Having completed a total makeover in 2018, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox returns with a few added advanced safety features, as well as some additional USB ports.
With more than 2 million units sold, the Equinox holds its own in a segment crowded with rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Honda CR-V.
One factor distinguishing it from the rest of the pack is its three-engine lineup. You can pick among a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, or a 1.6-liter turbodiesel. When appropriately equipped, it can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
A 170-horsepower 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine is the base engine on all grades. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. According to government estimates, it gets 26 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg in combined driving with front-wheel drive (FWD). All-wheel drive (AWD) drops the mileage to 25 mpg city/30 mpg highway/27 mpg combined.
FWD is the default, with AWD available on all but the base L trim.
Chevy separates the Equinox into four grades: L, LS, LT, and Premier.
We like the Equinox for its engine selection, flat cargo floor with the folded rear seat, and Wi-Fi capability.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox L (Original starting price when new: $23,800)
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The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox L started at $23,800.
Standard are 17-inch aluminum wheels, auto on-off headlights, remote keyless entry, and power accessories (door locks, windows, and outboard rearview mirrors).
Also included are Teen Driver Mode, air conditioning, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, heated folding outboard mirrors, and cruise control.
The infotainment system includes a 7-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker audio system, OnStar telematics capability, Wi-Fi capability, and one USB port. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
Chevy offers no factory-installed options for the L.
Who is this trim for? Buyers who want an SUV priced below $25,000 with only a modest array of convenience features should appreciate the L.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox L includes:
Auto on-off headlights – Photosensors detect a reduction in daylight, which automatically engages the headlights and taillights. The system extinguishes the lights when an appropriate amount of daylight returns.
Remote keyless entry – You can unlock and lock the vehicle remotely when in range using the fob.
Teen Driver Mode – Including an in-vehicle report card, this is a system by which you can set a speed limit, audio-system volume limit, and so forth for your teen when you aren’t present in the vehicle.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox LS (Original starting price when new: $25,900)
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The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LS started at $25,900.
LS adds upgrades like rear carpeted floor mats and a compact spare tire. It does offer a few factory-installed options like keyless entry and others.
Who is this trim for? The LS is for buyers willing to pay a little more for the opportunity to add option packages to what amounts to the L’s content.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT (Original starting price when new: $27,200)
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The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT started at $27,200.
The listed price is for the LT FWD with the base engine. For another $3,695, you may step up to the 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder. Its estimated mileage is 22 mpg/29 mpg/25 mpg with FWD. With AWD, it’s 22 mpg/28 mpg/24 mpg.
For the LT, you also have the option of picking the 137-hp 1.6-liter turbodiesel ($2,400). Its mileage is 28 mpg/39 mpg/32 mpg with FWD. Adding AWD does not affect the city and combined mileage but drops the highway number by 1 mpg.
To the LS, LT adds 18-inch aluminum wheels, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped shift knob.
Also standard are satellite-radio capability and deep-tinted rear glass.
Chevy offers a Confidence and Convenience Package. It includes remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, outboard mirrors with integrated turn signals, and heated front seats. Also included are blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure alert.
Who is this trim for? Beyond the upgraded headlights and power-adjustable driver’s seat, the value in stepping up to the LT trim is the availability of its option packages. So, the LT is for a buyer who wants more and is willing to pay extra for it.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT includes:
Power-adjustable driver’s seat – This seat is 8-way adjustable, which helps find the ideal driving position.
HID headlights – These headlights are two to three times brighter than halogen. Furthermore, they last longer, burn whiter, and use less energy than halogen headlights.
Available blind-spot monitoring – This radar-based system warns of traffic approaching your flanks. It also includes rear cross-traffic alert to warn of vehicles crossing behind you when in reverse.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox Premier (Original starting price when new: $31,100)
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The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Premier started at $31,100.
The listed price is for the Premier FWD with the base engine. Adding the 2.0L turbo tacks $1,500 to the bottom line. Opting for the 1.6L turbodiesel costs an extra $2,200.
The Premier grade adds all the features listed in the LT’s Confidence and Convenience Package.
You also gain a power panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen, two additional USB ports, a 120-volt power outlet, and 19-inch aluminum wheels.
Other standard features include heated front seats, leather seating, a hands-free power rear liftgate, power-folding outboard mirrors, and remote start.
Also included are LED headlights and taillights.
The Confidence and Convenience Package II adds forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and high-beam assist. Also in the package are a surround-view camera, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, heated rear seats, and more.
Who is this trim for? Typically, we describe the top trim as the one for buyers who want it all. That’s true for the Equinox Premier, as well. However, it’s only valid for buyers willing and able to pony up the extra cash for the Confidence and Convenience II Package. It’s the only way to add the basic advanced safety feature forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox Premier includes:
Remote start – When within range, you can start the vehicle from outside it with the key fob. It’s handy for precooling the SUV in summer and preheating it in winter.
Dual-zone automatic climate control – A set-it-and-forget-it system, it divides the vehicle into left and right regions. It provides separate temperature settings for each region. Once set, it automatically maintains the preset temperatures.
Hands-free power liftgate – With the key fob on your person, stick your foot under the rear bumper. The liftgate automatically opens.
