2020 Chevrolet Equinox

You get to choose your 2020 Chevrolet Equinox in exactly four available trims as earlier. The range starts with the base “L”, LS, LT, and Premier with prices varying from $24,995 - $32,595. All models come standard with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, you can also configure the LT and Premier models with a 2.0-liter turbo engine that comes paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox. 

There is also a $1600 AWD system that can be hooked to any of the trims except the base model. The 2020 Equinox comes with more standard features than before, but there are still some more exotic features reserved for the higher trim levels. Sadly though, you can get the Chevrolet Equinox L model only upon special order. However, if you can't afford the new mid-trim, the previous models of the Equinox will offer you good value for money.

Which 2020 Chevy Equinox Trim do we recommend?

Our pick among the lot is the Equinox LT, clubbed with the 2.0-liter turbo engine and AWD. For a compact SUV, the LT is aptly loaded with most of the features that you would need on a daily basis. Furthermore, the upgraded engine and traction-enhancing hardware bring in more power, enhanced stability, and more driving fun.

Gone is the 1.6L diesel engine and the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is left with two strong and efficient engine options. The familiar duo of a 170 hp 1.5-liter turbo and a 252 hp 2.0-liter turbo engine remains the same. The majority of the Equinox's are likely to carry the 1.5-liter unit, which might be less powerful than its rivals on paper but feels capable enough on the move. The engine never feels short of power and with a strong low-range thrust it feels pretty energetic as well. 

The only setback with the 1.5-liter turbo is the sluggish 6-speed auto which does shift smoothly but takes a fair amount of time to get going. With the standard 1.5 liter engine, the FWD 2020 Chevrolet Equinox races from 0-60 mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds, which is best in class. When equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, and a slick-shifting 9-speed auto, the 2020 Equinox brings down the 0-60 mph time to just 6.4 seconds. 

Take the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox out for a spin and the first thing you notice is how compliant the ride is. The nicely tuned suspension soaks up bumps very well and the comfortable interiors further add to the smoothness inside. The steering wheel has adequate weight to it and feels very direct and precise which allows for easy maneuverability. The only major downfall with the Equinox is its larger turning radius which makes it difficult to fiddle within tight parking spaces.

Fuel efficiency has been one of the important and commanding aspects of the Chevrolet Equinox. Even though it drops the 40 MPG diesel engine for 2020, it doesn't miss out on its traditional virtues. With an efficiency tuned 1.5-liter standard engine, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offers 26 MPG in the city and about 31 miles to the gallon out on the highway.

The economy figures are not the best in the segment but are fair enough for a vehicle of this class and size. Among its rivals, the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V turn out to be the most fuel-efficient with their combined output of 30 MPG, thanks to their more efficient and refined transmission.

 No changes on the inside either and the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox carries forward the clean and spacious interiors layout of its outgoing 2019 model. You still get a nice minimalistic dashboard along with a larger windshield, lower window line, and a panoramic sunroof for optimal airiness inside the cabin. Though most of the contact surfaces are hard plastics, the perforated leather trim on the dashboard and the door panels do enhance the interior ambiance.

The seats are wide and supportive at both benches with ample all-around space for taller occupants. The front seats can get up to 8-way power adjustability along with heated and ventilated functionality. For a more pleasurable ride, you can also have the 2020 Equinox with heated rear seats and heated steering as well. The 2020 Equinox offers a 29.9 cu-ft of cargo space which is the smallest among its rivals here.

Infotainment needs in the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox are taken care of by either a 7.0-inch or an 8.0-inch touchscreen display. The system runs on Chevrolet Infotainment 3 platform and comes standard with Android Auto, and Apple Carplay. Audio needs are monitored by a standard 6-speaker sound system which is not very soothing to the ears though. However, you can upgrade to the optional 7-speaker Bose stereo system in the 2020 Equinox for a rich audio experience.

On the outside, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox follows the same gentle and humble exterior silhouette introduced in 2018. The front end is dominated by the signature Chevrolet grille flanked by somewhat pentagonal yet slim headlights with DRLs. The headlamps are Halogen/Xenon units in the lower trims while the Premier trim gets full LEDs. 

However, the turn signals integrated with fog lamp units toward the lower fender could have been done in a better way, but it looks cool though. For visual distinction, the lower models come with a black front grille with chrome highlight, while the higher trims get chrome bars as well. The side profile is highlighted by the low-slung body, along with chrome window line and roof rails that give it a sleek yet muscular appeal.

Look up close and you will also notice the strong hood line that runs all the way from the front wheel arch to the tail lamp. At the rear, things are clean and minimal with horizontal tail lamps which are full-LED in the premier trim, a rear roof spoiler, black lower body cladding with no protruding exhaust tip. However, with the 2.0-liter turbo, you do get two chrome tip exhaust pipes that work well with the rear profile.

Some of 2020 Chevy Equinox's exterior highlights are-

• LED Headlights and Tail lamps
• Acoustic laminated windshield
• Chrome grille
• Chrome mirrors and window line
• Deep-tinted rear glass
• Hands-Free Gesture liftgate
• Heated power outside mirrors
• Panoramic power sunroof

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox has been awarded a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick by IIHS. While the previous model year of the Equinox did have an extensive suite of safety features, most of them were either limited to higher trims or carried an extra premium. For 2020, Chevrolet checks that box with an advanced suite of safety and driver assistance features like automated emergency braking and lane-keeping assist as standard.

There are some other key safety available across the lineup that includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Forward Collision Alert with Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
• OnStar & Chevrolet Connected Services capability
• Rear Park Assist
• HD Surround Vision
• StabiliTrak, electronic stability control system with traction control

2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is a popular name in the compact SUV segment and its current generation was launched back in 2017. It offers good utility, plush and roomy interiors, a comfortable ride, and solid safety ratings as well.

Compared to the Equinox, the 2020 Honda CR-V is marginally better but misses upon the driving fun, the rich feature list, and diverse character of the Equinox

2020 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2020 Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is Toyota’s best selling crossover in the States and for several good reasons. It's safe and reliable, has a strong and powerful engine, robust looks and character, great fuel efficiency, and multiple models to pick from as well.

While the 2020 Toyota RAV4 could be way pricier than the Equinox with options, the Equinox offers a more comprehensive package with its comfortable ride, good ride, and handling, a plethora of features, and off-course, an approachable price tag.

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox a very good compact crossover that delivers upon all the promises of the segment. It looks good (if not best), has a clean and spacious interior, comfortable ride and enjoyable handling, good MPG figures, along with plenty of features and storage spaces inside the cabin.The Equinox should definitely be on your wishlist if you are looking for a compact SUV that should take you to office and drop the kids to school comfortably and calmly.