The 2009 Chevrolet Equinox lasts around 200,000 miles with some minor throttle body and paint issues. At $5,339 to $6,270, it’s a good value for an SUV with more room than its rivals.
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2009 is a good year for the Equinox. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, large cargo area, and the powerful upgraded engine.
- Interior quality is below average. There is a lot of cheap fabric and plastic used throughout the cabin and the technology is similar to other SUVs in the same price range.
- Reliability ratings are average. 2009 is one of the best years for the Equinox, and there’s a surge in problems for models from 2010–2013.
- Performance is worse than average from the standard engine, but the larger V6 offers great power for an SUV of its size.
- The 2009 Equinox is reasonably safe, earning an overall 4-star rating in government crash tests, and got 5-stars in the front crash test rating, but the lowest score is 4 stars in the side barrier impact test.
- Fuel economy is lower than other compact SUVs at around 20 MPG, this should get owners about 400 miles of range out of the 20 gallon gas tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevrolet Equinox?
- Consumer Reports says the Equinox offers improved ride and interior noise over older models with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Equinox a 3.9/5 praising the spacious cabin, but they don’t like the unresponsive steering.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Equinox 3.9/5 and enjoy the optional V6 engine’s power, but owners don’t like the cheap interior.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Have?
The most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox include a reduction in power, peeling paint, and stability control system issues. Overall, the problems are similar to other compact SUVs from 2009, and the repair costs are also similar to rivals.
A reduction in power while driving is the most common complaint from owners at around 110,000 miles. An “engine power is reduced” message shows up on the dash when there is a problem with the throttle body, which costs around $600 to replace.
Paint peeling off the vehicle is another issue reported by owners at around 60,000 miles. Paint that is not properly cared for will start to fade and eventually peel off the vehicle. Repainting the affected areas is the only way to fix the issue, and costs around $1,000 per panel.
Stability control system problems also show up on a lot of models at roughly 50,000 miles. Most often this is a sign of a problem with the stabilitrak computer system. Replacing the computer usually fixes the problem, and costs around $800.
There are no recalls on the 2009 Chevy Equinox, which means Chevrolet has not thought any of the problems were severe, or affected the safety of the vehicle.
How Long Will the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Last?
A well cared for 2009 Chevy Equinox lasts around 200,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles less than top-rated competitors including the Honda CR-V. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to rivals, according to Repair Pal at $511 per year.
Since most 2009 Equinox models have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace some maintenance items including the oil pump for $550, starter motor costing $475, and the strut bearings which cost about $300.
I have had very few problems. I have replaced the tires and I have had a few minor mechanical issues. I do think it should get more mpg.
The Chevy equinox is very reliable. It has not cost us a single thing to keep it running. I have heard nothing but good things about them
How Much Is the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,339 to $6,270, making the Equinox thousands of dollars cheaper than the Toyota RAV4 or Nissan Rogue. When new, the price range was $24,315 to $31,440. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevrolet Equinox?
There are five models of the Equinox offered for the 2009 model year. The first generation of the Equinox was introduced in 2005, and replaced with the second generation in 2010.
LS is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- Automatic Headlights
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX
1LT adds features such as:
- Body-Colored Exterior Trim
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
2LT has more items including:
- 17-Inch Chrome Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Remote Engine Start
- Power Driver’s Seat
LTZ is the luxury model and adds:
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Leather Seating
- Heated Front Seats
- Pioneer Premium Sound System
Sport is a performance model and offers:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport Tuned Suspension
- Larger Brakes
- Sport Front Seats
What Engines Come In the Chevrolet Equinox?
- The standard engine in the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is a weak 3.4L V6 producing 185 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.6L V6 which makes 264 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG combined. Performance is good, taking about 6.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevrolet Equinox Come In?
How Big Is the Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is larger than other compact SUVs on the market including the Jeep Liberty and Mazda Tribute. Passenger room is good throughout the cabin, and there’s plenty of legroom for adults in the backseats.
Cargo space is above average as well, and with enough room for 6-8 suitcases behind the backseats, and over 12 with the seats folded flat.
How Does the Chevrolet Equinox Compare to the Competition?
The Chevrolet Equinox is an average compact SUV compared to its rivals, 2009 is a good year for the Equinox, but avoid models from 2010–2013 which have more serious mechanical problems.
The Ford Escape is a rival that costs around $300 more. Performance in the snow and dirt is better in the Ford Escape with its better 4WD system, but the Chevy Equinox has more room. We recommend the Chevy Equinox for 2009 since it has fewer problems for this model year.
The Toyota RAV4 is another competitor, which costs about $4,000 more. Technology is better in the Toyota RAV4, but the Chevy Equinox offers more legroom in the backseats for passengers. We recommend the Toyota RAV4 since it has a better track record of being a dependable SUV.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevrolet Equinox?
I like this vehicle. It is comfortable to drive. It has plenty of storage space. It still looks good, even though it is ten years old.
It is very reliable and easy on gas. It has plenty of room all around and is a smooth ride. I would definitely recommend