How high does an Equinox sit off the ground?
The Chevrolet Equinox typically sits about 6.9 inches (175 mm) off the ground. The exact height can vary by model year, trim level, wheel size, and whether the vehicle is configured for front- or all-wheel drive.
Ground clearance explained
Ground clearance measures the distance from the road to the lowest point of a vehicle’s undercarriage. It influences how easily the car clears obstacles like speed bumps and rough pavement, and it helps determine its suitability for light off-road conditions.
Typical clearance for the Equinox
For the current-generation Equinox (introduced in 2018 and continuing into recent model years), Chevrolet lists a ground clearance of about 6.9 inches (175 mm) on most trims with standard tires. Real-world variations can occur due to tires, wheel size, and suspension configuration, which can nudge the figure slightly up or down.
Variations by year, trim and setup
Several factors influence the exact clearance on any given Equinox. The following items describe common sources of variation.
- Model year and trim differences: Across generations and trims, the baseline height is similar, but suspension tuning and optional features can shift the measured clearance slightly.
- Tire size and wheel design: Larger wheels or lower-profile tires can reduce clearance marginally, while smaller wheels or taller tires can increase the effective height.
- Suspension and drivetrain configuration: Front- or all-wheel-drive setups, as well as any optional suspension packages, may alter ride height by a small amount.
- Aftermarket modifications: Lifts, leveling kits, or other alterations can change the ground clearance beyond factory specifications.
In practice, most owners will see only modest differences around the 6.9-inch baseline, and day-to-day driving is unaffected for typical paved-road use.
How to verify the clearance on your Equinox
If you want to confirm the clearance on your own vehicle, follow these steps carefully.
- Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Identify the lowest point of the underbody or rocker panel near the front or rear of the vehicle.
- Measure from the ground straight up to that point using a tape measure or ruler. Record the distance in inches or millimeters.
- Repeat the measurement at the front, middle, and rear of the vehicle to check for any uneven clearance.
- Compare your measurements with the factory specification for your model year and trim, available in the owner's manual or manufacturer’s official spec sheet.
Note that measurements can vary slightly due to load, tire pressure, and whether the car is carrying passengers or cargo.
Summary
The Chevrolet Equinox generally sits about 6.9 inches (175 mm) off the ground, with minor variations depending on year, trim, wheels, and suspension choices. For everyday paved-road driving, this height provides a balanced ride and adequate protection from minor obstacles. If you need a precise value for a specific vehicle, consult the official GM specification for your model year and trim or measure directly on the vehicle using the steps outlined above.
How long will an Equinox last?
between 200,000 and 250,000 miles
Average Lifespan of a Chevy Equinox
With the right care and good driving habits, a Chevrolet Equinox can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. That can mean around 13 to 17 years of driving if you average about 15,000 miles each year.
What is the highest end Equinox?
The "top of the line" Chevy Equinox is a tie between the RS and ACTIV trims, each offering a premium experience tailored to different preferences. The RS trim focuses on style with a sporty, high-end look, while the ACTIV trim prioritizes off-road capability and ruggedness for adventurous drivers.
RS (Rally Sport)
- Style: Designed for style-first drivers.
- Exterior: Features a unique grille, black emblems and badging, and available 19-inch wheels.
- Interior: Comes with a flat-bottom steering wheel and premium features.
ACTIV
- Style: Designed for outdoor-minded drivers.
- Exterior: Has a rugged appearance with a unique grille, front and rear fascia, and blacked-out badging.
- Interior: Includes all-terrain tires and a tuned suspension.
- Comfort: Features sueded microfiber seating, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
Additional top-tier features
- Performance: Both trims offer all-wheel drive (AWD), with the AWD version using an 8-speed automatic transmission.
- Technology: Higher trims provide additional features like a panoramic sunroof, which is available on the RS trim.
- Convenience: Higher-end options include features such as a hands-free power liftgate, driver seat memory, and a wireless charging pad.
What is the ground clearance of the 2025 Equinox?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox has a minimum ground clearance of 7.9 inches, while the electric Equinox EV has a minimum ground clearance of 6.40 inches. The gasoline-powered Equinox is slightly taller and has a bit more ground clearance than the previous model year.
- 2025 Chevrolet Equinox (gasoline): 7.9 inches
- 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV: 6.40 inches
How high is a Chevy Equinox off the ground?
The Chevy Equinox ground clearance varies by model year and drivetrain, but generally falls between 7.6 and 7.9 inches for gasoline models and around 6.4 inches for the electric EV model. For example, the 2024 gas model has 7.6 inches, while the 2025 model is listed at 7.9 inches, whereas the 2025 EV version has 6.4 inches.
Gas models
- 2024: 7.6 inches (for both FWD/AWD with 17-inch wheels, 8 inches with 18-inch wheels)
- 2025: 7.9 inches
EV model
- 2025: 6.4 inches
Important note
- The ground clearance is lower on the EV model compared to the gasoline models.
- Some sources report different ground clearances for the same model year, so it's best to check your specific model's specifications.
