A LOOK BACK AT FIVE YEARS OF THE EQUINOX

As an Avenel resident or Woodbridge Township driver, you know what it’s like to need a family commuter vehicle that can handle any traffic in any weather while keeping the whole family as safe as possible. Chevy’s a brand you can trust, and the Equinox is a model that can handle all of your family’s driving needs. It’s a spacious five-seater crossover SUV with plenty of room for your backseat passengers and all their favorite things to bring along for the ride, yet small enough to maneuver around our suburban streets and even the urban avenues of the Big Apple. The Equinox offers great gas mileage, a variety of powertrains for customizable performance, and an abundance of features that you and the family will enjoy.

If you’re looking to save more money than you would with an already affordable brand-new Chevy Equinox, you should check out a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) model. When you choose to buy a Certified Pre-Owned Chevy Equinox, you’ll get a vehicle that has undergone a thorough inspection and reconditioning process, comes with factory-backed warranties, and has a complimentary scheduled maintenance program that includes two routine maintenance visits. As a Certified Pre-Owned Equinox dealer, we’d like to share with you the highlights of the last five years of the Chevy Equinox to help show you how great the Equinox is so you can decide for yourself which model you can picture your family making memories in.

An All-New Generation Takes the 2018 Chevy Equinox to New Levels

After thirteen years on the market, the Equinox was ready for a change, which it received with the debut of the third-generation model in 2018. The 2018 Chevy Equinox shrunk from a midsize crossover SUV, entering the compact segment after shedding 400 lbs and losing 4.7 inches in length. Its new design improved fuel efficiency, making it much more desirable to drivers looking to save on fuel costs and more manageable for city driving. The all-new Equinox also received other upgrades from earlier models resulting in a more attractive appearance with a blend of elegance and athleticism, advanced technology, and a more refined interior. The improvements took it to the top in Chevy’s sales, landing just behind the famed Silverado pickup as the brand’s second best-selling model.

The 2018 Chevy Equinox is available with three engine choices. The base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque capable of an estimated 28 MPG combined. The optional 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 can produce 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, delivering an estimated 25 MPG combined. Last but not least, for drivers that prefer diesel-powered engines, a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel I-4 is available with 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque and can reach an estimated 32 MPG combined. Depending on which powertrain the Equinox has, the 2018 model can even handle towing up to 3,500 lbs, which means your family can upgrade your adventures to include a small camper or even a boat.

Besides a car-like performance and SUV capabilities, the third-generation Chevy Equinox includes a feature-rich interior with modern technology and connectivity, including onboard WiFi, which wasn’t as common then as it is today. When the 2018 Chevy Equinox was introduced, it was one of the most connected crossovers on the market. Plus, the third-generation Equinox includes numerous advanced driver-assist features to ease drivers’ minds while out on the road. These features include Surround Vision for a full view around the vehicle, Forward Collision Alert and Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking to help prevent collisions, and even a Rear Seat Reminder that reminds you to check on passengers in the back seat before exiting the vehicle.

2019 Says Goodbye to the Equinox Diesel

For the 2019 Chevy Equinox, the biggest changes were the replacement of the old MyLink infotainment software with the new Chevy Infotainment system and the addition of new HD cameras. However, the vehicle kept the same seven-inch and eight-inch touchscreen options. You might find a 2019 Chevy Equinox in our Certified Pre-Owned inventory with the LS Convenience package, LT Appearance package, or Lights and Brights package, all of which were introduced for this model year, giving drivers more customization options.

However, the 2019 Chevy Equinox will be remembered most for being the last model to include a diesel engine. Chevy stopped selling its fuel-efficient diesel Equinox after 2019. Therefore, if diesel is your preferred fuel, you will need to hunt for a Certified Pre-Owned Equinox from 2018 or 2019 or earlier. Since the diesel was discontinued due to a lack of demand, this engine is not a common find on CPO models, so if you see one, don’t hesitate to buy it.

The Equinox Voted Best for Families in 2020

Three years into the third generation and Chevy added a host of new standard features to the model. Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams were previously optional but, as of 2020, are standard on every Equinox. With the help of these new standard driver assistance features, the Chevy Equinox took the honor of being named one of Parents Magazine’s Best Family Cars of 2020. Performance remains the same for this model year, besides the loss of the diesel powertrain, delivering car-like comfort, efficiency, and handling. As for style, a new Midnight Edition package was introduced for the LT trim, giving it a blacked-out appearance from top to bottom, including the Chevy bow-tie badging.

Another Equinox Powertrain Bites the Dust for 2021

Chevy planned to refresh the Equinox for 2021, updating its styling and features. Unfortunately, the anticipated facelift was delayed, leaving the 2021 model with few differences from the outgoing version. There isn’t much to mention besides the loss of a second powertrain––this time, the peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 bit the dust. The discontinuation of this engine was again caused by low demand, leaving the Equinox with its most popular, practical, and affordable option: the 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4. With its good mix of power and efficiency, it isn’t surprising that the base engine was chosen by so many drivers.

The Anticipated and Updated 2022 Chevy Equinox

After four years with the same appearance, the Chevy Equinox was due for a refresh, and the 2022 model delivered the upgrade drivers were looking for. The exterior was improved with a new grille, distinctive headlights, redesigned taillights, updated bumpers, and more. The Equinox dropped its previous base L trim, giving the model a more high-end feel. In its place, a new sport-inspired RS trim was added to the 2022 lineup, bringing unique athletic styling. New features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Automatic Parking Assist. The 2022 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study found the refreshed Chevy Equinox was the highest-ranked compact SUV on the market.

Want an Affordable, Accommodating Family Vehicle? Look No Further

New Jersey’s Woodbridge Township is a diverse community of people, and we’re honored to call it home. Since Richard Lucas Chevrolet and our families know the area in and around Avenel, we know just the right model to satisfy your family’s budget and driving requirements. Chevy vehicles have a loyal following of drivers, and the compact Chevy Equinox remains one of the brand’s highest-rated models for a good reason: it is reliable, safe, and built with passengers in mind.

If you’re looking for a versatile vehicle that’s flexible enough for your family’s driving needs on the streets of New Jersey or even neighboring New York City, the Chevy Equinox is the way to go. Even if brand new doesn’t work for you, you won’t miss out on much––other than paying a few thousand dollars more for a new model––when you buy a CPO Equinox. Since we’re a Certified Pre-Owned Chevy dealer, we can assure you that we’ll find you an Equinox you, your family, and your wallet will enjoy.