For the past 15 years, the Chevy Equinox has been ever-present in Chevy’s SUV lineup. Originally manufactured as a midsize crossover, today, you’ll find it in the small or compact range. The SUV craze across the world, particularly in the United States, doesn’t seem to be letting up, which means it’s up to manufacturers to continue feeding the demand that just won’t quit. Popular because of its size, versatility, and price range — the 2020 Chevy Equinox is sure to please.
When it comes to SUVs, many people think of big, hulking machines blasting through undergrowth and wilderness like there’s no tomorrow. Assuredly, there is a spot for those types of vehicles, but many customers will find a compact or subcompact SUV is better suited for their needs. Obviously, since it’s a smaller vehicle, the price range immediately drops. Instead of having a base model that starts off above $30,000, you’re looking at the top trim starting off around that price level. So, for those looking to get the bells and whistles without a hefty price tag, a smaller SUV may be an intriguing choice.
Of course, if you’re looking for an SUV in the first place, then you’ve already decided not to go with a sedan. This may be for the style, towing capabilities, ground clearance, or many other benefits that come standard with most SUVs. The only real difference between a smaller SUV and a larger one is the fact that you can’t fit as many people and/or items. Really, they’re perfect for small families, couples, individuals, or as a separate commuter vehicle.
Versatility is the Name of the Game
In reality, there doesn’t seem to be too much difference between a normal car and a small SUV. One of them just appears to be lower to the ground than the other. However, you’ll find that there are quite a few differences. Yes, being higher off the ground is one of them, and it’s actually quite a bonus for many people. Other differences include a bit more off-road capability, both because of higher ground clearance and a typical option for either All-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive. You’ll also find SUVs are generally more geared towards an outdoor or adventure lifestyle. Many will come with options for roof rails, and a constant standard with SUVs is the capability for towing.
With the 2020 Chevy Equinox, you may find you actually have about the same amount of passenger space as a midsize sedan, like the Chevy Malibu. For example, let’s compare the interior dimensions of a 2020 Chevy Equinox versus a 2020 Chevy Malibu.
2020 Chevy Equinox:
- Front Head Room: 40 inches
- Front Leg Room: 40.90 inches
- Second Head Room: 38.50 inches
- Second Leg Room: 39.90 inches
- Passenger Capacity: 5
- Passenger Volume: 103.20 cu.ft.
2020 Chevy Malibu:
- Front Head Room: 39.10 inches
- Front Leg Room: 41.50 inches
- Second Head Room: 37.50 inches
- Second Leg Room: 38.10 inches
- Passenger Capacity: 5
- Passenger Volume: 102.90 cu.ft.
Overall, the specifications are pretty similar. So, a compact SUV isn’t that different from a midsize sedan when it comes to interior space and capacity. Actually, they’re just about the same. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s more than enough room to fit what you need, plus you get all the capabilities of an SUV.
Something to also consider is how the Equinox features a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. With this capability (and the easy-access back door/trunk), there’s actually an ample amount of storage space for extra equipment and/or luggage. You could also just easily sit or lay in the back with the door open as you enjoyed the outdoors. The choice is yours.
Trim Levels
The 2020 Chevy Equinox comes in four different trim levels, which are the L, LS, LT, and Premier. These are the same trims you’ll find on 2019 models of the Equinox, although some of the prices are slightly different, but not by too much.
As has become more custom with recent Chevys, the 2020 Equinox is both sleek and stylish. There are many colors available, including some unique extra-cost varieties like the Cayenne Orange Metallic and Cajun Red Tintcoat. If you’re looking for some additional styling options, then you should check out the Midnight and Redline Editions. They’re only available on certain trim levels and have stylistic features that are sure to turn heads.
L
This is your base-model option for the Equinox, which starts at $23,800 MSRP. On the Equinox L, you’ll find a 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. This model is Front-Wheel Drive only, as there is no All-Wheel Drive option here. Like most base models, there are barely any options available to add-on. The only available add-on options are an engine block heater and a medium ash gray premium cloth seat trim.
However, there are still quite a few standard options on this trim. For example, a few of the best features that come standard are a lot of safety features. You can find Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Rear Vision Camera, and even a Rear Seat Reminder. Some of those features may seem common in this day and age, but actually, they still aren’t super common on all standard models across the board. Chevy does a good job of including safety features, which makes sense, since the brand is well-known for creating safe and reliable vehicles. It’s interesting to see a Rear Seat Reminder becoming a standard feature as more and more news articles are about children and/or pets being forgotten in vehicles. Hopefully, features like this one will severely reduce those instances.
LS
The LS is the second trim on for the 2020 Equinox; this model comes in both Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive.
There aren’t too many standard differences between the L and LS, but here are a few additional features you’ll find, including a mechanical jack with tools, a 16” compact spare tire, and 16” steel spare wheel, as well as rear carpeted floor mats.
In addition to the All-Wheel Drive option, the LS also has options for other add-ons, like the Blackout Package, Chrome Package, and Cargo Package.
LT
The LT has a starting MSRP of $27,500. Here, you will find an option for the Midnight Edition, which features jet black perforated leather, 19-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, unique black grille, front fog lamps with black bezel surround, and front and rear black bowtie emblems.
Jumping from the LS to LT trims, you’ll find a few standard differences, most notably the HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlamps, deep-tinted rear glass, power driver seat lumbar control, and rear seat release levers. HID headlamps are known to be typically brighter than their halogen counterparts, which also makes them more expensive (and hence the reason they come standard on a higher trim).
Some of the different add-on options include an HD Rear Vision Camera, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, Panoramic power sunroof, Power programmable liftgate, and the ‘Hit The Road’ Package (Roof-rack cross rails & Molded assist steps).
Premier
The Premier is the highest trim level on the 2020 Chevy Equinox. Here, you will find available the Redline Edition, which features a black grille, black window surround, black bowtie emblems, 19-inch black wheels with red accents, black mirror caps, and equinox badges with a red outline.
Jumping from the LT to Premier trims, you’ll find many standard differences, including many safety features and a lot of comfort features. Of the safety features, the Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and the Rear Cross Traffic Alert are really something. Being warned if you’re changing lanes and there’s a vehicle next to you is quite amazing, especially if that vehicle is in your blind spot, and it’s hard to see them. Also, have you ever been backing out of a driveway or parking spot, and a vehicle is crossing by behind you without you being able to see it very well? Well, with the Rear Cross Traffic Alert, you’ll know, which is spectacular.
Obviously, the top trim will have the most features, and they seem to be well worth it. You’ll receive additional safety features, plus a lot of nice bonuses as well (LED lights, fog lamps, remote start, etc.).
