DecodedCars2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 1.5l AWD, 4dr SUV Diesel FWD, 4dr SUV Diesel/2.0l AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 28 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,274–3,651 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2019 small SUV (23.8 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,512 lb (4dr SUV 1.5l AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway), 34% better than the 2019 small SUV average of 23.8 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 308 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2018 Equinox — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Equinox →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila · Ingersoll, Ontario · San Luis Potosi, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Equinox configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 1.5l AWD | 183.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.4 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,512 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV Diesel FWD | 183.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.4 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,486 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV Diesel/2.0l AWD | 183.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.4 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,651 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 183.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.4 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,274 lb | 58/42 |
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 AWD Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 38 / 32 | +34% | $3,000 | 319 |
| Equinox FWD Diesel | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 39 / 32 | +27% | $3,000 | 321 |
| Equinox FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +12% | $2,400 | 315 |
| Equinox AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 334 |
| Equinox FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | 0% | $3,300 | 350 |
| Equinox AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +1% | $3,400 | 367 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
| 2019 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |
Similar 2019 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Chevrolet Equinox (this car) | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2019 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Hyundai Tucson | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Mazda CX-5 | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (4)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 29, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 194,105 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Risk
- Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · Sep 19, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V667000 · 301 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam near the fuel inlet.
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192271870.
Seats · Mar 7, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V184000 · 120 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, the insufficient welds may result in an increased risk of injury for an occupant seated in the rear-right position.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear-right seatback frame, free of charge. The recall began April 15, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192209550.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 30, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 210,628 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- Risk
- A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Not every 2019 Chevrolet Equinox is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Chevrolet Equinox buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 100 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 72 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Electrical System — 43 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,000 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 2019 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 |
| 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 |
| 2015 Equinox | 26 | 188.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 680 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →