DecodedCars2006 Chevrolet Equinox
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD /Ls/Lt, 4dr SUV FWD /Ls/Lt
- Engines
- 3.4L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 19 combined · 17 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 188.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,660–3,777 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Chevrolet Equinox is a SUV - offered with a 3.4L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,777 lb (4dr SUV AWD /Ls/Lt).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 19 MPG combined (17 city / 22 highway), 4% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,550 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 159 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Equinox — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Equinox →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD /Ls/Lt | 188.6 in | 71.3 in | 66.9 in | 112.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,777 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr SUV FWD /Ls/Lt | 188.6 in | 71.3 in | 66.9 in | 112.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,660 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 22 / 19 | +4% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Equinox AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | +6% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Chevrolet Equinox (this car) | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2006 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2006 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Highlander | 27 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Chevrolet Equinox is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Chevrolet Equinox buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 41 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 37 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 32 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 116,020 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Equinox years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Equinox | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Equinox | 27 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 88 |
| 2025 Equinox | 27 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 405 |
| 2024 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 190 |
| 2023 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 99 |
| 2022 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 186 |
| 2021 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 100 |
| 2020 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 318 |
| 2019 Equinox | 32 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 308 |
| 2018 Equinox | 32 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 410 |
| 2017 Equinox | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 276 |
| 2016 Equinox | 26 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 1 | 399 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →