What expectations should the average American have for a reliable, daily drivable car? Power and performance, sustainable gas mileage, and a comfortable and spacious interior should come as a given for most modern vehicles. However, what if you, as a buyer, want to spend your hard-earned dollars on a vehicle that offers a bit more than just the bare essentials? Where can you find a car that also provides smart driver assistance technologies, versatility, and an attractive package that exudes class and competence wherever you go? If those perks sound like a boon to you, and you’re in the market for a car that delivers all those features and more (without having to break the bank to finance it), then a used Chevy Equinox might be the perfect vehicle for you.
The Chevrolet Equinox is a paragon of style, practicality, and affordability, with drivers all over happily depending on its established reliability. As the 2021 model has recently hit the market, used 2020 models are starting to show up on dealership lots with increasing frequency. The 2020 model Equinox used will be a great value, and if you want a used model with all of the latest tech, you’re going to want to keep your eyes peeled for this one.
Performance
Whether your priority is power or practicality, the Chevy Equinox has an engine option for you. Its standard 1.5-liter turbo engine incorporates Chevy’s patented ECOTEC mechanisms, allowing it to produce an efficient gas mileage of 26 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway for a combined 28 miles per gallon with standard front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive models will give you 25 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway for a combined 27 miles per gallon. This mighty little engine generates 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Additionally, its more powerful 2.0-liter turbo offers a bit more kick to the Equinox’s driving experience, producing 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque alongside its 9-speed automatic transmission. This engine variant also comes with an easy-tow mode, which allows the driver to simply flip a switch, and prep the Equinox to tow up to 3500 pounds. Fuel economy with this engine is a little worse than the standard, with front-wheel drive models getting 22 miles per gallon city and 29 miles per gallon highway for a combined 25 miles per gallon. Likewise, the all-wheel drives combined 24 miles per gallon is less, with 22 miles per gallon in the city and 28 on the highway.
The Equinox’s LS, LT, and Premier models also offer a feature called switchable all-wheel drive, which allows the driver to toggle between the more fuel-efficient front-wheel drive and the more powerful, slip deterrent all-wheel drive modes with the click of a button. The all-wheel drive mode is especially convenient in areas with colder climates such as upstate New York or New Jersey when roads get slippery, and traction is scarce.
Appearance
Equinox owners looking to make a statement on the road can choose between two Premier design variants. The Midnight edition includes a midnight black finish accented by black details. 19-inch gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels, jet black grille, jet black dark front fog lamps with black bezel surrounds front and rear black bowtie emblems, and a glossy black perforated leather finish for the interior make this Equinox sleek and stylish. Blend into the night or stand out in the day with this edition.
Conversely, those who appreciate a slightly sportier aesthetic can opt for the 2020 Chevy Equinox’s Redline edition. The Redline includes a racing-inspired black grille, 19-inch black wheels with racing red accents, black window surrounds, black bowtie emblems, Equinox badging with red outlining, and jet black mirror caps. The red accents make a statement that is sure to catch the eye of anyone you pass by.
Technology
The 2020 Chevy Equinox offers a bevy of available technologies, from smart safety features to applications and smartphone interfaces. The Equinox comes standard with the Chevrolet infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as options for wireless charging, a 4G LTE wifi hotspot, six USB ports, and compatibility with the myChevrolet mobile app. You can also get Amazon Alexa built into your vehicle to control your music, shop on Amazon, or connect you to your home devices while you are out and about.
Safety
Parents will love the Equinox’s Teen Driver system, which enables real-time coaching for newer drivers. When toggled, the Teen Driver mode prompts the driver to buckle all seated passengers and follow road safety protocols. But the perks don’t stop there. All 2020 Chevrolet Equinox models come standard with Chevrolet Safety Assist, a bundle of smart piloting and hazard detection systems to give the driver the security and peace of mind they need every time they and their loved ones get behind the wheel.
Chevrolet Safety Assist features technologies such as Front Collision Alerts with Emergency Automatic Braking that will provide hard braking assist when it senses a collision is imminent. Front Pedestrian Braking is an automatic stoppage system that detects pedestrians and auto brakes your vehicle at speeds below 50 miles per hour. The Chevy Safety Assist also includes Lane Keep Assist with lane departure warnings, advanced following distance indicators, rear collision alerts, and Chevy’s Intellibeam automatic high beam assistance.
Pricing
With the aesthetics, technology, performance, and extra features the latest Chevy Equinox brings to the table, one might expect the Equinox to be a serious strain on the checkbook. However, if long-time buyers know one thing about Chevrolet, it’s that they’re in the business of making high-end vehicles highly accessible. Just look at Chevrolet’s widely beloved Camaro or their stylish Corvette models starting at well below $70,000 MSRP. As such, pricing is yet another boon to entice potential Equinox buyers. Even brand new, the base model Chevrolet Equinox was priced at a reasonable $23,800, and the prices only improve as one starts to search for used models. Buying used is always a huge money saver as you can still get a really good car for significantly less.
How the 2020 Chevy Equinox Compares
Comparable compact SUV’s do exist on the market today; however, no other vehicle brings the level of reliability (top in its class), technological amenities, fuel efficiency, and road presence that the Equinox does at a similar or better price point. For instance, the latest compact SUV models from competitors such as Mazda, Ford, Kia, Nissan, and Toyota all start at a higher price point than the 2020 Equinox. Most with lower ratings from accredited auto reviewers, too. The Chevrolet Equinox has exceptional reliability, technology, and fuel economy wrapped in an affordable and accessible package.
A Used 2020 Equinox Is For You
All considered, the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a top-line compact SUV with stellar ratings for safety, reliability, and practicality. Not only does it provide all of the essentials for commuters, family transport, and teen drivers, but it also includes a litany of options and technologies that set it apart from any other vehicle of its class. Furthermore, the Equinox is one of the few cars that is unmistakable on the road, with its striking modernized exterior (especially for those who chose either of the Premier variants) and high-end performance. Not to mention, the far more appealing used price tag is just icing on the cake.
Is it possible to create the perfect car? Well, perhaps not for everyone. But for those looking for a classy, affordable, and dependable compact SUV, they need look no further than the Chevrolet Equinox. Trust Chevy for your vehicle needs, and you won’t be disappointed.
