How many miles can you get out of a 2017 Chevy Equinox?
The typical range of a 2017 Equinox on a full tank is about 480 to 550 miles, depending on engine choice, drivetrain, and driving conditions.
Driving range depends on several factors beyond the label mpg figures: the engine and transmission installed, whether the vehicle is front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and how, where, and at what speed you drive. The 2017 model year offered a couple of four-cylinder powertrains and 2WD/ AWD configurations, all with a relatively large fuel tank for a compact SUV. Real-world range can vary significantly from the idealized EPA numbers due to terrain, cargo load, temperature, and driving style.
Fuel tank size and fuel economy basics
Knowing the tank capacity and typical fuel economy helps estimate how far you can go on a single tank. The figures below provide the baseline reference for the 2017 Equinox.
- Fuel tank capacity: 18.8 gallons (71.1 liters) for most 2017 Equinox models.
- Engine options and typical EPA combined fuel economy:
- 1.5L turbo with front-wheel drive: about 28 mpg combined.
- 2.4L I-4 with front-wheel drive: about 26 mpg combined.
- All-wheel drive configurations typically reduce combined mpg by about 1–2 mpg depending on the engine.
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic (no manual option on 2017 Equinox).
These figures provide a baseline. Real-world range depends on driving style, conditions, and the chosen drivetrain.
Estimated driving range per tank by configuration
1.5L turbo, front-wheel drive
With an 18.8-gallon tank and about 28 mpg combined, you can expect roughly 526 miles per tank under typical conditions (18.8 × 28 ≈ 526 miles).
2.4L I-4, front-wheel drive
With an approximate 26 mpg combined, the range per tank would be around 488 miles (18.8 × 26 ≈ 488 miles).
All-wheel drive considerations
AWD versions generally see a modest drop in mpg compared with their FWD counterparts, which translates to a lower per-tank range—roughly in the mid-480s to low-500 miles range, depending on the engine.
Real-world factors that affect range
Several factors can influence how many miles you can get from a full tank, including driving style, terrain, weather, cargo weight, and maintenance. The following commonly affect fuel economy:
- Driving style and speed (aggressive acceleration and heavy braking reduce mpg).
- Terrain and climate (hills, cold weather, and idling can lower fuel economy).
- Vehicle load (passengers and cargo increase energy use).
- Tire pressure and overall maintenance (underinflated tires and poor maintenance reduce efficiency).
When planning trips, consider your typical driving environment and observe your own vehicle’s observed range per tank rather than relying solely on EPA estimates.
Summary
For a 2017 Chevy Equinox, expect approximately 480 to 550 miles per 18.8-gallon tank depending on engine and drivetrain, with highway driving potentially pushing toward the upper end under favorable conditions. The 1.5L turbo with front-wheel drive is usually the most efficient setup, while all-wheel drive slightly lowers range. Real-world results vary, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge and your personal mpg data to plan trips accurately.
