How much will a Chevy Equinox tow?

The Chevrolet Equinox can tow up to 3,500 pounds when it’s equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo engine and the Trailering Package; otherwise, most models tow around 1,500 pounds. Always verify the exact rating for your vehicle in the owner's manual or with a dealer.

Engine options and towing capacities

Two main engine options drive the Equinox’s towing capability. The smaller 1.5-liter turbo tops out at about 1,500 pounds, while the larger 2.0-liter turbo can reach 3,500 pounds with the Trailering Package.

• 1.5-liter turbocharged engine: up to 1,500 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped.


• 2.0-liter turbocharged engine: up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with the Trailering Package.

Conclusion: For lighter hauling or everyday tasks, the 1.5L setup is commonly sufficient. For heavier trailers, the 2.0L turbo with the Trailering Package is required to reach the higher limit. Always confirm the exact rating for your specific model year and configuration.

Note on model-year variation

While the general guidance holds across recent years, towing specs can shift with changes to engines, transmissions, and available equipment. Always check the exact figure in your owner’s manual or through a Chevrolet dealer to confirm your vehicle’s towing capacity.

What you need to tow safely with an Equinox

Before you tow, make sure you have the right hardware and follow best practices. Here is a concise checklist of essential items and steps.

• Properly rated hitch and wiring: choose a hitch class that supports your trailer’s weight and connect a compatible wiring harness for lights and signals.


• Trailer brake controller (if required): heavier trailers or local regulations may require an external brake controller; verify whether your setup needs one.


• Accurate weight math: know the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and ensure the combined load stays within the Equinox’s towing and payload limits.


• Weight distribution and tongue weight: aim for roughly 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight as tongue weight for stability.


• Payload and GCWR awareness: respect the vehicle’s payload capacity and gross combined weight rating as outlined in the manual.


• Safe driving practices: allow extra stopping distance, use lower speeds on grades, and plan routes with fewer sudden maneuvers.

Conclusion: With the right equipment and careful loading, the Equinox can tow within its rated capacity while maintaining handling and safety.

Summary

Bottom line: The Chevy Equinox’s towing capacity ranges from about 1,500 pounds with the 1.5L turbo to 3,500 pounds with the 2.0L turbo and Trailering Package. Always verify your exact rating and required equipment for your model year, and follow the owner’s manual guidance for safe towing.

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. 

Can a 4-cylinder Equinox pull a trailer?

The Equinox engine is a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that's not only powerful but also fuel-efficient, making it the driving force behind the Chevy Equinox payload and towing capacity. Take a closer look at some of the turbo engine's noteworthy specs: Chevy Equinox Towing Capacity: 1,500 pounds.

Which Equinox can tow 3500 lbs?

A Chevy Equinox can tow 3,500 pounds if it has the available 2.0L turbocharged engine and is equipped with the towing package. Older models, such as those from 2010-2017, could also tow 3,500 pounds with a 3.6L V6 engine. 
Equinox models that can tow 3,500 pounds 

• 2018-2021 Equinox: Equipped with the optional 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the towing package. 
• Older models: Equinox models from 2010-2017 equipped with the 3.6L V6 engine could achieve this towing capacity. 

What you need for 3,500-pound towing

• Engine: You must have the more powerful 2.0L turbocharged engine (on recent models) or the 3.6L V6 (on older models). 
• Towing package: The vehicle must have the optional towing package, which includes a tow hitch and electrical harness. 

Can my Chevy Equinox pull a camper?

Yes, a Chevy Equinox can pull a small camper, but its towing capacity is limited to a maximum of 1,500 pounds for most modern models. This is suitable for very lightweight campers like a small teardrop trailer or a small pop-up camper, provided the trailer's total weight, including gear, is under 1,500 pounds. Always ensure your specific model is equipped with the proper towing package for maximum capacity. 
This video demonstrates how to install a trailer hitch on a Chevy Equinox, which is necessary for towing: 38sU-Haul Trailer Hitches And TowingYouTube · Aug 23, 2022
Factors to consider

• Towing capacity: Most recent models have a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. Older models or those with a different engine may have a higher capacity, so it's crucial to check your owner's manual for your specific vehicle. 
• Trailer weight: The total weight of the camper, including all gear, must not exceed 1,500 pounds. 
• Towing package: To achieve the maximum towing capacity, your Equinox must be equipped with the Chevy Equinox towing package, which includes a trailer hitch and wiring harness. 
• Engine type: While the standard engine in recent models can tow 1,500 pounds, some older models with a different engine option could tow more, up to 3,500 pounds. 
• Type of camper: This towing capacity is suitable for a small teardrop or pop-up camper. A heavier camper would exceed the vehicle's limits. 

You can watch this video to see how to tow a camper with a Chevy Equinox: 8sGolden Anniversary AdventureYouTube · Jan 11, 2024