Key Takeaways
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2010–2013 Equinox models to avoid due to severe engine oil consumption and failures
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2016–2017 are safer older picks with fixed engine issues and decent reliability
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2018 is a risky first-year redesign with software and mechanical glitches
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2019–2021, especially 2020, offer the best mix of reliability, safety tech, and comfort
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2020 model stands out as the sweet spot for value, features, and long-term dependability
If you are in the market for a sensible, roomy, and inexpensive small crossover, odds are that a best year used Chevy Equinox is near the top of your shopping list. But the pre-owned business is a lottery, and one with a history of wildly varying reliability depending on what year you buy.
Some used Chevy Equinox years are proven to run 200,000+ miles without issue, while the wrong model year may blow its engine before you make it out of warranty at even 80k miles.
If you’re a buyer in search of the absolute sweet spot of reliability, modern safety gear, and affordability, then the 2020 model is where you’ll find the best year used Chevy Equinox that you can buy right now.
The third-generation lineup got off to a chaotic launch, but the 2020 version worked through most of its predecessors’ mechanical bugs and added an impressive set of standard driver-assist features.
At ChevySUV, we synthesize automotive data so you can purchase with complete confidence.
AI Summary
The used Equinox buying guide explains the best year used Chevy Equinox model years, highlighting 2020–2021 as the most reliable due to improved safety tech and fewer mechanical issues. It warns against specific equinox years to avoid (2010–2013) for severe engine oil problems and advises caution with 2018. It also recommends 2016–2017 as budget-friendly options, highlighting a quality CPO Equinox or finding the best Equinox engine for value and long-term use.
The Equinox Generations: An Overview
If you want to make the right decision, it also helps to see how this crossover has changed over the years. Chevrolet created four different generations of the Equinox with various engineering upgrades, styling tweaks, and mechanical arrangements.
Unless you stop to look at used automotive heaps, the second and third generations might be what you’ll see when studying a used Equinox buying guide.
Generation 1 hasn’t generally aged well enough to be a reliable daily driver, while Generation 4 is still too new for significant used-market depreciation discounts.
Red Flags: Equinox Years to Avoid
Before we explore the ideal years, however, it’s important to get rid of the problematic model years that contributed to how hit-or-miss this nameplate has appeared to be in some circles of automotive technicians.
The EcoTec Oil Consumption Crisis (2010–2013)
The absolute nadir of this crossover hit the early second-generation models. For the record, if you are keeping track of what equinox years to avoid, mark 2010 through 2013 in a red circle. These cars featured a poorly engineered, 2.4-liter four-cylinder EcoTec engine.
The piston rings in those engines failed prematurely, leading to rapid engine oil consumption without bringing a warning light on the dashboard.
Many owners suffered catastrophic engine failure after being starved of oil, usually failing well before 80,000 miles. In addition, these specific equinox years to avoid are known for significant air conditioning compressor failures and transmission shifting delays.
The First-Year Third-Gen Hiccups (2018)
There was also a real need for more modern platform underpinnings, delivered by the third generation, but you typically want to steer clear of all examples debuting in 2018. A new full redesign is always peppered with some unwelcome hidden manufacturing bugs on first-year models.
In 2018, owners often complained of persistent software glitches that activated unwanted check engine lights, along with early battery failure and fuel pump problems.
The Best Green-Light Years to Buy
Once we get the ugly stuff out of the way, let’s move on to those model years when Chevrolet nailed the formula.
The Reliability Champions: 2019–2021
But if you’re in the market for a reliable, modern daily driver, it’s probably best to focus on the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years to secure the best year used Chevy Equinox. The early software bugs found in the third-generation models were solved by the manufacturer by 2019.
The model year 2020 is a huge winner because Chevrolet made important safety technology standard on all trim levels, such as forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist with automatic emergency braking.
The Second-Gen Exception: 2016–2017
There’s no shame if your budget requires you to accept an older second-generation body style, so don’t be disheartened. Model years 2016 and 2017 offer solid reliability.
At some stage, the factory redesigned the faulty piston rings, and chronic oil-burning issues were cleared up, making them solid entries in any used Equinox buying guide.
Also, there was an attractive mid-cycle freshening up for the 2016 model that included a standard 7-inch touchscreen and a crisp rearview camera.
Analyzing the Options: Side-by-Side Comparison
Comparing estimated costs, common complaints, and overall reliability scores side-by-side reveals what the best year used Chevy Equinox is when searching for the vehicle that gives you the most bang for your buck.
The table below goes into more detail on how different used model years measure up, based on historical repair data, consumer complaints, and market availability.
| Model Year | General Reliability Status | Major Mechanical Strengths / Weaknesses | Best Targeted Buying Budget |
| 2010–2013 | Poor (Strictly Avoid) | Severe oil consumption, piston ring wear, AC leaks | Under $7,000 (High repair risk) |
| 2016–2017 | Good (Safe Budget Buy) | Fixed oil burning issues, upgraded tech, sturdy V6 option | Around $9,000 to $12,000 |
| 2018 | Average (Proceed with Caution) | Minor software glitches, fuel pump recalls, sensor errors | Around $12,000 to $14,000 |
| 2020–2021 | Excellent (Top Pick) | Standard driver-assist tech, robust turbo engines, refined cabin | Around $15,000 to $18,000 |
As the data emphasizes, incrementing just a few model years completely changes your ownership experience, away from high-priced engine bays and towards modern-day safety and reliability.
Finding Value: Budgets and Engines
When you try your luck in the used market, though, it’s a real balancing act of how much you’re prepared to spend and what’s lurking under the hood. So, let us dissect how to wring the absolute maximum return value out of your purchase.
Sifting Through the Used Market
You are in luck if you are a little short on cash and trying to find a used Equinox under 15000. This price bracket is the sweet spot in online used markets. Not much more than $13,000 to $15,000 will buy you a clean 2019 or 2020 LT model with decent miles on the clock.
This means that you get a new platform and can easily find a dependable used Equinox under 15000 without suffering from equipment or poor fuel economy.
Choosing the Best Equinox Engine
Over the course of your search, you’ll come across a handful of different powertrain configurations. Finding the best Equinox engine depends solely on what you care about as a driver:
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1.5-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder: This will be the most common engine in third-gen variants. It is very efficient, allowing an impressive estimated 31 mpg on the highway, making it ideal for commuting.
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2.0-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder: This is frequently called the best Equinox engine for enthusiasts and is available only on older third-gen Premier and LT trims. It produces 252 horsepower paired with a seamless 9-speed automatic gearbox tied to up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.
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3.6-Liter V6: This engine is extremely bulletproof, but it’s only found in second-generation (2013–2017) models. For one, if you’re after a more affordable used vehicle, scoring a V6 from 2016 gives you stellar power without the oil-burning fears of that era’s smaller four-cylinders.
Maximizing Peace of Mind with a CPO Vehicle
If you’re concerned about picking up someone’s secret mechanical issues, look for a CPO Equinox (Certified Pre-Owned). It has to undergo a rigorous 172-point dealer inspection and is covered by extended factory powertrain warranties. A certified pre-owned CPO Equinox unit is also an excellent fallback position, since it gives you new-car coverage for used-car prices.
If you shop at ChevySUV, we always clamor to buyers about making sure that part of picking the right vehicle within a given year is making sure you check its entire maintenance history. However, flaws in major components may arise if the previous owner deferred regular fluid changes even on a serviceable 2020 model.
Conclusion
The best year for the Chevy Equinox turns out to be the one that dodged early engineering blunders and took advantage of factory fixes. Avoid the prominent equinox years to avoid like the 2010–2013 models, which are infamous for their engine issues, and aim for a 2020–2021 model or one of the refreshed 2016–2017 alternatives.
Armed with an organized used Equinox buying guide, you can arrive home in a reliable crossover that keeps your family out of harm’s way. Spend time in our other buying strategy guides; you’re going to want them right here on ChevySUV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which specific equinox years to avoid at all costs?
The 2010 through 2013 model years are specific Equinox years to avoid altogether. These early second-generation crossovers suffer from a well-documented oil consumption defect due to faulty piston rings that often led to total engine destruction at very low miles.
Why is the 2020 model considered the best year used chevy equinox?
The 2020 model is well worth seeking out as the best year used Chevy Equinox for its mix of excellent mechanical reliability and a good amount of contemporary standard tech. For 2020, Chevrolet also made its standard “Safety Assist” package standard across all trims that include automated emergency braking and lane-keep assist as free.
What is the advantage of buying a CPO Equinox?
The benefit to going for a CPO Equinox is that you know the vehicle has fewer than 75k miles, there are clean titles only, and it’s passed a thorough 172-point inspection. A factory-backed CPO Equinox also comes with an extended warranty straight from General Motors, reducing your financial exposure.
Can I find a dependable used Equinox under 15000?
Absolutely. A budget for a used Equinox under 15000 is sufficient to snare a third-generation 2019 or 2020 model in good condition with good service records. At this price point, you are actually getting a newer, fuel-efficient used Equinox under 15000 without the associated value depreciation that comes with fresh-off-the-lot vehicles.
What is the best Equinox engine for long-term towing and power?
The available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is widely considered the best Equinox engine for those seeking a little more capability in their daily drive. The output is 252 hp and enables the crossover to tow up to 3,500 pounds compared to the standard 1.5-liter engine’s maximum of just 1,500 pounds.
