2012 Chevrolet Equinox

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Chevrolet Equinox
Pictured: Chevrolet Equinox LT (III, Facelift) – f 05102022. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Ls/Lt/Ltz, 4dr SUV FWD Ls/Lt/Ltz
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 22 city / 31 hwy
Length
188.6 in
Curb weight
3,761–3,929 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints619 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 106 for similar models — most often about the engine.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,929 lb (4dr SUV AWD Ls/Lt/Ltz).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 31 highway), 24% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 619 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Equinox — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Equinox →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Ls/Lt/Ltz188.6 in72.4 in66.9 in112.6 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,929 lb58/42
4dr SUV FWD Ls/Lt/Ltz188.6 in72.4 in66.9 in112.6 in62.6 / 61.8 in3,761 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Equinox FWD FFV2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+24%$2,600342
Equinox FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 26+24%$2,600342
Equinox AWD FFV2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+21%$2,900386
Equinox AWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23+21%$2,900386
Equinox FWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-4%$3,350444
Equinox FWD FFV3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20-4%$3,350444
Equinox AWD FFV3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 190%$3,550468
Equinox AWD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 23 / 190%$3,550468
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Chevrolet Equinox (this car)26 MPGNot rated3
2012 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated6
2012 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated8
2012 Ford Explorer23 MPGNot rated5
2012 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated15
2012 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated2
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee19 MPGNot rated10

Recalls (3)

Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 8,367 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 23, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 414,333 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
Risk
If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Tires › Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems · Oct 19, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V511000 · 33,964 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM" (TPMS). THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO ILLUMINATE THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE PRESSURE IN A TIRE IS 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE. ON THESE VEHICLES, THE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNTIL THE TIRE PRESSURE IS MORE THAN 25% BELOW THE RECOMMENDED COLD TIRE PRESSURE.
Risk
UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH. THE RESULTING CRASH COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN ALSO RESULT IN PREMATURE OR IRREGULAR WEAR, POOR HANDLING, AND POOR FUEL ECONOMY.
Fix
GM DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE BODY CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT NOVEMBER 9, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

619Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
12Injuries reported
86,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine344
Visibility/Wiper119
Power Train74
Electrical System57
Unknown Or Other52
Fuel/Propulsion System46
Steering26
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)23
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/11: 224/01: 424/02: 124/03: 224/05: 124/06: 124/07: 124/08: 224/09: 324/10: 324/11: 124/12: 225/01: 125/02: 425/04: 225/05: 125/08: 125/10: 225/11: 225/12: 126/01: 126/03: 126/05: 126/09: 323/1124/0324/0724/1025/0125/0525/1126/03max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 344 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Visibility/Wiper — 119 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Power Train — 74 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Equinox years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Equinox27–Not rated01
2026 Equinox27183.1 inNot rated388
2025 Equinox27190.6 inNot rated6405
2024 Equinox28183.1 inNot rated2190
2023 Equinox28183.1 in★★★★★399
2022 Equinox28183.1 in★★★★★6186
2021 Equinox28183.1 in★★★★★4100
2020 Equinox28183.1 in★★★★★4318
2019 Equinox32183.1 in★★★★★4308
2018 Equinox32183.1 in★★★★★5410
2017 Equinox25188.2 in★★★★★0276
2016 Equinox26188.2 inNot rated1399

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →