How large is the gas tank in a Chevy Equinox?
Most Chevy Equinox models have a fuel tank capacity of about 15.3 gallons (58 liters). The exact size depends on model year, engine, and drivetrain, so check your specific trim for the precise figure.
Tank capacity overview
Here is a quick guide to what you can expect across common Equinox configurations. Note that exact capacity may vary slightly by year and trim.
- Typical capacity: about 15.3 gallons (58 L) for the majority of Equinox models.
- Some variants report a similar figure in a narrow range (roughly 14.9–15.3 gallons / 56–58 L) depending on drivetrain and year.
These figures give a practical sense of range and refueling needs; however, the precise figure is listed on the vehicle's window sticker or in the owner's manual for the specific year and trim.
Tank size by generation
The Equinox has gone through three generations since it began production in 2005. In each generation, the tank size has remained essentially around the same practical value, with minor variations by trim.
- Gen 1 (2005–2009): roughly 15.3 gallons (58 L).
- Gen 2 (2010–2017): roughly 15.3 gallons (58 L).
- Gen 3 (2018–present): roughly 15.3 gallons (58 L).
Drivers in different trims or markets should verify the exact capacity, particularly if the vehicle has a different fuel system or if the spec differs by region.
Notes on variations
While 15.3 gallons is the common figure, a few configurations or regional models may show minor differences. Always confirm with the vehicle's documentation or Chevrolet's official specifications for your exact model year and trim.
Why the tank size matters
Understanding fuel tank capacity helps estimate driving range, fuel economy planning, and refueling stops. Even with the same official capacity, real-world range depends on engine, transmission, driving style, and terrain.
Summary
The Chevy Equinox typically carries a 15.3-gallon (58-liter) fuel tank across its generations, with only minor variations by year and trim. For precise figures, refer to the window sticker or owner's manual for your specific vehicle.
What's the most common problem with the Chevy Equinox?
The most common issues include:
- Excessive oil consumption: Many owners report the engine rapidly burns or leaks oil, requiring frequent top-offs and risking severe engine damage if not closely monitored.
- Timing chain failure: Early timing chain wear or breakage can cause catastrophic engine damage and sudden breakdowns.
How many miles does a Chevy Equinox get on a full tank?
A Chevy Equinox gets approximately 375 to 450 miles on a full tank, depending on the model year, engine, and whether it is front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). For example, a 2024 FWD model has an estimated range of around 387-462 miles, while an AWD model is slightly less.
Here's a breakdown by configuration:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD):
- 2024 Model: Approximately 387 miles (city) to 462 miles (highway).
- 2025 Model: Estimated range of 285–319 miles per tank.
- Average: Around 399 miles (with a 14.8-gallon tank).
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD):
- 2024 Model: Around 330 miles (city) to 420 miles (highway).
- 2025 Model: Estimated range of 285 miles per tank.
- Note:
- Driving habits (city vs. highway) and driving conditions significantly impact real-world mileage.
- Some drivers report getting more miles on the highway than the EPA estimates.
How many gallons can a Chevy Equinox hold?
The Chevy Equinox gas tank size depends on the drivetrain: front-wheel drive (FWD) models typically have a 14.8 or 14.9-gallon tank, while all-wheel drive (AWD) models have a larger 15.6-gallon tank. The size varies slightly depending on the model year and specific trim, but AWD always corresponds to the larger tank.
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): 14.8 to 14.9 gallons
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): 15.6 gallons
What year was the bad year for Equinox?
Years to avoid for the Chevy Equinox are primarily 2010-2017, which were plagued by widespread engine problems like oil consumption, and earlier models like 2005-2008, which had lower reliability. For the third generation, the 2018 and 2022 models also stand out as problematic due to software issues and recalls.
Years to avoid
- 2005-2008: These early models had numerous complaints and reliability issues compared to later years.
- 2010-2017: This second generation is widely considered the least reliable due to significant engine problems, including excessive oil consumption, stalling, and timing chain failures, especially with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter V6 engines.
- 2018: This model year had software issues that would cause the check engine light to come on unnecessarily.
- 2022: This year was affected by multiple recalls for issues like seat-bolt, fuel-pump, and child-seat anchors.
Years to consider (with caution)
- 2009: Considered the best of the first generation, as the final year fixed some earlier flaws and added safety features.
- 2014-2017: While still part of the problematic second generation, these years had fewer oil consumption issues than earlier years in that period. The V6 and newer turbocharged engines from later generations are more reliable than the 2.4L four-cylinder option.
- 2019-2021 & 2023: These are generally considered better years for the third generation, but be aware of some recalls and other complaints that still occurred during this time.
- 2024: This is a final model year for the current generation, and while it may be affordable, some sources note it as unrefined and underpowered with its base 1.5L engine.
- 2025: This marks the start of the fourth generation and some sources suggest it may not have fixed many of the issues from previous years, making it a potentially weaker option compared to other SUVs on the market.
