2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 1.5l AWD, 4dr SUV 1.5l FWD
- Engines
- 1.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 26 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,274–3,466 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 28 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine 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), 6% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 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 100 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2021
- Engine dropped: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Equinox →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ramos Arizpe, Mexico · San Luis Potosi, Mexico · Ingersoll, Ontario
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 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 |
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 | +6% | $2,400 | 318 |
| Equinox AWD | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 330 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
| 2021 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.4% |

Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Equinox (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module · Jan 19, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V013000 · 23,323 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and 2022 GMC Terrain vehicles. The fuel pump module may not consistently provide sufficient fuel to the engine, resulting in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 5, 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 N222372310.
Tires › Tread/Belt · Aug 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V612000 · 9,597 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with certain Hankook tires. The tires may have been manufactured with an insufficient amount of curative agent, which could cause tread separation.
- Risk
- Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the tire DOT numbers, and replace any affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 31, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782; and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N212343560.
Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners · Dec 23, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V811000 · 470 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
- Risk
- If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Not every 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Chevrolet Equinox buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 20 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.
- Power Train — 17 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 16 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 55,000 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 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →