2010-2012 Chevy Equinox review | Consumer Reports

The Chevrolet Equinox has a roomy rear seat and composed ride and handling. Consumer Reports tested both the four-cylinder and the V6.

[@pattykat17]

I like that u tell us the good and not so good things about it! I just got one yesterday :) thanks for making me feel even better about my great purchase !!

[@gelts16]

i bought one 5 months ago. love it!

[@Jaime13R]

gelts16 you still got it or did you junk the fucker?

[@webman1956]

I really enjoyed my 2013 Equinox. I put 125,000 miles on it without a single issue but had to sell it due to a job that required I had a truck.

[@belovedkitten242]

I own a 2011 Equinox four-cylinder.. I wouldn't recommend this vehicle to anyone.. While its nice and pretty..It has been nothing but a headache. The Dealership has kept it longer than I have drove the vehicle. First it started of with a loud noise on the start up of the vehicle..I would compare it to a diesel engine. Then it would lose all power (Sitting at a red light, Light turns green to go and the vehicle loses power. The front of the vehicle literally did a nose dive) then hard shifts into 2nd gear. Took it to the dealership.. Timing Chin..Engine Guide,Ignition Switch,and Transmission.. I've had it back a total of 2 weeks and the noise has returned. I take care of all my vehicles..I dive them to last..No show boating in my rides.. But this one is working on my last nerve. Not a happy customer of Chevy/GM..So much for American made. :(

[@robc8468]

Dodge and Ford are fine GM/Chevy build pure overpriced shit.

[@evincgokkaya]

still driving?

[@wallylankford2365]

Totally agree, our LTZ is a six cylder red with black leather, all the bells and whistles. We thought it would be our best purchase ever, its been a nightmare, always at the shop, nickle and dimed to death. the last shop visit was time and chain, complete engine rebuild, i was told that they dont ever last more than 150,000 miles. Im so going back to an older toyota 4runner , maybe a used lexus rx350 for reliable, sad to say a used 2016 lexus rx350 would be twice the money, but last double the number of years, with out the constant shop visits.

[@damienhealy6850]

This is a good review. You would know this guy is an Engineer! We have a 2012 Equinox 2.4L 4cyl. They had some of the smaller issues sorted out by 2012 but the issues with the 4cyl engine remain. The auto shifting on this thing is horrible! Its not too bad around town as the reviewer states but on the highway you really notice its shortcomings. If you are cruising at 60 and you go to overtake or move into the fast lane, just the slightest extra push of the throttle will cause the gearbox to drop right down to low gear and that 4cyl to scream in pain! but you dont go anywhere any faster! It makes me wince and passengers often comment. I'm from Europe and the 4cyl engine/gearbox ratios setups are far more refined there but they are used to building them by now. Chevy need to spend more time with an engine/transmission engineer from audi or opel or merc or someone at least! Plus points are styling and features. I have a friend who races track at the weekends. When he drives this car he puts the gearbox into manual and will only change gears with the +/- switch on the side!! He actually gets the best out of it like this!

[@MiamiWebDesign]

My wife's Equinox has been spectacular but one month before the 3 year lease trade-in day and it's started stalling when at idle. Glad it's time to get rid of it.

[@jvrdlc]

i like Cr reviews, they are very true and informative

[@Jaime13R]

jvrdlc wrong

[@vulcan7778]

His fuel mileage is way off! Mine gets an average of 26 combined!

[@jessediriteewater3942]

Why would you drive such a disgusting vehicle?

[@evanlandry7271]

Question. Does the Equinox LTZ have heated mirrors, and if so, how do you turn them on?

[@bloomingaccents]

I have a basic 4 cyl. and I'm very happy with it. 2012 model

[@robc8468]

So how many miles. Don't count on over 100K miles or you will be walking.

[@LexHarrison]

@@robc8468 -----No, my, 2010, Equinox has, 131,000, and runs perfectly and still looks great inside and out, with a superior regal upscale body style and interior!

[@agreeablesound]

Very informative

[@skyhigh6]

I was burned so bad on GM a few years ago, I'll never buy another GM product again.

[@landon7759]

Sky High What happened?

[@skyhigh6]

Well, where should I start, On the way home from my grandson called me on the cell, Pa, the speedo tach, oil pressure gauges are going whacky. I had the car taken to my local mechanic and had all the belts hoses and engine oil changed. The front differential had no oil in it. I took it to two shops and the wheel bearing seal was shot. $248, I knew the windshield was cracked I had it replaced. Then I noticed that the fan control would only work on 2-3-4 new control module. About every two weeks the service engine light came on. Fuel vapor cannister was bad, then cam shaft sensor went bad. My wife liked the size so she took it. I had to take it for serviced, on the way to the shop I heard what sounded like bearing going out, I was right, both front wheel bearing hubs were shot. New headlights, not bulbs, new windshield, dash board instrument panel rebuilt with new step motors. The mystery goes on and on.

[@andybub45]

Im sorry you had a bad experience with yours. My 1999 Tahoe is still running with minimal repairs.

[@pikiwiki]

sad to say you're not alone. Something happened, probably outsourcing to China, or disregard for the American consumer.

[@Bella_Taw]

Power lock is also on the driver and front passenger door.

[@Terrathrax]

You should have the year of the vehicle in the title, Consumer Reports fella. Or the description area.

[@rehsa2194]

@defendingdog Thing seem different when you're 6'5". I'd take the equinox. Plus at 22 city and 32 gas, its better for fuel economy, and to me it looks better. Im not saying its a better car, but for me its the best in class. Plus I could care less about speed and performance in a daily driver road warrior. I want speed and performance Im getting a GTR or vette or somethin. So I love the equinox.

[@emsinger]

The 4.3L was introduced to the Blazer in 1988, not 1983. It's EPA mpg: 16/22. Pretty good for its time, actually. The V-6 Equinox's EPA mpg: 17/25. So, the Equinox gets more miles per gallon. It also has 4 doors and weighs 1000 pounds more. And makes 264 hp vs. 150 hp in the Blazer. A clear improvement in efficiency over 20 years ago. The I-4 in the Equinox is the real story, though. It gets 22/32, significantly better than the Subaru Forrester, along with any other comparable car.

[@larrycortez3550]

Getting a equinox is it a good car for people 6’2 or 6’3

[@Chevyfan20179]

2012 nox's are different. Did u make this review in like 2010 or 2011?

[@paulchamberlin3724]

whatever happened to the equinox I saw in 2006 on t.v that was suppose to get something like 1100 km's on the highway. ??

[@jolenebrinkman7733]

I don't know you all are talking about. I absolutely love my Equinox. Have had it forever and never had a problem.

[@cardoso121280]

How's the Chavy box doing?😂😂😁😁😁😂

[@Jaime13R]

Jolene Brinkman you still using it, or had it shat out on you yet?

[@danlovepeaceunity]

@@thefreestylefrEaK i still have $8000 to pay off mine. Was never told about the high oil consumption, always had my oil changed on time. It died last week.

[@juancaballero4234]

I own a 2012 Equinox 4 cyl LS and it head a roller coaster ride for me. I been at the dealer every other two months regarding the same issue or a new issue with the car. off the lot I had to replace the wheel bearing, rattle on my dash (still going on) transmission jumps (still going on and they said it nothing) , wheels sensor is off (tells me the front tire needs air but it's the back tire). the back carpet is not flushed (my daughters toy fell inside and every time i make a big turn i head the toy going across the floor panel. side panel rattle from time to time. car is simply falling apart.. I'm just going to trade this in for a Handa..

[@altops4490]

should acquire an 07 for $4500 with snow bird miles of under 10k miles by end of april, thinking of trading it in at that time or selling it. need a 7 pass vehicle any suggestions?

[@walterpan]

@rehsa2194 I am 6'2'' and I totally agree with your points

[@yukonpackers2376]

I don't understand why people are saying all these bad things about the equinox cause they're really not true. I have a 2012 equinox, a 2014 outback and a 2015 yukon Denali and they all are great cars. The shit that people are saying about the equinox and the outback are simply not true. Unless I got a magical equinox that's perfect, I say that they're good cars and I'd recommend it to anyone.

[@MrTdw1954]

+Yukonpackers23 You got a magic one. Count your lucky stars and start playing the lottery. Chevy just rebuilt the engine in my Nox yesterday.

[@jacob72499]

Thank you. I have a 2012 Black Suburban LTZ and a v6 Equinox LTZ AWD In silver. 100,000 plus miles on them not a single issue.

[@jakechaplin9766]

Yukonpackers23 every person I know that had one had constant major issues

[@robc8468]

Look at all the Equinox tear down videos on utube and see the timing chain and piston ring issues for yourself.

[@akdesign5467]

What better Equinox or Outback? I would like to export from USA one 2012-14.

[@hembilkhu3439]

it has Serious engine problems....

[@wbmac1]

not sure why they are reporting such low fuel economy. on the highway we get 30 mpg with the I4

[@selfproclaimednobody4614]

I get 28 mpg on my 2012. It gets up and goes more than your saying. You should've gotten the 2012 ltz . The plastics are cheap though.

[@detodounpocopr2024]

i prefer ford edge and mazda cx-5 and cx-9.

[@williammize8270]

4 cyl or v6?

[@ruth5766]

How can you get a power lift gate

[@johndumars758]

They are junk the lower inner door seals tend to rust out.

[@Sig721Tau]

Oh, no. I have to adjust my seat. It's so hard. Pff...😒

[@rsxzx6r]

whats up with this guys hand genstures?

[@76carmel]

@jsmilesrmhs Believe it or not, the Equinox is recommended according to Consumer Reports despite scoring a 66.

[@moaski]

I thought you liked Motortrend?

[@veryrev.solomonkwamegyamer7677]

Getting its parts are difficult and expensive in Ghana. Can anyone help me to find the parts for Equinox 2010 2.4L in Ghana. Hubs and engine

[@letswatchutube5132]

All these equinoxes are completely rusted form the door jams up here in the Midwest. GM quality 👍

[@moaski]

Perhaps... Well look at it this way, my first six cars were GM products spanning three decades: 1971 Monte Carlo, 1982 Buick Regal, 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 1993 Chevrolet Blazer, 1995 Camaro Z28. My last 3 cars have been Subarus: 1998 Legacy, 2002 WRX, and my 2005 STi. After owning all these cars, I think Subarus are better. That's not being bias, that's being practical and honest.

[@jackstephen7813]

Terrible reliability. I thought ford was bad but after I had an 2011 equinox that had MANY problems I got a 2015 Ford Edge. I absolutely love it and will never go back to Chevy.

[@FroggysProductions]

HOW DARE YOU

[@Funrunner008]

The V6 has good power, 265 horsepower and 0-60 in 7.5 , That is good for a 4000 pound vehicle

[@mr.diyourselfchannel4343]

I purchased my 2011 equinox and like everyone says bad deal oil has been burning a quart every 50 miles getting worse almost like dealer know did a google search and everyone seems to be having this problem

[@ryanvtec3885]

Never checked 4800km and shes making noise. But the oil is full one problem is it smells like gas. Come on warranty

[@Soob4ME]

I've asked 2 flat bed truck drivers what newer vehicles ended up broken down on the side of the road. Guess what they BOTH said ended up sitting worthlessly on the side of the road was.

[@user-ls8gm3fi2b]

They lied or either you did. I'm a flat bed driver never seen one broke down on the road I ever had to pick up one in 12 years. Not true

[@gunnlover]

just so you know alot of the innovations the other car manufacturers tout were designed and developed by GM. Electric start for example.

[@minnesnowtan9970]

A decent review, but describing the engine as "buzzy" is pretty mild. The 32MPG highway (on the sticker) seems unrealistic. Even after resetting the mpg average and driving on the highway for at least 20 minutes, my average was shown as 28mpg. After more suburban and highway driving, it seems impossible to get the mileage back to even 27 mpg. Expect 25mpg. The Equinox is okay, but not at all impressive. My other car is a VW Passat 1.8TSI (gasoline), EPA Hwy rated 35 mpg but it consistently does a few miles per gallon better. Maybe the EPA is playing favorites.

[@MichaelCohenRNDM]

+Minnesnowtan you cannot compare a Passat to an Equinox on any level

[@moaski]

So the NEW V-6 Equinox gets the same miles per gallon as a 4.3L powered Blazer that was introduced in 1983! Way to go GM!!! Much better off with a Subaru.

[@saltcar]

His comment about the buttons is subjective. I've driven mine 30,000 and do quite a bit of button pushing. They are easy to use and have an ok feel. As far as button size? That question should be asked to the designers who take fashion over function. His comment about the lock/unlock buttons is incorrect. Equinox has these on the doors too. The dash buttons are redundant. I find a surprising number of errors and opinions published by CR. Not sure what their agenda is sometimes

[@ganthc]

This was for a 2010 Equinox. They fixed a lot of the quibbles he mentioned, and some of that may be due to CR giving feedback. But the MPG always seems very low in their estimates. I wonder if they have lead feet on the accelerator, or simulate typical driving. I bet I could get about 30 mpg in an Equinox.

[@seymorass93]

Well, Ive been owning GM cars all my life, never really liked Subaru, have test drove a couple, didn't like them as much as the GM or Ford counterpart.

[@WyvernSone]

lol i agree. wish they'd sell the diesle powerd legacy.

[@pichshimaunxyt824]

Chevy Equinox 2005 have lot of problems. I do fix every time, but It's still not finished ever. please don't buy this kind of the car. please believe me. I spent much time to fix my chevy equinox car and spend much $ though.

[@jacob72499]

Really? I have a 2013 Terrain Denali V6 AWD "Same car" not a single issue 120,000 miles on it.

[@consaka1]

@@jacob72499 Amazing!! However that is GM's luxury version. Different engine than the more common 2.4 in the equinox. Plus other differences. Thus not the "same car".

[@95thRiflesOCI]

Toyota Rav4 #1

[@ski4bob]

@dave777blaster really? Maybe you should check your facts!

[@moaski]

'Pretty good for its time'...actually GM still uses their 4.3 over 20 years later! It makes 190 hp not 150. The Blazer had a curb weight of 4,043 and the Equinox has a curb weight of 3,928 that equals 115 pounds difference, not 1,000. 20 years and 2 mpg better is not much of an improvement. The Blazer had 4-doors since 1990. The I-4 with FWD version MAY get 22/32, but with AWD (like all Subaru's have standard) mpg drops to an average of 23. Buddy you're much better off with a Subaru.

[@GoldenLegionHoney]

the 2012 solves ALOT of the issues raised here. this is probably a 2009 shown. We just bought a 2012.

[@robc8468]

You problems should be starting about now, nothing was fixed by GM.....

[@clarencefreeman7965]

Ford Edge duh plus Chevrolet was scared that the Edge will run circles around the Equinox.

[@andybub45]

Ford edge is a shitbox

[@corntastrophy]

Better than the Shitblazer Chevy spewed out a decade ago. Seriously, Trailblazer definition does not belong to it.

[@andybub45]

The Trailblazer was a great vehicle

[@wallylankford2365]

WE purchased a 2012 equinox with 75,000 miles, beautiful car. Matidor red. Now in our third year , all i have to say is what a peice of junck! sensor issues, maybe because ours has low profile tires. Our next vehicle will be a lexus rx350. i wont buy another chevrolet!

[@kjchicago1]

Why's that? Chevrolet, to me, is a best buy!

[@1metalbender1]

I think its a good suv but i have a problem with the steering and GM said that it is aceptable. bull shit they call it tork steer I call it cheap. they know the problem but they think safety comes second. I have made a lot of noise but they don't care just give me the money! that is sad

[@moaski]

You know that GM use to own 20% of Subaru's parent company , Fuji Motors, but they sold their shares to Toyota! That's why North American Camrys get built in the Subaru of Indiana plant. They could have been making Malibus if GM would get their heads out of their asses.

[@gunnlover]

100% percent of the material used to build the subarus are from Japan meaning they arent domestic and i buy domestic

[@Jaime13R]

gunnlover oh wow I never would’ve guessed that a guy named gunnlover would only buy “domestic” products. Get the fuck out of here you stupid fuckin idiot.

[@Dankcatvacs]

i think your better off with a subaru!

[@seymorass93]

Or maybe you are biased towards Subaru(as I can tell from your channel)

[@deere3321]

We have a 2011. It's a piece of shit. Serious engine problems.

[@keithsage7258]

Where in he11 is the CD player for this car? GM you have lost a customer for ever.. Every car manufacturer has a model that looks like an Equinox. .What are we copy cats? I was taught that was cheating and wrong. You lots a lot of customers and I am one.

[@TheBlacksheep2020]

i bought a brand new equinox and it was the biggest piece of shit i have ever owned. after a year of constant break downs, and being in the shop and the embarrasment of the loud pinging sound the engine made, i got rid of it.

[@MrTdw1954]

+BlueBunnyPeep Other than that, how did you like it?

[@lutetiavollintine2466]

i think that the newer model ones are ugly and i like the ones that are the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox LT a lot better

[@valiumland]

Learn to say your "L's"--it's not "cywinder" or "wew controwed".

[@MrTdw1954]

This is Consumer Reports and not a word about major engine issues with the 2.4 engines in the 2010-2012 models. SMH

[@jimyout667]

Published October 30, 2009. SMH

[@zachattack19961]

we have the 05 and it had a way better review. nothing but negativity from this dude.

[@Jaime13R]

zachattack19961 when a product is shit and someone tells you it is, that’s it negatively

[@20meter]

Check my video about my 2012 Equinox that has rust forming on the doors after 9 months, 12,000 miles.

[@TheCoffeeField]

That's a nice car folks...buy American even if its made in America, I rather give my money to an American company than to Korea or Japan

[@yannugent1414]

Where have you been in the last 20 years? Many of these so called American made vehicles where parts are made overseas and many were assembled in Canada n Mexico. Whereas most Hondas, Korean automobiles and Toyotas are made right here in the United States

[@chuckmcfarland3208]

It's far more important to purchase union made than American made. But I try to do both!

[@walterpan]

@defendingdog hate to say but Nissan is one of the worst in car safety now days. IIHS has some good articles with honest ratings.

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

look man it's not a volkswagen leave it's interior quality alone

[@Zinizzle]

Another cheap fail from GM, this is why everyone turns to Japanese, because they're competitive, and their quality and dependability was always better then any American car could ever come close to.

[@godemperorofmankind7255]

Hell, even Korean cars are better. American cars are just horrible quality.

[@1mckayj]

consumer reports always hates gm cars. my dad has a gmc terrain and its really nice. and he gets around 30 mpg.

[@seymorass93]

Actually with AWD it's 20/29. Your wrong on the weight of the Blazer. The 4.3L didn't make 190hp till 1995. Fuel economy was worse than that, 4-door 4x4 was 15/20. Also, no one wants an overrated piece of shit like a Subaru, all Consumer Reports does is overrate the Japanese heavily, then underrate everything else. Listen to Motor Trend, or Car&Driver, they are not as biased.

[@cardoso121280]

It looks like the Chavy ( GMC ) all of them are made in china😁😂or in the McDonald's 😂😂😂😁😁😁 all of them are bull shit ,I bought one and I just sold it to the jonk the next day .

[@ambitions21]

horrible reviews.. all that he does is bash every car he reviews.

[@95thRiflesOCI]

takes 300hp just to move this suv >.

[@DavidStanleymusic]

Another rebadged GM from Suzuki or daewoo

[@andybub45]

Wrong.

[@p00s4ybvg]

im not like cars only ford

[@Jaime13R]

Furthest Fire what the fuck does that mean

[@p00s4ybvg]

not chevy