The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV with a price range of $10,759 to $15,570. Mechanical problems including piston and ring failures make the Equinox vehicle shoppers should avoid.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox: Quick Overview
- New features for the 2013 model year include a more powerful V6 engine, an updated infotainment system, and more safety technology including lane departure warning.
- Reliability ratings are good, according to J.D. Power, with fewer complaints than the 2012 model, but there are some serious issues.
- Two engines are available, including a V6, which is a rare option for a compact SUV.
- Fuel economy is average, tying for 9th place out of 29 SUVs with a combined rating of up to 26 miles per gallon.
- Safety ratings are average, getting four out of five stars in government crash tests, and earning the Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- The 2013 Equinox ranks 12th out of 29 compact SUVs, based on owner reviews. Serious engine problems make the 2013 model a bad choice for shoppers.
Expert Ratings
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox have?
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox has hundreds of engine complaints, some electrical issues, and two recalls that compromise safety. The 2013 Equinox has more owner complaints than other compact SUVs, and is a car buyers should stay away from. There are significantly more issues in the 2013 model compared to the improvements made for 2014.
Engine problems, including excessive oil consumption and stalling, are the most common issues. Replacing the rings, pistons, or the entire engine is the only way to fix the problem. The replacements can cost over $3,000 depending on local labor rates.
Infotainment system failures are also reported by owners. If the stereo system fails completely, the only solution is to replace it with a new unit, which costs about $1,200.
Windshield wiper problems are also common based on information from owners. There is a recall for the affected parts, and Chevy dealerships will replace them for free.
There are two recalls, which is better than other compact SUVs from 2013. Recalls include the electronic parking lock, which allows the key to be removed when the vehicle is not in park, and the windshield wiper motor. Most serious is the parking lock since it leads to rollaway situations.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox trims offer AWD and standard blind-spot mirrors, but only upper models get V6. The 2013 Equinox is average priced for a compact SUV, with a range of $10,759 to $15,570, depending on the model and mileage. When new, the price range was $24,225 to $32,735. Depreciation is worse than average, dropping about 50% in value over the first five years.
- LS is the entry-level model with 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth seating, keyless entry, cruise control, OnStar, Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a six-speaker stereo system with AM/FM/CD playback and AUX/USB connections.
- LT falls in the middle of the group with upgraded cloth seating, heated exterior mirrors, a rearview camera, remote start, automatic climate control, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and a seven-inch infotainment screen.
- LTZ is the flagship model with leather seating, automatic headlights, power liftgate, parking sensors, and a lane departure warning system.
How Long will the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox Last?
A properly cared for 2013 Chevy Equinox will last about 150,000 miles, which is much shorter than other compact SUVs. Expensive engine problems every 75,000 miles mechanically total vehicles as they get older. Repair Pal estimates maintenance costs to be $498 per year, which is average for the class.
I believe it is a very reliable vehicle. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in a mid size SUV. I have not experienced any major mechanical issues so far.
My car is very reliable. I have not had any major problems and I have had it 3 years now. I have literally only had 1 problem, easy fix.
For the most part, it is reliable. The only problem I got with the car, is it uses oil. It doesn't leak. Just uses oil.
Reliable and good on the rough roads, but it has shown some slight electrical glitches. I purchased used at dealer as well an additional warranty to offset any problems if they arise.
I have not had any issues with this car since I bought it brand new in 2013. It has been a reliable car.
It is pretty reliable. I have had a few issues like the intake manifold and the catalytic converter.
Yes it has been very reliable. I only had 1 issue and was able to get it fixed. I was able to take it to a local dealer and was fixable.
It is reliable for the most part. Have only had one problem besides the recall and a sensor went bad where the car would just shut off and die while driving.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Technology is average for a compact SUV from 2013, with some decent safety technology in the higher-end models.
- Base technology includes a six-speaker stereo system with AM/FM/CD playback, as well as Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity.
- Upgrades include a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, MyLink app integration, navigation, and an eight-speaker Pioneer stereo system.
- Safety features include airbags, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and OnStar. Available upgrades include a rearview camera, parking sensors, lane departure warning, and collision warning systems.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2013 Chevy Equinox two engine options include 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder and more powerful 3.6L V6 with direct injection. Performance is very good in the 2013 Equinox compared to other compact SUVs. The upgraded V6 engine takes the SUV from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds.
- The base engine is a 2.4L four-cylinder with 182 horsepower
- An upgraded 3.6L V6 is available and has 301 horsepower.
What Color Options are Available?
How Big is the Equinox?
The 2013 Chevy Equinox is a compact SUV, but is slightly larger than some of the competitors. There’s plenty of passenger room, with enough legroom to comfortably fit adults in the back seats. Cargo space is lower than some rivals, with 31.4 cu. ft. of space behind the second row of seats and 63.7 cu. ft. when folded flat. There’s enough room to fit 6 suitcases.
How Does the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox Compare to Other SUVs?
Ranking 12th out of 24 compact SUVs based on owner reviews, the 2013 Equinox is in the middle of the class.
Higher up the list is the slightly more expensive Honda CR-V. The CR-V has significantly less mechanical problems, and a more intuitive infotainment system. Where the Chevy comes out ahead is with better interior materials, and a more powerful optional V6 engine. Overall, the Honda is a longer-lasting SUV, and a better choice to buy used.
A close competitor is the Nissan Rogue, which is more affordable than the Chevy. The Equinox beats Nissan in nearly every category with more space, power, and better interior materials. The only place the Nissan comes out ahead is in efficiency. Neither are good SUVs though, since the Nissan has transmission failures and the Chevrolet has engine problems.
Final Verdict: Is the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox a Good SUV?
No, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is not a good SUV based on information from 980 verified owner reviews and 18 government and automotive websites. Some positives include good safety technology for the price, and a powerful optional V6 engine. The downsides are serious engine problems with both motors, and less cargo space than the competition. Overall, the 2013 model is an SUV buyers should skip. The 2014 version is a better choice costing about $2,000 more.