Chevrolet Equinox models from 2016 onward are more likely than older models to reach 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Most of the second-generation Equinox years reportedly suffer from engine-related problems at lower mileages, which directly affects the SUVs’ longevity.
Key Words
- With proper maintenance, a Chevrolet Equinox can last you 150,000 to 200,000 miles, which equates to 13 to 17 years of use driving an average of 12,000 miles a year.
- The Chevy Equinox’s 2010-2013 models suffer from excessive oil consumption at mileages as low as 75,000.
- The 2014 model has fewer complaints, but oil consumption is still its most common issue.
- The four-cylinder engine available in the 2010-2017 model years is the most problematic of the bunch. V6 and newer, turbocharged four-cylinder engines are more reliable and longer-lasting.
- Models from 2016 onward are more likely to reach the 200,000-mile mark without needing serious overhauls.
How Long Will a Chevy Equinox Last? Expect 150,000 to 200,000 Miles of Reliable Service Before Serious Problems Start Surfacing
The Chevrolet Equinox entered the competitive compact SUV market in 2005 and immediately stood out for being roomier and offering more standard safety features than most of the competition.
Across most of its second-generation (2010 to 2017), the Equinox had a rough time competing with other popular rivals, such as the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, in longevity and reliability. But slowly and steadily, it found its feet as a hassle-free family and grocery hauler.
Many reputable auto sources agree that a Chevrolet Equinox can hit 150,000 to 200,000 miles on the odometer with typical driving habits before it needs any expensive overhaul. That translates to roughly 13 to 17 years of service driving 12,000 miles per year.
That’s slightly shorter than some other popular compact SUVs. The Honda CR-V, for example, has no problem reaching 300,000 miles. However, several owners commenting on popular forums claim to reach even beyond 200,000 miles on their Equinox with proper maintenance.
Equinox Owners Report in Online Forums that They’re Getting Well Over 200,000 Miles with Regular Maintenance and Few Problems
One owner on a Quora forum about the Equinox’s longevity notes that he drove his 2010 Chevy Equinox “about 50,000 miles a year until it had about 215,000 miles on it.” Furthermore, he mentions that the only service out of regular maintenance that the SUV needed was replacing the throttle body at 130,000 miles.
Equinox owners commenting on a Vehicle History FAQ page echo the Quora comments. “My 2015 Chevy Equinox LTZ is currently at 239,000,” says one owner in a recently-posted comment about the SUV he purchased brand-new in 2015.
He adds that “all maintenance was done on schedule and at the dealership,” and the “only four repairs have been the fuel relief valve (three times at 65,000, 165,000 and 233,00 miles) and the windshield wiper transmission.”
With Many Engine-related Complaints, 2010-2013 Models Struggle to Keep up with Rival Compact SUVs
Owners of 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox models have repeatedly complained about excessive oil consumption rates and severe engine problems occurring well under the 200,000-mile mark.
Many 2011 Equinox owners registered complaints about running out of engine oil shortly after an oil change at as low as 75,000 miles. GM has settled with some owners to cover the cost of engine replacement. But if you’re a new owner of a 2011 model that’s out of warranty, you’d have to spend around $3,000 out of your own pocket to swap the engine.
The same issue plagues 2012 and 2013 models. Research shows that the cause of this problem is deflective piston rings wearing prematurely, loosening the seal around the pistons, and allowing oil into the engine’s combustion chamber. We have thoroughly discussed this in another post regarding the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox’s problems.
2014 and 2015 Models Have Fewer Complaints Than Previous Years But Still Suffer from Costly Problems at Lower Mileages
The Equinox did a lot better with the 2014 and 2015 models regarding owners’ registered complaints. Still, excessive oil consumption remained the most common issue for the 2014 Equinox. According to the Car Complaints website, oil consumption problems occurred at 105,150 miles on average.
Some 2015 Equinoxes also suffer from transmission problems, including rough shifts between the third and fifth gears. This is an expensive problem to fix and, if neglected, can do irreversible damage to the entire transmission system.
2.4L Engine in Second-generation Equinox (2010-2017) is the Most Problematic Engine Offered, with Four-cylinder in Third-gen. Models (2018-present) Proving to Be Longer-lasting
The mentioned engine-related problems, including the issue with high oil consumption, mainly involve the 2.4L four-cylinder engine mounted on models from 2010 to 2017.
Though the 3.6L V6 in the 2013-2017 models is less fuel-efficient (20 combined mpg compared to the four-cylinder model’s s 26 combined mpg), it’s a better choice since there are much fewer complaints about it.
The third-generation Chevrolet Equinox (2018-present) doesn’t offer a V6. However, the three redesigned four-cylinder engines seem reliable and long-lasting.
A turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder comes as standard (28 combined mpg), whereas a turbodiesel 1.6L (32 mpg) and a turbocharged 2.0L (25 mpg) are available as optional upgrades. With proper maintenance, you could expect to reach 200,000 miles with any of these engines.
Routine Maintenance is Vital for the Longevity of a Chevrolet Equinox, Including Oil Changes Every 7,500 Miles
The cost of ownership for late second-generation and third-generation models is average for the class. Repair Pal estimates a 2016 Equinox to cost $420 to maintain annually.
This number can go slightly above the average for older models. The estimated cost of ownership for the 2012 Equinox, for example, sits at $563.
Regardless of the model year, the most critical way to avoid expensive overhauls is to keep up with Chevrolet’s suggested maintenance routine.
Some of the essential services to keep your Equinox up and running include:
- Every 7,500 miles: change the synthetic oil and rotate the tires.
- Every 22,500 miles: change the cabin air filter.
- Every 45,000 miles: change the engine air filter, change the automatic transmission, and transfer case fluid.
- At 97,500 miles: replace the spark plugs.
Final Verdict: Newer Chevrolet Equinox Models Offer 13 to 17 Years of Service and are More Hassle-free So Long as They are Maintained Regularly
Chevrolet Equinox models from 2016 onwards offer much better reliability and have significantly fewer complaints than earlier models. In fact, these model years should last 150,000 to 200,000 miles, or 13 to 17 years.
Thanks to impressive standard safety features like traction and stability control, most models also received the Top Safety Pick Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
If you’re in the market for a used Chevrolet Equinox, avoiding 2010 to 2014 models with the four-cylinder engine would be a safer bet since they reportedly suffer from excessive oil consumption. A used Toyota RAV4 can be a much more reliable and hassle-free option.
With a price range between $15,150 to $24,440, a used 2016 Equinox can be an excellent option that offers outstanding reliability and longevity while keeping the price point significantly lower than the competition.
Photos: Chevrolet
