Do any Chevy Equinox have leather seats?
Yes. Leather seats are available on higher trims of the Chevy Equinox, typically as leather-appointed seating rather than full genuine leather. Availability depends on model year and trim level.
This article explains which trims have leather, what "leather-appointed" means, and how to verify the seating material for a specific Equinox year and configuration.
Leather seating by trim
Overview of how leather appears across common Equinox trims in recent generations.
- Premier — Leather-appointed seating is standard in most recent years, with heated front seats and other comfort features available depending on the year.
- LT — Leather Package is typically available to add leather-appointed seating; heated front seats and a power driver's seat are commonly included with this option in many years.
- LS — Cloth upholstery is standard; leather seating is not typically offered on this base trim in most model years.
Because GM updates features year by year, always verify the exact trim contents for the specific model year you’re considering.
What does "leather-appointed" mean?
The term "leather-appointed" is Chevrolet’s way of indicating that part or all of the seating surfaces are covered in leather or a leather-like material (often synthetic leather). It does not necessarily mean the seats are genuine, full-grain leather across the entire surface. The designation is more common on higher trims and packages rather than base cloth options.
How to verify the upholstery on a specific Equinox
To confirm the exact seating material for a given car, check the window sticker (Monroney label), the Build & Price page on Chevrolet’s official site for that year, or ask a dealer to show the interior materials and confirm whether the seats are leather-appointed and whether heated or power adjustments are included.
Summary
In short, leather seating is available on the Chevy Equinox, but primarily on higher trims such as Premier or LT with a Leather Package. Most instances use leather-appointed surfaces rather than full leather, and exact availability can vary by model year. Always verify with the dealer or the vehicle’s window sticker to be sure of the upholstery on a specific Equinox.
Do any Equinox have leather seats?
Chevrolet Equinox Premier
Premier models are at the top of the Equinox lineup. Thus, Equinox Premier SUVs come standard with more upscale features, such as luxurious leather upholstery and the addition of a heated steering wheel.
Which Chevy Equinox to stay away from?
You should avoid Chevy Equinox model years 2010–2013 due to widespread problems with excessive oil consumption, engine issues, and stalling. Other years to be cautious about are the first generation models 2005–2008, which had issues like head gasket failures, and the 2015 model, which had a dangerous airbag defect.
Specific model years to avoid
- 2005–2008: First-generation models, particularly the 2005, experienced significant engine problems like head gasket failures.
- 2010–2013: This range is highly problematic for the second generation, with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine being especially prone to excessive oil consumption, stalling, and other engine damage.
- 2015: A dangerous airbag defect was a major issue, where the front seat-mounted side impact airbag inflator could rupture on deployment.
- 2018: The first year of a redesigned generation had issues with the powertrain, including a potential problem with the right front intermediate drive shaft fracturing.
Common issues across various model years
- Oil Consumption: Primarily affects the 2010–2017 models, requiring frequent oil additions.
- Transmission Problems: Reported in some models from 2011–2012 and 2010-2015 models with the 3.6L V6.
- Electrical and Battery Issues: Occurred in the 2015 model, and 2005 models had ignition switch problems.
- Brake and Fuel System Issues: Specific defects in some models, such as brake caliper issues in 2020 models, and a fuel pump problem in 2021-2024 models.
Which models are safer to buy
- First generation (2008–2009): These are considered better options within the first generation.
- Third generation (2017 onwards): Models from 2017, and especially 2019–2021, are considered more reliable, with 2019 being the first year after the 2018 redesign.
What's the difference between an Equinox LT and an Equinox RS?
The Equinox LT serves as the well-equipped base model with modern tech and comfort. The Equinox RS offers a sport-inspired aesthetic with unique design elements and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The Equinox ACTIV is tailored for adventure with all-terrain tires and rugged styling.
What's the difference between Equinox LT and LS?
The main difference is that the Equinox LT includes more standard features than the LS, which is the more basic, entry-level trim. While both have the same base engine and performance, the LT adds comfort and convenience items like dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power driver's seat, heated front seats, and remote start as standard. The LT also typically comes with safety and convenience features that are optional on the LS, such as LED daytime running lamps and lane change alert with side blind zone alert.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences in features between the 2021 Equinox LS and LT: 55sOmar AlvaradoYouTube · May 28, 2021
Chevrolet Equinox LT vs. LS: Key differences
| Feature | LT | LS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | Higher starting MSRP | Lower starting MSRP |
| Engine and Transmission | Same as LS | Same as LT |
| Climate Control | Standard dual-zone automatic climate control | Basic manual climate control |
| Driver's Seat | Standard eight-way power driver's seat with power lumbar control | Standard six-way manual seat (Optional eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar is available via the LS Convenience Package) |
| Heated Seats | Standard heated front seats | Not standard; available through packages |
| Remote Start | Standard | Not standard; available through packages |
| Exterior Lighting | Standard LED daytime running lamps | Halogen headlights |
| Safety Features | Standard lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear park assist | Not standard; available through packages |
| Steering Wheel | Standard wrapped steering wheel, with a heated steering wheel available | Standard steering wheel |
| Liftgate | Standard power, programmable liftgate | Not standard |
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Which should you choose?
- Choose the LS if: You are on a tighter budget and only need the basics. You can add some desired features through optional packages.
- Choose the LT if: You prefer to have more comfort and convenience features as standard and are willing to pay more for them. It also includes some safety features that are optional on the LS.
