTSA reports for the 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 Chevrolet Equinox models.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Equinox 3rd Generation (2018-Present)
As the Equinox entered its third generation, Chevrolet aimed to redefine its presence in the compact SUV segment.
In this latest generation, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 stand out as the greatest years, earning above-average scores from Consumer Reports and Cars.com. While 2022 isn’t bad, it’s the 2018 and 2022 models that you might want to think twice about due to recalls.
The Best Years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023
Want to know the best of the crop for the Chevy Equinox? Look no further than the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 models. These years boast superior reliability and owner satisfaction scores.
The 2019 Equinox, for instance, offered a buffet of engine options to suit different tastes: a 1.5L turbo, a 2.0L turbo, and even a 1.6L turbodiesel, paired with six and 9-speed automatic transmissions.
Trim levels expanded too, ranging from the base “L” to the lavish “Premier.”
Safety features like lane-keeping assist, forward-collision alert, and automatic braking became standard fare.
The 2023 model, though new on the scene, has already won acclaim for its tech integration and driving experience.
Fuel efficiency is a strong point, with Consumer Reports noting averages of 17 mpg in the city and a remarkable 34 mpg on the highway.
The Worst Years: 2018, 2022
The 2018 (the generation’s debut) and 2022 (the initial facelifted year) models received lower owner ratings. Coupled with several NHTSA recalls, these are the Equinox years you might want to avoid.
The 2018 Equinox hit some major speed bumps, with reports of service brake issues due to vacuum pump failures. GM issued a recall, pointing to insufficient coating on the rear brake caliper pistons.
This brake problem wasn’t just a one-year glitch – it spilled over into the 2019 and 2020 models too.
The 2022 Equinox faced its own demons, with engine stalling becoming a common complaint due to a faulty fuel pump module. GM acknowledged the issue and quickly issued a recall in 2023 to fix the problem.
For more details on recalls and complaints, check out the NHTSA reports for the 2018 and 2022 Chevrolet Equinox automobiles.
Chevrolet Equinox Average Resale Values
To get a better grasp on how the Chevrolet Equinox performs in the market, take a look at this chart showing its typical resale values over the years.
Conclusion
After our deep dive into the Chevrolet Equinox lineup, it’s clear that the 2019-2023 model years stand out as the best of the bunch, thanks to their solid features and reliability.
Based on what we’ve uncovered, which Chevrolet Equinox model year appears like the optimal fit for your needs, and why?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear your perspective!
