The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox starts from $28,398 in Canada and from $26,995 in the United States, freight and delivery charges included.
Decent comfort, spacious cabin, relatively affordable price.
Wide turning diameter (RS and Premier), unexciting drive, unspectacular interior finish.
The Chevrolet Equinox hasn’t had it easy in the past two years. The current-generation model appeared for the 2018 model year, and while a mid-cycle refresh was scheduled for 2021, it was pushed back a year as the pandemic threw a wrench into GM’s plans. In addition, production of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox quietly ended at the company’s assembly plant in Ontario, as the facility is getting retooled to build BrightDrop electric delivery vans. Canadian consumers wishing to “buy local” will now have to turn to an Equinox built in Mexico.
The crossover’s update brings revised front and rear fascias, with new headlight clusters, grille, bumpers and rocker panels. There are paint colour and alloy wheel design swaps, and while the cockpit didn’t change, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration has been added.
The previous model year’s Sport appearance package was ditched, but the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox obtains a new RS trim level, serving up a more dynamic look without any additional mechanical tweaks.
Under the hood, we find a turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder engine that develops 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, managed by a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard on all four trim levels in the U.S., while all-wheel drive is optional. In Canada, AWD is available on LS and LT, standard on RS and Premier.
Equipped with AWD, the Equinox boasts city/highway/combined ratings of 25/30/27 mpg in the United States, and 9.4/8.0/8.8 L/100 km in Canada. The turbocharged 2.0L engine with 250 horsepower, as well as the short-lived turbo 1.6L diesel four, are no longer available in the Chevy.
We should point out here that the 2022 GMC Terrain, the Equinox’s mechanical cousin, gets the same turbo 1.5L engine, but a nine-speed automatic transmission instead of the six-speed unit. Ironically, the Terrain gets slightly worse fuel economy numbers.
It’s also worth mentioning that a Chevrolet Equinox EV will go on sale for the 2024 model year, and will be offered alongside the gasoline-powered Equinox for the time being. Both models are very different from each other, as they will ride on completely different platforms and boast distinct bodywork.
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox ranges from $28,398 to more than $42,000 in Canada, including freight and delivery charges, and from $26,995 to more than $40,000 in the United States. Competition includes the Ford Escape, the GMC Terrain, the Honda CR-V, the Hyundai Tuscon, the Jeep Compass, the Kia Sportage, the Mazda CX-5, the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Nissan Rogue, the Subaru Forester, the Toyota RAV4 and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Why You Should Buy a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- The Equinox has a simple lineup with only one powertrain choice, a good color palette, and a good selection of comfort and convenience features at an affordable price.
- The Equinox offers a spacious cabin, while rear-seat passengers get plenty of legroom. Cargo space isn’t class leading, but is still pretty accommodating.
- The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox’s dashboard is very ergonomic, and its instruments are easy to read. The infotainment system is one of the most user-friendly in the compact crossover category, with a big touchscreen and lots of features.
- Aside from a little suspension noise, the Equinox’s cabin is quiet, comfortable and versatile. Perfect for a small family.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2022 Chevrolet Equinox
- Fuel economy is good, but not great, as there are several competitors who boast more fuel-efficient engines. There is no hybrid option, either.
- With the available 19-inch wheels, the Chevy’s turning circle is pretty wide, complicating parking manoeuvres at the shopping mall.
- Interior fit and finish is more than acceptable, but some rival automakers do a better job at that, such as Mazda, Hyundai and Kia.
- The Equinox RS may look good with its sportier appearance, its handling isn’t sportier.
Final Word
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox may not amaze compact crossover buyers, but nails down the basic criteria with a competent powertrain, plenty of interior space and a good cargo hold. Its infotainment system is easy to use and a fair set of features could be had for the price. The new Equinox RS gives the vehicle a little extra flair it needs to stand out in its segment.
However, the Equinox isn’t a thrill to drive. It just goes about doing its business without fuss, and that’s what a family-oriented crossover should do. For those who want a sportier driving experience, outstanding fuel economy, an edgier design or more upscale features, some of its rivals could be more convincing.
