Buying a Used Chevy Equinox? Here’s What You Need to Know

Have you been browsing through models looking for a good used Chevy Equinox, but you’re not entirely sure what to look for? Don’t worry. We put together some important tips to help you shop smart based on your needs and budget. We’re your trusted used Chevy dealer, and we’ll cover the perks of buying an older model, break down the various trims suited to different driving styles, and highlight the advantages of newer generations and what they offer.

Beyond trim levels and model years, it’s always important to do your due diligence when shopping for any used vehicle. Inspect the exterior and interior for signs of wear or damage, test the functionality of cabin features, and always take a test drive to check for unusual noises or vibrations. With that in mind, let’s dive into some key considerations for shopping smart for a used Chevy Equinox.

Benefits of Shopping for Older Used Models

The Chevy Equinox is available across four different generations. Most people shopping for a used model are likely going to consider models between the third and fourth generation, which makes sense. The third generation ran from the 2018 model year up through the 2024 model years. So you have a wide range of different options to choose from, as well as generational refreshes that occurred leading up to the fourth generation.

One of the biggest benefits of shopping for older models is that they’re usually more affordable, often due to refreshes or redesigns in newer versions. The more major changes that occur throughout a generation, the more the price will fluctuate. However, with older models, you’re giving up certain standard features that come with the newer models across the trim line. You’ll have to weigh whether those standard features are worth it, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

However, another thing to consider is that older generation models may have some benefits you might want to consider. For instance, Chevy Equinox models made before 2020 are available with a 1.6-liter diesel engine, which might be worth considering if you’re looking to get more fuel efficiency out of a used compact SUV. Even though the diesel option was discontinued, it is possible to shop for a used Chevy Equinox for sale before 2020 that comes equipped with the diesel engine.

Additionally, earlier models from before 2020 offered unique powertrain options not found in newer models. For example, aside from the 1.6-liter diesel engine, which offered improved fuel economy, shoppers wanting more power might prefer the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, available up until 2021, delivering 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. If you wanted that extra gusto from a compact SUV, it’s another consideration for shopping for an older model from a previous generation.

Standard Features for Used Models After 2020

While newer models may come with a slightly higher price tag, they also offer more standard features, which makes them a smart choice if safety and convenience are top priorities. The more recent models may come with a slightly higher price tag, but they also come with more standard features, which is extremely useful depending on what your shopping preferences are for a compact SUV. Most standard features for the Chevy Equinox from 2020 onward were available as premium features as part of optional packages for older model years prior to 2020, but it can be difficult to find used models that come with specific packages that have the features that are standard on more recent models.

For instance, all Chevy Equinox models from the 2020 model year onward come standard with the Chevy Safety Assist. This consists of six safety features, such as IntelliBeam, Forward Automatic Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and Lane Keep Assist with a Lane Departure Warning. These safety features were available prior to 2020, but only if you purchased a Premier trim or a trim equipped with the Driver Confidence II Package. If you shop for a used Chevy Equinox model from 2020 onward, you don’t have to worry about shopping for a specific trim or a specific package. All of the models come standard with the Chevy Safety Assist features.

Another consideration is that the Chevy Equinox received a mid-generation refresh with the 2022 model year. This included the addition of four new colors, the removal of four old colors, and select trims having their wheels upgraded from 17 inches to 18 inches. LED headlamps also became standard on the trim line from 2022 models onward. So if you prefer LED lights over halogen, it’s another bonus when shopping for a used Equinox. Another big benefit is the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, which all became standard features as part of the mid-generation refresh. If those infotainment and tech features appeal to you, then it’s something you should seriously take into account when shopping for a used Equinox.

Used Trims Great for Daily Driving

If you’re mainly looking for a dependable daily driver, consider the Chevy Equinox L, LS, or LT trims. You get plenty of essentials without any of the fluff. These give you access to basic amenities, conveniences, tech, and safety. As mentioned, if you’re opting for an L, LS, or LT from the early part of the third generation, you have access to fewer standard features, but you’re getting a reliable workhorse for daily driving.

You can still find these trims in a number of colors, and they come standard with 17-inch no-frills wheels (although if you shop around, you might be able to find these trims with alternate wheel packages at up to 19 inches). These trims come with cloth seats, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via 7-inch screens. They also include basic safety features, like airbags, LATCH for lower child anchors, and tethers, as well as useful features like Teen Driver mode, with safety checks and report card functionality.

While they may lack some upscale amenities, L, LS, or LT models from the latter half of the third generation are great for budget-conscious drivers who still want reliability and good fuel economy. In front-wheel drive, you can get an EPA-estimated 26 MPG in the city and up to 31 MPG on the highway. So the L, LS, and LT make for good daily drivers, commuters, or haulers for small families.

 What to Look for With a Fully Featured Used Equinox

If you’re interested in something more upscale but still affordable, you can consider the Equinox RS or Premier trims. The RS is considered the more upscale performance trim, while the Premier is considered the top-of-the-line luxury trim. If you opt for older used models from the third generation, they come with a lot of the features that were made standard on the entry-level trims from 2022 onward. So you have plenty of amenities, conveniences, and even some added luxury that are all standard on the RS and Premier.

For instance, prior to the third-generation refresh, the Premier still came standard with heated power perforated leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the complete assortment of infotainment powered by the MyLink infotainment system with the 8-inch touchscreen. If you wanted those extra accommodations on a model older than 2022, shopping for a used RS or Premier is the way to go, as you’ll be able to get them for much cheaper but with many of the features that became standard after 2022. It’s a best of both worlds scenario if you’re shopping with quality in mind.

Need Help Shopping for a Used Chevy Equinox?

Now that you have a clearer idea of what to look for in a used Chevy Equinox, it might be time to visit your trusted used Chevy dealer and explore your options in person. If you’re still contemplating which trim or which model might be best for you when it comes to features and budget, we can definitely help you decide. We have sales staff who can answer any questions you might have about the feature set, the availability, the trim grades, and the packages available. If you have any questions whatsoever, definitely feel free to reach out so we can help you shop for the right kind of used Chevy Equinox.

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