Many are used to experiencing the Earth’s Equinox twice a year, but the true Equinox appears only once a year. The Chevrolet Equinox has been in production since 2004 and has found plenty of success amongst fans and enthusiasts alike. When you’re perusing through new vehicles for sale, the 2020 Chevy Equinox deserves your undivided attention. As a small crossover SUV, the Equinox offers a blend of performance, durability, and versatility. Whether it’s for the daily commute or a lengthy road trip, the Equinox is the way to go.
With the current model year, Chevy has utilized its knowledge and history in the industry to produce the best version of this beloved vehicle to date. The 2020 Equinox can be outfitted to suit your needs, including a duo of available engines. In addition to this, the Equinox is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in its class.
There are four trims available to the 2020 Equinox. The base trim for the Equinox is the L, and this trim starts at an MSRP of $23,800. Even for those considering the L trim, Chevy has included an impressive number of standard features that Equinox drivers may experience first-hand. This base trim is then followed by the LS, which amplifies the Equinox with much-recommended additions, primarily regarding safety and connectivity.
Moving more towards the higher-end of the selection, the LT provides drivers with many quality-of-life improvements such as heated front seats, HID headlamps, and a power-adjustable driver seat with additional lumbar support. Additionally, this trim comes standard with Chevy’s Driver Confidence Package. Lastly, the Premier holds the top spot for the Equinox and continues the upgrades with 18” wheels, a hands-free power liftgate, and heated leather-appointed front seats, to name just a few.
What Powers This SUV?
As previously stated, there is a duo of engines that may be fitted into the 2020 Equinox. Both engines are of the turbocharged variety, and as such, have better fuel economy ratings than many counterparts. Regardless of the engine that you choose to pair your Equinox with, the vehicle will have a fuel tank capacity of 14.9 gallons with FWD and 15.6 gallons with AWD. The engine you’ll find standard in the 2020 Equinox is a 1.5L 4-cylinder with the ability to produce 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque.
Depending on whether your Equinox is FWD or AWD, your fuel efficiency ratings will slightly differ. EPA-estimated ratings for this engine are set at 26 mpg city and 31 highway with FWD while AWD gets a slightly lower 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. You’ll find a six-speed automatic transmission paired with this engine, which is overshadowed by the nine-speed automatic that is paired with the top engine.
Those looking to step up their game should consider opting for the upgraded engine option. Many critics have noted the performance increase from this engine, ultimately resulting in a recommendation across the board. This engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder that produces 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. These numbers are nothing to scoff at, considering this is an impressive 48% increase to horsepower and 28% increase to torque.
With this engine equipped, the Equinox is capable of towing a maximum capacity of 3,500 lbs, which is ideal for lighter towing tasks such as boats. With the 2.0L 4-cylinder, you’ll get 22 mpg city regardless of FWD or AWD. But you will get 29 mpg highway with FWD and 28 otherwise. As you can see, compared to the base 1.5L engine, MPG in the city takes a slight hit, but highway numbers remain quite similar. Both engines provide respectable numbers and are generally ahead of the pack with its competitors.
Interior Features
Only the best SUVs host an interior worth sitting in, and the Equinox grants you plenty of comforts. The 2020 Equinox can seat a maximum of five people, which isn’t too uncommon with smaller SUVs. However, you’ll find up to 40 inches of headroom in the front row and 38.5 inches in the rear row. Due to the Equinox being an SUV, it can also grant significantly more legroom than your average sedan with 40.9 inches in the front and 30.9 inches in the rear. But a vehicle’s interior isn’t solely about the seating arrangement these days, as the industry has made a large shift towards connectivity and technology.
A key automotive development of the digital age is the infotainment system. Manufacturers around the world have been producing and implementing their respective infotainment centers into their latest lineups. The origins of the infotainment center can be found in AM radios dating back to the 1930s, but as technology continued to evolve, what was once a dial and a few knobs has turned into a large and robust system with touch screens. Once the internet became more available, and wireless devices were invented, infotainment centers saw tremendous success and are now highly sought after.
The infotainment center inside of the 2020 Equinox is packed full of features and is user-friendly as well. You’ll find a 7-inch touch screen comes standard with the Equinox, but Chevy also offers an upgraded 8-inch screen. Four USB ports come standard, which provides an easy way to charge and sync your devices, although Chevy does offer two additional USB ports for those who prefer extras. These ports aren’t the only way to connect your phone to the infotainment center, as Bluetooth connectivity also comes standard for wireless media playback. Additionally, you may opt for an available wireless charging pad for supported smartphones.
Your favorite music will be playing through a six-speaker setup if you choose the standard model, but we recommend you opt for the premium audio system by Bose. With this audio system equipped, your Equinox will be fitted with seven high-quality speakers. Taking wireless connectivity even further, the Equinox comes standard with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi network, which allows multiple passengers to utilize an on-board internet connection at once. This is a very noteworthy inclusion as some vehicles on the market today either charge extra for a hotspot or do not include one at all.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both come standard with the 2020 Equinox, which seamlessly connects smartphones that many drivers already own, such as compatible iPhones and Android devices. Once connected to the infotainment system, you may utilize a majority of your smartphone’s functions. Among these functions, you may access your favorite playlists, search for turn-by-turn navigation, converse with your virtual assistant such as Siri. Furthermore, CarPlay and Auto allow you to make and receive phone calls and text messages simply by using voice commands. This ensures the utmost attention is being paid to the road at all times by leaving the phone out of your hands.
The Bottom Line
From what the 2020 Chevy Equinox tells us, small crossover SUVs still hold a prominent place in the market. What gives the Equinox an alluring appeal is simply the number of features that come standard with the vehicle. Although a host of upgrades remain on offer, many of which are highly recommended, you won’t be upset with your purchase regardless.
Taking an Equinox for a test drive is the best way to get a first-hand experience before you purchase, and many dealerships offer these services. By visiting a reputable Chevy dealership with a helpful sales team at the helm, any questions you have will get answered in a professional and personable manner. After visiting your local Chevy dealer to purchase your vehicle, you’ll be driving off the lot in your new 2020 Chevy Equinox in no time!
