With three engine choices available, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox delivers everything from high performance (for a crossover) to excellent fuel economy. But, unless saving money at the pump is the name of the game, it’s best to choose the 2.0L turbo-four to make the most of the compact crossover.
Key Points
- The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox’s base 1.5L turbocharged inline-four engine is the all-arounder for most consumers, packing 170 horses and 203 lb.-ft. of torque.
- Consumers needing more oomph should opt for the 2.0L turbo-four with 252 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, which hits the ground through a nine-speed automatic to either the front or all corners.
- Those seeking to keep their bank accounts full at the pump would do well to choose the 1.6L turbo-diesel, which gets an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined.
- Ultimately the 2.0L turbo takes the cake, offering the best mix of power and efficiency and costing less than the turbo-diesel engine option.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox’s 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-four is an Adequate Base Engine for Most Consumers
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is among a few compact crossovers to offer more than one engine option on the table. In this instance, the third-gen Equinox – which debuted in 2017 for the 2018 model year – presents three choices for consumers to consider.
The first among those choices is the base 1.5L turbocharged inline-four. Here, 170 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque find their way to the road via a six-speed automatic delivering the goods to the front pair of 17- or 18-inch (on the LT and Premier trims) wheels.
It won’t win a stoplight drag race (especially with the optional all-wheel-drive system adding weight to the party), but it can handle those around-town errands and long road trips well enough; zero to 60 mpg arrives in 8.7 seconds. It’s also good on fuel, with an EPA estimate of 26 mpg in the city, 32 on the way, and 28 combined for the front-wheel-drive version; all-wheel drive delivers a combined 27 mpg.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox’s 2.0L Turbo-four Hustles Like a Freight Train with 252 Horsepower
Consumers seeking more performance from the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox will find it with the 2.0L turbo-four, which is paired exclusively with a nine-speed automatic. Available on the LT and Premier trims only, this little engine generates 252 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Said power finds the road through either the front pair of 18- (LT) or 19-inch (Premier) alloys, or all of them with the optional all-wheel-drive system.
How fast can consumers expect to exit the on-ramp to their next highway adventure in the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox with the 2.0L turbo-four? Zero to 60 mph arrives in 6.6 seconds, which is plenty quick for anyone in a hurry to places like “Wally World” or “Class Action Park.”
Of course, with great power comes lower fuel economy. In-town, expect 22 mpg no matter if the Equinox is front- or all-wheel drive. On the highway, the 2.0L returns 29 mpg, 28 with all-wheel drive. Combined mpg is 25 for the front-wheel-drive standard, 24 for the all-wheel-drive option.
2019 Equinox’s 1.6L Turbo-diesel Chugs Along the Open Road, Leaves Wallets Fuller Thanks to 39-mpg Highway Mileage
While diesel-powered compact crossovers are a common sight in Europe, they’re not so much in the United States. Thus, those who love the purr and fuel economy small diesel engines offer will be pleasantly surprised to learn the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has a diesel option in the form of a 1.6L turbo-four.
When it comes to savings at the pump, this turbo-diesel delivers. Offered as an option on the LT and Premier trims, the 1.6L chugs along at 28 mpg city, and 39 mpg highway. Combined mpg comes to 32, with all aforementioned figures tied to the standard front-wheel-drive configuration. Move the power to the optional all-wheel-drive unit, and only the highway figure falls, to just 38 mpg.
Alas, if speed with those savings is what’s desired, that will not be happening with the turbo-diesel. Zero to 60 mph arrives in nine seconds flat. Those on-ramp merges may need more lead time, but the wallet will be happier in the (really) long run.
Best Option for the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is the 2.0L Gas-powered Turbo-Four for Peppy Performance and Adequate Efficiency
With three choices on the table, consumers must choose what’s ultimately best for them with the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. Diesel fans already made their minds up with the 1.6L turbo-diesel option, though they’ll need to pay nearly $30,000 on the used market at minimum for an LT, the first trim level to have the option.
Most would be fine with the standard 1.5L turbo-four, which sits in the middle of the performance/fuel economy line. However, the best choice is the 2.0L turbo-four on the LT and Premier trim levels. Though it boasts the lowest fuel economy, its hustle off the line will be most welcome where it counts the most: merging onto the busy highways.
Photos: Chevrolet
