2020 Chevrolet Equinox
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 1.5l AWD, 4dr SUV 1.5l FWD, 4dr SUV 2.0l AWD, 4dr SUV 2.0l FWD
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 26 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,274–3,609 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 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 27 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,466 lb (4dr SUV 1.5l AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 31 highway), 9% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 25.6 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 318 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2020
- No diesel version any more
- Engine dropped: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG down from 32 to 28
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Equinox →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ingersoll, Ontario · Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila · San Luis Potosi, Mexico
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 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 | 3,466 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV 1.5l FWD | 183.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.4 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,274 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV 2.0l AWD | 183.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.4 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,609 lb | 58/42 |
| 4dr SUV 2.0l FWD | 183.1 in | 72.4 in | 65.4 in | 107.5 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,448 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 FWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 31 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 315 |
| Equinox AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +15% | $2,500 | 324 |
| Equinox FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -2% | $3,300 | 350 |
| Equinox AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +2% | $3,400 | 367 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
| 2020 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |

Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Chevrolet Equinox (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2020 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 9 |
| 2020 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-5 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Child Seat › Vehicle Latch Anchor · May 11, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V339000 · 668,187 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The four rear-seat lower child seat LATCH anchorage bars may have excessive powder coating, which could prevent a child seat from being installed with the anchorage bars. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
- Risk
- The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to install child seats using the vehicle's rear seat belts until the remedy is complete. Dealers will inspect the latch anchorage bars, and remove and replace the finish, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 2, 2023. 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 N232403240.
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Oct 3, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V704000 · 166 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to drag.
- Risk
- Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake calipers, including the brake hose gasket, brake fluid and wheel to hub lubricant, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N192270920.
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.
Not every 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Chevrolet Equinox buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 102 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 93 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 51 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 13,990 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 2020 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →