The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox lasts around 200,000 miles with some engine stalling and brake sensor issues. At $19,675 to $30,998, it’s a decent value for a small SUV, although owners should be prepared for more expensive ownership costs as it ages.
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a great year for the Chevy Equinox since there are a lot of safety features with decent reliability ratings. Owner reviews praise the stereo system, comfortable rear seats, along with the smooth suspension
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are decent for a small SUV, the seats are decent on long trips, cargo space is similar to many other SUVs.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2020 Chevy Equinox. Avoid models from 2010–2017 since they have engine problems while 2018–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the standard engine while the upgraded motor is pretty quick for a small SUV.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Equinox is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard features include lane keep assist along with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 417 miles of range from the 14.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $47 cheaper than average at $175 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is cheaper than many other small SUVs with normal depreciation rates, giving it a reasonable overall value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Equinox?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox offers a lot of high-tech features with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Equinox at 4/5, praising the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the basic interior materials on the entry-level models.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Equinox a 3.9/5, enjoying the advanced safety features, but owners don’t like the weak 1.5-liter engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox include the engine stalling while driving, water leaking into the cabin, along with the service brake assist light turning on. Overall, these problems are slightly worse than other compact SUVs, although repair costs are reasonable.
The engine stalling while driving is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Chevy Equinox in the first 20,000 miles. The most common source of the problem is a broken spark plug. There’s a technical service bulletin issued by GM for the spark plugs in some models breaking, which causes the engine to stall. Replacing the spark plugs costs about $300, depending on local labor rates.
Water leaking into the cabin is another problem mentioned by 2020 Equinox owners in the first 1,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by a clogged or disconnected drain line from the sunroof. Cleaning out or reconnecting the line is usually covered under warranty when the SUV is new, although out of warranty it’s around $100 to fix.
The service brake assist light turning on also shows up on some 2020 Chevy Equinox models in the first 5,000 miles. Owners report a pinched wire on the wiring harness to the brake sensors. Repairing the wire costs around $50, depending on local shop rates.
There are three recalls on the 2020 Chevy Equinox, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator. Chevy will install new bolts for free on affected models. Other recalls cover a fuel tank seam and brake calipers, although they only affect a small subset of models on the road
How Long Will the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Chevy Equinox can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than other compact SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $507 per year.
As a used 2020 Chevy Equinox reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the A/C compressor for $900, heater hose costing $400, along with the transfer case output shaft oil seal which costs $475.
It is been reliable for me thus far. The only thing I haven't exactly figured out is the gas pumping. It does not seem to stop all the way when the tank is full.
It is very reliable and economical. I am very pleased with my choice. It is easy to park and easy to drive, seeing how it is a smart vehicle.
I have had no major problems. However, I had a faulty motor controlling the rear windshield wiper. It continuously drew power from the battery and eventually drained the battery. Quick fix at the dealer.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch touchscreen stereo system which has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful Bose stereo system.
Safety technology is also excellent, offering standard features including:
- Lane keep assist
- Teen driver mode
- Following distance indicator
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear parking sensors
- Safety alert seat
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane change alert
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Chevy Equinox is a good value since it’s cheaper than a lot of other small SUVs on the market with no widespread issues. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,675 to $30,998, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $23,800 to $35,700. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Equinox?
There are four models of the 2020 Chevy Equinox offered from the base L model all the way through to the more luxurious Premier. The Equinox comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
L is the entry-level model with:
- Cloth Seats
- Automatic Headlights
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Height-Adjustable Front Seat
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- OnStar
- Bluetooth
- Six-Speaker Sound System
LS is a step up, adding:
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Rear Privacy Glass
- Additional Exterior Colors
LT adds items such as:
- Xenon Headlights
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Upgraded Information Display
- Satellite Radio
- Power Liftgate
- Remote Start
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
Premier is the flagship model which has:
- Leather Seating
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
- Surround View Parking Camera
- Heated Steering Wheel
- LED Headlights and Taillights
- Heated Rear Seats
- Wireless Device Charging
- Seven-Speaker Bose Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Chevy Equinox?
- The base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4: This engine produces 170 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG. It comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder: This more powerful engine option delivers 252 horsepower and gets 25 MPG. It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking only 6.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevy Equinox Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Equinox?
The 2020 Chevy Equinox is a delightful blend of comfort and function, ensuring a pleasurable driving experience for both the driver and passengers alike. The cabin design showcases a keen attention to detail, featuring nice materials and a layout that prioritizes ergonomics.
Seating offers ample legroom and headroom, accommodating up to five passengers with ease, while the available power-adjustable driver’s seat and lumbar support cater to individual comfort preferences.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Equinox Have?
Regarding storage space, the 2020 Chevy Equinox is good, boasting a decent cargo capacity that caters to a wide range of needs. Behind the second row of seats, you’ll discover a spacious 29.9 cubic feet – perfect for stowing luggage, groceries, or other everyday essentials.
With the 60/40-split rear seats folded down, the available cargo area expands dramatically to an impressive 63.9 cubic feet. This transformation provides ample room for larger items, such as sporting equipment or furniture, making it a versatile choice for road trips and moving days alike.
In addition to its substantial trunk space, the 2020 Equinox offers clever storage solutions within the cabin. Various compartments, including door pockets, a center console, and a glovebox to make sure that your personal belongings remain organized and easily accessible during your travels.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Chevy Equinox came out for the 2018 model year.
2015: 4G LTE WiFi hotspot available, new L model introduced.
2016: Cloth upholstery upgraded, small front-end styling changes, new 7-inch touchscreen and rearview camera standard across the lineup.
2017: LTZ model renamed to Premier model, LT model has an optional sport package.
2018: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new engines, styling, and technology.
2019: New infotainment 3 system offered, optional adaptive cruise control.
2020: Additional standard safety equipment included, diesel engine removed.
2021: Leather package offered on LT model, turbocharged 2.0L engine discontinued.
How Does the Chevy Equinox Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Chevy Equinox is simply an average small SUV since there are more complaints than some of the competition, although it does have good technology for the price.
The Ford Escape is another competitor, which is available for around $1,500 more. Where the Ford Escape stands out is with more efficient engine choices, while the Chevy Equinox has more passenger room. We recommend the Ford Escape since the ownership costs are lower, although both are very similar to each other.
The Nissan Rogue is another small SUV which can be found in the same price range. Standard technology is better in the Nissan Rogue, while the Chevy Equinox is a bit roomier in the rear seats. We recommend the Nissan Rogue since there are fewer issues reported, although both are decent choices for the 2020 model year.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Equinox?
Yes. It is technology is very good. I like the apple car play. It drives smoothly. The safety features are very good as well.
Yes, it gets really good gas mileage. It has enough room for 2 adults and 3 kids. It also has a lot of technology for a Chevrolet.
It is a great value and a reliable, well-built vehicle. Gm tweaked the engine, and has way more pep that previous years.