There are plenty of great things to say about the Chevrolet Equinox. For example, it has a smooth ride with responsive handling and intuitive tech. However, there is one that could prevent the 2023 Chevy Equinox from leading the pack.
Is the 2023 Chevy Equinox fun to drive?
While the 2023 Chevy Equinox provides a smooth ride and corners well, it’s a little lacking in the engine department. It’s powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
This amount of power may seem fine, but it takes the 2023 Equinox about 9.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph, which is behind the class average. You may need a little extra time to pass others or to merge into traffic.
Plus, Cars.com mentioned that the engine isn’t very refined. It can be pretty loud at highway speeds and may cause the steering wheel to vibrate at higher speeds. The auto start and stop system are a little rough too. It can cause the SUV to suddenly lurch forward.
There is a button to turn the system off by the climate controls, but the auto start and stop feature automatically comes back on every time you restart the vehicle.
The 2023 Equinox gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway, which is behind the competition. Also, rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson have hybrid and PHEV powertrains available. So, the Equinox is a little behind.
Does the 2023 Equinox have a nice interior?
Yes, the 2023 Chevy Equinox has an upscale interior with high-quality materials and plenty of value. The premium leather upholstery is amiable, with an attractive two-tone design and striking accent stitching.
The standard model features LED headlights, automatic high beams, keyless entry, push-button start, satellite radio, heated exterior mirrors, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
By moving to higher trims, you can access a hands-free power liftgate, a wireless phone charging pad, ambient interior lighting, remote engine start, front/rear parking sensors, heated/ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and roof rails.
The seas in the front and rear are large and spacious. They’re well-padded to keep the entire family comfortable for hours. The passenger room is one of the areas where the Equinox really shines. Plus, there are tons of cupholders available.
How much does the 2023 Equinox cost?
The 2023 Chevy Equinox price starts at $26,600, while the range-topping Equinox Premier trim takes the cost up to $31,800. These prices are the MSRPs, so they don’t include the $1,395 destination fee or dealership markups.
So, the Equinox is an attractive family option that’s affordable. However, it may seem or feel a bit dated due to the power train issues.
It does have modern tech, such as an 8.0-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear-seat reminder, a surround-view camera system, and automatic parking.
The Equinox is a good bargain with plenty of comfort and space. It’s just a bit slow and unrefined compared to its sportier and more fuel-efficient rivals.