Is a Chevy Equinox a safe vehicle?
In general, the Chevy Equinox is considered a reasonably safe compact SUV, especially in its newer generations; safety varies by model year, trim, and whether advanced features are included. Always check model-year specific crash-test results and recall history when evaluating a used vehicle.
Evaluating the safety of any vehicle involves understanding crash-test ratings, available driver-assistance features, and the vehicle’s maintenance history. This article reviews how safety is measured, what features tend to be available in the Equinox across generations, and practical steps to verify safety for a specific vehicle you’re considering.
How safety is evaluated in modern vehicles
Safety ratings come from independent organizations such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They test crashworthiness, crash prevention systems, and other safety aspects. For the Equinox, results vary by year and trim, with newer models generally offering more advanced safety technology and improved structural performance.
Key ratings and what they indicate
The following list highlights the main areas you’ll see reported for the Equinox and similar vehicles. Use these as a guide when comparing model years and trims.
- NHTSA overall safety rating (stars) and individual frontal/side/rollover crash results.
- IIHS crashworthiness ratings (Good/Acceptable/ Marginal/Poor) across categories such as small overlap tests and roof strength.
- Front crash prevention and automatic emergency braking (AEB) performance, plus any available lane-keeping assist and blind-spot/ rear-traffic features.
- Headlight performance and overall visibility, which influence nighttime safety scores.
- Recall history and service campaigns that may affect safety equipment or airbags; a clean recall record is beneficial.
Because ratings and available features shift by year and trim, always verify the exact model year you’re considering on NHTSA.gov and IIHS.org, and check recall status via SaferCar.gov or the manufacturer’s site.
Safety features across generations
Understanding how safety features evolved helps explain why some model years feel more secure than others. The Equinox has progressed from predominantly passive safety elements to more robust driver-assistance systems in its newer generations.
Recent generations (roughly 2018 onward)
In the redesigned third generation and subsequent updates, Chevrolet expanded the availability of modern driver-assistance features. Many recent Equinox models offer forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control on higher trims or with optional packages. These systems can help prevent or mitigate collisions, though performance can vary with weather, road conditions, and software updates. Trim level and options are important to determine which features are present on a given vehicle.
Earlier generations
Earlier Equinox models (2010–2017) introduced and gradually expanded safety tech, particularly in mid-cycle refreshes and higher trims. While they often offered essential airbags and stability control as standard, some ADAS features were optional or limited to select packages. If you’re considering a used example from these years, verify which safety features are equipped and ensure any available safety systems are functioning properly.
Overall, newer Equinox models tend to deliver stronger safety performance due to more advanced features and improved crashworthiness, but the exact safety profile depends on the year and trim.
Buying or owning a used Equinox: practical safety considerations
For anyone evaluating a used Equinox, confirming safety readiness is essential. Recalls, feature availability, and maintenance history all influence real-world safety performance. The steps below help buyers assess a specific vehicle’s safety before purchase or as part of ongoing ownership.
The following list outlines practical steps to verify safety on a used Equinox.
- Check the vehicle’s recall status for the exact VIN via SaferCar.gov and GM’s recall database, and confirm that open recalls have been addressed.
- Review crash-test ratings for the model year on NHTSA and IIHS websites to understand how it performed in tests.
- Inspect safety equipment: airbags, seat belts, child-seat anchors, and the condition of brakes and stability control systems.
- Test ADAS features where available: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert; verify these features work properly and are updated if applicable.
- Assess tires, brakes, and suspension; good tire tread and properly functioning braking systems are crucial for safe handling and stopping power.
By checking recalls, validating ratings for the exact year, and ensuring safety features operate correctly, you’ll have a clearer view of the Equinox’s safety in real-world use.
Summary
The Chevrolet Equinox can be a safe choice within the compact SUV segment, particularly in newer models with modern driver-assistance features. However, safety varies by model year and trim, so it’s essential to look up model-year–specific NHTSA and IIHS ratings, confirm the presence and functionality of safety technologies, and review any recall history before purchase. With informed selection and proper maintenance, an Equinox can offer strong safety performance for daily driving and family use.
