Is a used Chevy Equinox a good car to buy?
The balance of space, practicality, and price makes a used Chevy Equinox a reasonable choice for many buyers—especially when you pick a late-model year with a solid maintenance history. The key is to avoid aging generations and to verify recalls and service records before purchase.
Which model years offer the best balance of reliability and value
If you are shopping used, prioritize later-generation models that benefited from design updates, improved safety tech, and more refined powertrains. Here is a quick guide to years that tend to perform well in the used market.
- 2018–2021 models (the current, third generation): These versions introduced modern styling, more advanced safety features, and improved interior quality. They are generally regarded as the most reliable used Equinoxes in today’s market, with a choice of efficient engines and available all-wheel drive.
- 2022–2023 models (late-generation refresh): These continue the trend of improved safety tech and refinement. Look for a well-documented service history and up-to-date recalls; these years can still represent good value if they’re clean, well-maintained, and priced attractively.
In practical terms, buyers often find the 2018–2021 Equinox to offer the best mix of reliability, tech, and depreciation. A careful pre-purchase inspection and a clean service history remain essential regardless of year.
What to look for during a pre-purchase inspection
Before you commit to a used Equinox, run through a thorough set of checks to avoid common pitfalls and expensive repairs down the road.
- Maintenance and recalls: confirm routine maintenance has been performed on schedule and recall work has been completed.
- Engine and transmission health: listen for unusual noises, check for oil leaks, and ensure smooth transmission shifts during a test drive.
- Drivetrain and suspension: test all-wheel drive operation if equipped; inspect for abnormal tire wear or suspension clunks.
- Electrical systems: test the infotainment system, backup camera, climate controls, power accessories, and any driver-assistance features.
- Exterior and frame condition: look for rust, frame damage, or signs of prior accident repairs; inspect underbody for corrosion.
- VIN-based checks: use official tools to verify recalls and any active safety campaigns are completed for the exact vehicle.
A structured pre-purchase check helps you avoid models with creeping issues and narrows the field to responsibly maintained examples.
Costs, ownership experiences, and safety
Ownership costs for a used Equinox can be attractive, but they hinge on model year, engine choice, and maintenance history. The third-generation models introduced better fuel economy and more comprehensive safety tech, but some early versions carried transmission and electrical issues reported by owners. In terms of safety, later-model Equinoxes generally perform well in consumer testing, with features such as automatic emergency braking becoming more common across trims over time.
- Maintenance costs: routine items (oil changes, brakes, tires) are typical for a compact SUV; more expensive items tend to appear on older generations or high-mileage examples.
- Fuel economy and engine choice: newer engines offer better efficiency; the 1.5L turbo is favored for a balance of power and economy when available.
- Insurance and depreciation: generally affordable to insure compared with larger SUVs; depreciation slows in the later used years as the model ages.
Overall, a well-maintained late-model Equinox can deliver practical space, modern tech, and reasonable ownership costs, making it a credible used-car option in its class.
Safety and reliability notes
When shopping, cross-check independent safety ratings and reliability data for the exact year and trim you are considering. The best-equipped late-model Equinoxs with a documented maintenance history tend to be the most satisfying, while older generations require careful vetting due to issues that accrue with mileage.
Bottom line and takeaway
For buyers who want a roomy, capable compact SUV without paying new-car prices, the Chevy Equinox remains a solid option—provided you target the right model years, confirm maintenance and recalls, and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection. In short, yes, it can be a good buy, but the margin for error is smaller with older generations and with poorly documented histories.
Summary
The used Chevy Equinox offers value through space, features, and practical ownership, particularly in late-model years. Prioritize 2018–2021 models, verify maintenance and recalls, perform a thorough inspection, and consider your engine and all-wheel-drive needs. With due diligence, a used Equinox can be a sensible, economical SUV that meets family or daily-driving requirements.
