Does a Chevy Equinox use a lot of gas?
The short answer: not unusually gas-guzzling for its class. Modern Equinox models, especially those with the 1.5-liter turbo engine, typically deliver competitive fuel economy—roughly mid-20s to low-30s miles per gallon (mpg) combined, depending on drive type and year. All-wheel drive usually lowers mpg by a few miles per gallon compared with front-wheel drive.
This article delves into how the Equinox’s fuel economy is determined, what to expect from different engines and drivetrains, how real-world mileage lines up with EPA estimates, and practical tips to squeeze more efficiency from your daily driving.
Factors that influence fuel economy
Fuel efficiency for the Equinox is affected by the chosen engine, drivetrain, payload, tire condition, and driving habits. City driving, frequent rapid acceleration, heavy loads, and roof racks can all reduce mpg, while highway cruising at steady speeds tends to improve it. It’s also worth noting that newer generations have more efficient turbocharged options, which helps offset weight and versatility with better mileage.
Engine options and their mpg ranges
Below are the main engine configurations found in recent Equinox models and their approximate fuel economy ranges. Figures vary by model year, trim, and drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD).
- 1.5L Turbo I4 with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Roughly in the high 20s to low 30s mpg combined, with EPA estimates typically around the mid- to upper-20s for city and upper-30s on the highway depending on year and gearing.
- 1.5L Turbo I4 with All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Similar or slightly lower combined mpg than the FWD version, often a few mpg down due to AWD drag.
- 2.0L Turbo I4: More performance-oriented; commonly in the mid-20s mpg combined, with highway efficiency dipping into the high 20s or low 30s depending on configuration.
- 2.4L Naturally Aspirated (older generations): Earlier models offered lower city mpg and mid- to high-30s highway mpg in some cases, but overall efficiency is generally lower in mixed driving compared with the turbo options.
Conclusions here are approximate and year-specific. For exact numbers, check the EPA ratings for your model year and drivetrain configuration.
Real-world performance and comparisons
EPA estimates establish a baseline, but real-world mileage depends on how you drive and where you drive. In city-heavy commuting, you’ll typically see numbers at the lower end of the ranges, while highway trips with steady speeds can approach the upper end. Relative to peers in the compact-SUV class—such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue—the Equinox’s 1.5L turbo setup generally remains competitive on highway efficiency, with variations by year and specific configuration. There is no hybrid variant of the Equinox as of 2025, so it sits in the non-hybrid segment of the market for fuel economy comparisons.
Maximizing fuel economy with your Equinox
Below is a list of practical steps that can help you maximize mpg in everyday use. The following list summarizes the key actions, followed by a brief note on what you might expect from implementing them.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure; underinflated tires waste energy and reduce mpg.
- Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule: replace air filters, spark plugs, and fluids as recommended; clean, well-maintained components run more efficiently.
- Drive smoothly: avoid rapid starts and stops; use gradual acceleration and gentle braking; consider using eco/efficiency mode if equipped.
- Lighten the load and remove roof racks when not in use; extra weight and roof drag reduce highway mpg.
- Plan trips to combine errands and minimize idling; idling wastes fuel without moving the vehicle.
- On highways, use cruise control when appropriate to maintain steady speeds and optimize fuel use.
- Use the correct octane as recommended by GM for your engine; higher octane won’t necessarily improve efficiency on engines that don’t require it.
These steps can yield noticeable gains in fuel economy, especially in city driving and during frequent short trips. Real-world benefits vary by driving conditions and how consistently you apply the practices.
Summary
In the current lineup, the Chevy Equinox offers respectable fuel economy for a non-hybrid compact SUV, particularly with the 1.5L turbo engines. Expect roughly mid-20s to low-30s mpg combined in typical mixed driving, with AWD versions usually trailing their FWD counterparts by a few mpg. The 2.0L turbo prioritizes performance at the expense of a bit more fuel consumption, and older 2.4L engines are generally less efficient overall. For buyers focused on efficiency, opting for the 1.5L turbo with front-wheel drive and following fuel-saving practices will typically yield the best results. Regular maintenance and mindful driving remain your best tools to maximize mpg.
