The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox lasts around 200,000 miles with relatively minor alignment and airbag service message issues. At $20,495 to $28,150, it’s a good value for a small SUV, although predicted reliability is slightly lower than other competitors.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Chevy Equinox since it has a lot of safety technology with better reliability ratings. Owner reviews praise the sporty driving experience, spacious seats, along with the low fuel costs.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay for the Equinox’s price, the seats are supportive, although cargo space is a little smaller.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Equinox. Avoid models from 2010–2017 which have a lot of engine problems, while 2018–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – The base four-cylinder engine is okay, while the larger motor is relatively quick for a small SUV.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Equinox is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking as well as lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to28 MPG, giving 417 miles of range out of the 14.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $41 cheaper than average at $201 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is less expensive than many other compact SUVs with average depreciation rates, giving it a decent value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Equinox?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox offers a comfortable and spacious interior, with average owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Equinox at 4.1/5, praising the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the relatively cheap interior materials.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Chevy Equinox a 3.9/5, enjoying the standard advanced safety technology, but owners don’t like the smaller cargo area.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox include rumbling noises while driving, a service airbag message, along with paint chips on the front bumper. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs on the market, leading to average repair bills as an Equinox ages.
Rumbling noises while driving are the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Chevy Equinox, showing up in the first 1,500 miles. Usually, the problem is simply caused by an alignment issue, which leads to excessive tire noise. Getting an Equinox aligned costs around $150, depending on local labor rates.
A service airbag message has also been reported on some Equinox models at around 5,000 miles. The problem is caused by the airbag control module, which usually needs to be reset. Most of the time dealerships will test and reset the module for free since it’s a safety-related issue, while others charge around $50.
Paint chips on the front bumper also show up on some Equinox models in the first 10,000 miles. The design of the front bumper makes it prone to stone chips in some of the angular areas. Repainting the bumper is the only way to fix stone chips, but it costs over $700.
There are three recalls on the 2021 Chevy Equinox, which is similar to other small SUVs. The most serious recall covers the fuel pump which may lead to the engine stalling. Other recalls cover seat belt bolts, and tires. Chevy will replace and repair any issues for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevy Equinox can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than other small SUVs including the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than some small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $478 per year.
As a used 2021 Chevy Equinox reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the ignition lock cylinder costing $150, wheel hub assembly for $350, along with the A/C condenser which costs $600.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is good, offering:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Teen driver mode
- Pedestrian detection
- Following distance indicator
- Lane keep assist
- Rearview camera
- Rear-seat reminder
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Chevy Equinox is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other small SUVs on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $20,495 to $28,150, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $23,800 to $33,100. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Equinox?
There are four main versions of the Chevrolet Equinox offered for the 2021 model year, from the base L 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:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Heated Mirrors
- Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
LS is a step-up, adding:
- Rear Floor Mats
- Compact Spare Tire
LT is next in the lineup, which adds:
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Upgraded Headlights
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Satellite Radio
- Remote Rear-Seat Folding Levers
Premier is the flagship model which has:
- Leather Seating
- 18-Inch Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Ambient Lighting
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Rear Seats
What Engines Come In the Chevy Equinox?
- The base engine is an average 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which makes 170 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which produces 252 horsepower at up to 24 MPG. It comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chevy Equinox Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Equinox?
The 2021 Chevy Equinox is designed with comfort in mind, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a cozy and enjoyable ride. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, providing ample room for up to five passengers. Both front and rear seats are designed with supportive cushioning, guaranteeing that occupants experience a comfortable journey, even on longer trips. The optional heated and ventilated front seats, as well as heated rear outboard seats, further enhance the comfort level during various weather conditions.
In addition to its comfortable seating, the Equinox boasts a smooth and composed ride quality, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system that effectively absorbs road imperfections.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Equinox Have?
The 2021 Chevy Equinox is a popular compact SUV that offers ample storage space for its passengers. Regarding cargo capacity, the Equinox provides a generous 29.9 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats. For larger cargo needs, you can fold down the second row to create an even more spacious area, which expands the storage capacity to an impressive 63.9 cubic feet.
This abundant storage space allows you to easily accommodate various items such as luggage, groceries, sports equipment, and even small furniture pieces. For instance, you could easily fit a couple of suitcases, several bags of groceries, and a stroller in the trunk without needing to fold down the rear seats. However, if you need to transport large items like a bicycle, a flat-screen TV, or camping gear, you can simply fold down the second row to create a flat load floor and ample room for your belongings. The 2021 Chevy Equinox’s versatile storage options make it an ideal choice for families, adventure enthusiasts, and individuals who require a practical yet stylish vehicle for their daily needs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Chevy Equinox was introduced for the 2018 model year.
2015: 4G LTE WiFi hotspot offered, new L model introduced.
2016: Upgraded cloth upholstery offered, minor front-end styling changes, new 7-inch touchscreen available.
2017: LTZ model renamed to Premier, LT model has optional sports package.
2018: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2019: Infotainment 3 system offered, optional adaptive cruise control available.
2020: Diesel engine removed from the lineup, more standard safety equipment added.
2021: LT model has an optional leather package, turbocharged 2.0L engine discontinued.
How Does the Chevy Equinox Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a good small SUV for shoppers on a budget since it offers a lot of technology, paired with a comfortable interior, although predicted reliability is lower than some competitors.
The Ford Escape is another small SUV which is available in the same price range. Where the Ford Escape stands out is with a stronger all-wheel drive system, while the Chevy Equinox has some better passenger room. We recommend the Chevy Equinox, although both are very similar, for the 2021 model year.
The Nissan Rogue is a popular competitor which costs around $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Nissan Rogue, while the Chevy Equinox is a bit more powerful. We recommend the Nissan Rogue since the predicted reliability ratings are higher, although both are good.
