DecodedCars2009 Chevrolet Equinox
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Ls/Lt/Sport, 4dr SUV FWD Ls/Lt, 4dr SUV FWD Sport
- Engines
- 3.4L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 188.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,741–3,909 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 35 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.4L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) 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/Sport).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 24 highway), 3% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,350 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 53 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Equinox — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Equinox →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Ls/Lt/Sport | 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 | 3,741 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Sport | 188.6 in | 71.3 in | 66.9 in | 112.6 in | 61.4 / 61.8 in | 3,909 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 / 24 / 20 | +3% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Equinox AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +13% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Equinox FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 19 | -3% | $3,550 | 468 |
| Equinox AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | +7% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Chevrolet Equinox (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2009 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 16 |
| 2009 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Chevrolet Equinox buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 20 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,050 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 2009 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 →