Does the Chevy Equinox use regular gas?

Yes. For most Chevrolet Equinox models, regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is suitable. Higher-octane fuel is not required unless you have a specific high-performance engine option, and you should verify the exact requirements for your year and trim.

Fuel requirements by engine option

This section outlines how octane needs differ between the common engine choices found in recent Equinox models.

• 1.5L turbo engine (the most common): Regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane) is sufficient; premium fuel is not required for this engine.


• 2.0L turbo engine (available on higher trims): Premium gasoline is generally recommended for maximum performance; the engine can run on regular (87 octane) but you may experience reduced performance and efficiency. Always consult your owner’s manual for your exact model year.

Bottom line: for most buyers, regular gas works. If your Equinox has the 2.0L turbo, you’ll likely get the best performance from higher-octane fuel.

Notes on fuel quality and ethanol

In the United States, regular gasoline typically contains up to 10% ethanol (E10). The Equinox is designed to run on E10. If you encounter higher-ethanol blends (such as E15) in your area, check the owner’s manual or contact a Chevrolet dealer to confirm compatibility for your specific year and engine. Always verify octane requirements for your exact vehicle year and engine option in the manual or on the fuel-filler placard.

Why octane matters and where to check

Octane requirements can vary by model year and engine configuration. The most reliable source is the owner’s manual or the fuel specification section on the vehicle’s placard. If you’re unsure, consult a Chevrolet dealership or customer support to avoid misfueling and potential warranty or performance implications.

Summary

The Chevy Equinox generally runs on regular gasoline (87 octane) for its standard 1.5L turbo engine, which covers the majority of buyers. For those with the 2.0L turbo, premium fuel is typically recommended to maximize performance, though the engine can operate on regular gas with some impact on power. Always confirm the exact octane requirement for your model year and engine option in the owner’s manual or with Chevrolet support. Most US fuel is E10, which is compatible with the Equinox as long as the octane requirement is met.

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. 

Do chevys take regular gas?

In general, most Chevy vehicles can use regular unleaded gasoline. However, if you drive a Chevy sports car or a model with an upgraded engine, you may need to use premium fuel.

What type of gas does a Chevy Equinox take?

A Chevy Equinox takes regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. It is recommended to use TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline to help keep the engine clean and running optimally. Do not use diesel fuel or fuels with high levels of ethanol, like E85. 

• Fuel type: Regular unleaded gasoline. 
• Octane rating: A minimum of 87 octane is recommended. 
• Recommended quality: Use TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline if possible, as it helps prevent engine deposits. 
• Fuel to avoid: Do not use diesel fuel or fuel labeled E85 or FlexFuel. Avoid gasoline with more than 15% ethanol by volume unless your vehicle's manual specifies otherwise. 

What happens if I use 87 instead of 93?

If your car requires 93 octane and you use 87, you may experience engine knocking, reduced performance, and lower fuel economy, as the engine may have to adjust to prevent damage. However, modern cars with knock sensors can often adapt by retarding the ignition timing, so you will likely be fine in the short term. In the long term, continued use of lower octane fuel in a premium-required engine could lead to engine damage and potentially void your warranty. 
Potential consequences

• Engine knock: The fuel may ignite prematurely, causing a pinging or rattling sound. 
• Reduced performance: You might notice slower acceleration or a less spirited feel from the engine. 
• Lower fuel economy: The engine may not run as efficiently, leading to decreased miles per gallon. 
• Potential for long-term damage: If the engine constantly has to adjust for lower octane, it can lead to internal component damage over time. 
• Voided warranty: Using the wrong fuel can void your vehicle's warranty. 

What to do

• Check your owner's manual: If your car's manual says "premium fuel recommended" versus "premium fuel required," you may have more flexibility. If it says "required," it's best to stick with 93 octane to avoid damage. 
• Drive carefully: Avoid hard acceleration or heavy loads until you can refill with the correct octane fuel. 
• Refill with the correct fuel next time: To get back to the recommended octane, fill up with 93 octane on your next visit to the gas station.