How much weight can you haul in a Chevy Equinox?
A Chevrolet Equinox can typically carry about 1,000–1,400 pounds of payload and tow up to 3,500 pounds, depending on the engine and equipment installed. Exact figures vary by model year, trim, and drivetrain, so always check the door placard and owner’s manual for your specific rating.
Payload capacity: what it means and typical figures
Payload is the maximum combined weight of passengers and cargo your Equinox can carry safely. It depends on the vehicle’s configuration, including engine, drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD), and optional equipment. The most reliable numbers come from the door placard on the driver’s side or the owner’s manual, not from memory or general estimates.
Engine and drivetrain influence how much weight you can carry. The figures below reflect typical ranges seen in recent Equinox configurations, but your exact rating will be the sticker on your vehicle.
- Typical payload range across common configurations is about 1,000–1,400 pounds.
- Base 1.5L turbo with FWD generally sits toward the lower end of the range, with AWD or higher trims edging toward the upper end.
- More powerful 2.0L turbo configurations with available equipment can approach the higher end, depending on options and seating.
In practice, your vehicle’s exact payload depends on the trim, engine, and options. Always verify with the official rating printed on the door placard or in the owner’s manual.
Towing capacity: what you can tow and how to tow safely
Towing capacity varies by engine and whether the SUV is equipped with a towing package. The most common maximums cited for current Equinox models are up to 3,500 pounds with the 2.0L turbo engine and the Trailering Package. The 1.5L turbo configurations typically allow up to about 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. Always confirm the exact rating for your year and trim, and use the appropriate hitch, wiring, and braking equipment as required.
The following guidelines summarize typical capabilities by engine configuration, noting that exact numbers must be verified for your specific vehicle:
- 1.5L turbo (FWD/AWD): up to about 1,500 pounds when properly equipped with hitch and necessary trailer components.
- 2.0L turbo (Trailering Package): up to 3,500 pounds with the proper equipment and towing setup.
- Note that some older or region-specific variants may differ; always check the exact rating on your vehicle’s placard and in the owner’s manual.
When towing, weight distribution matters. Tongue weight is typically around 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight, and braking requirements may apply depending on trailer weight. Do not exceed the stated ratings, and consider consulting a professional if you’re new to towing.
How to calculate your own payload and towing readiness
To determine what your specific Equinox can carry or tow, you can compute from official numbers and adjust for real-world use. The steps below walk you through a practical calculation.
- Find your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) on the door placard or in the owner’s manual.
- Find the curb weight (unloaded weight) of your vehicle.
- Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR to get the payload capacity.
- Subtract the weight of passengers and cargo you plan to carry from the payload capacity to determine how much you can still load safely.
- For towing, ensure your trailer weight plus hitch weight stays within the rated towing capacity for your engine/trim. Tongue weight should be roughly 10–15% of the trailer’s total weight.
Tip: If you regularly haul heavy loads, consider weighing your vehicle at a scale and recalculating payload with actual passenger and cargo weights. Always confirm ratings for your exact year and trim before heavy use.
Model-year considerations and best practices
Chevy Equinox ratings have varied slightly across model years and configurations. For the most accurate numbers, rely on the door placard and the official owner’s manual for your specific vehicle. If you’re planning to tow regularly, make sure you have the appropriate towing package installed and that your hitch, wiring, and braking devices meet the required standards.
Summary
In short, most Equinox models offer around 1,000–1,400 pounds of payload and up to 3,500 pounds of trailer towing capacity when properly equipped. The exact figures depend on engine choice (notably 1.5L vs 2.0L turbo), drivetrain, and optional towing equipment. Always verify your vehicle’s exact ratings on the door placard and in the owner’s manual, and plan loads with careful attention to weight distribution and safety guidelines.
How much can a Chevy Equinox haul?
The Chevy Equinox has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds for recent models (2019-2023) with the standard 1.5L engine. However, prior models with an available 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (2018-2021) or a 3.6L V6 engine (2017 and earlier) can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. The specific towing capacity depends on the model year and engine.
| Model Year | Engine | Maximum Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024-2023 | 1.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 1,500 pounds |
| 2018-2021 | 2.0L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 3,500 pounds |
| 2017 and earlier | 3.6L V6 | 3,500 pounds |
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Important considerations
- Check your owner's manual: Always consult the owner's manual for specific details and weight ratings, as factors like passenger and cargo weight can affect the towing capacity.
- Proper equipment: Ensure your vehicle is "properly equipped" with the correct engine and any necessary towing packages to reach the maximum capacity.
- What you can tow: The 1,500-pound capacity on recent models is enough to tow small items like a pop-up camper, jet ski, ATV, or a small utility trailer.
How much weight can a 2025 Chevy Equinox carry?
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Turning circle | 37.1 ft. |
| Curb weight | 3,428 lbs. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 800 lbs. |
| Gross weight | 4,630 lbs. |
How much weight can I put in a Chevy Equinox?
A Chevy Equinox can carry 1,500 pounds of towing capacity and has a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,190 pounds. The exact payload capacity varies depending on the specific model and configuration, as it is calculated by subtracting the vehicle's curb weight from its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The towing capacity is generally consistent across recent model years, though some base front-wheel-drive models may have a lower rating.
Towing capacity
- Maximum: The maximum towing capacity for most recent models is 1,500 pounds.
- Configuration dependent: Some models, like a 2025 LT FWD, may have a lower rating of 800 pounds.
- What it can tow: This capacity is suitable for towing items like a small fishing boat, a couple of ATVs, or a small camper.
Payload capacity
- Maximum: The maximum payload capacity is up to 1,190 pounds.
- Calculation: This is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo that can be carried inside the vehicle.
- Variation: Heavier configurations (like all-wheel drive) will have a slightly lower payload capacity compared to lighter ones. For example, a 2025 LT AWD has a payload of 1,267 lbs while a 2025 RS AWD has a payload of 1,221 lbs.
How to find your exact weight limits
- Check your owner's manual: Your vehicle's specific weight limits will be listed in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door jamb sticker.
- Consult your dealership: A dealership can help you find the specific weight limits for your vehicle's configuration.
How much weight can a 2015 Chevy Equinox carry?
Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in. |
|---|---|
| Curb weight | 3,993 lbs. |
| Maximum towing capacity | 3,500 lbs. |
| Maximum payload | 1,077 lbs. |
| Gross weight | 5,070 lbs. |
