Is Chevrolet Equinox good for long distance driving?
Yes. The Chevrolet Equinox can be a solid long-distance runner, especially in newer generations, offering a comfortable ride, ample cargo space, and competitive highway fuel economy. Which engine you choose and how you equip it will influence comfort, noise, and economy on the open road.
Engine options and fuel economy
Long trips benefit from a balance of power and efficiency. The Equinox provides engines that cater to different priorities: the 1.5-liter turbo for efficiency and smooth cruising, and the 2.0-liter turbo for quicker highway passes and higher payload capability. Front-wheel drive typically yields better fuel economy, while all-wheel drive adds traction in bad weather but can shave a bit off mpg.
What to know about engines
- 1.5L turbo with a 9-speed automatic: strong highway manners and generally mid-20s to low-30s mpg depending on drivetrain and model year.
- 2.0L turbo: more horsepower and torque for confident passing and heavier loads; usually lower mpg than the 1.5L but still adequate for long trips.
- Diesel option? Not offered on recent Equinox models; gasoline engines are standard.
Conclusion: For long highway stints, the 1.5L turbo is typically preferred for best fuel economy and smoothness, while the 2.0L offers extra power when needed. Real-world mpg generally fall in the mid-20s to low-30s range on highway driving, varying by year and trim.
Ride comfort, interior space, and cabin technology
Comfort and practicality can determine how enjoyable a multi-hour drive feels. The Equinox seats are designed for long-haul comfort, with a quiet enough cabin in many trims, flexible cargo space, and a user-friendly infotainment system that supports common smartphone connectivity.
What to expect inside the cabin
- Seating for five with adjustable front seats and generally ample legroom for most drivers and passengers.
- Split-folding rear seats (60/40) to expand cargo room; cargo space typically around 30 cubic feet behind the second row and up to about 63 cubic feet with seats folded.
- Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, touchscreen controls, and available navigation in higher trims; built-in Wi-Fi hotspot is optional on some models.
- Safety and driver-assistance features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control on higher trims or with optional packages.
Concluding: In terms of interior comfort and technology, the Equinox offers a solid setup for long trips, with flexible cargo space and up-to-date connectivity options, though features vary by model year and trim.
Reliability, maintenance and ownership costs on long journeys
Reliability varies by year, but routine maintenance—tires, brakes, oil changes, and alignment—affects long-distance performance more than anything else. Tire choice and road conditions influence ride quietness and comfort on highways. Overall, the Equinox has mixed reliability ratings across generations, so selecting a newer model with up-to-date drivetrain and electronics can improve long-trip confidence.
Bottom line: If you plan extensive highway driving, aim for a newer model year with the features you want and plan for regular maintenance and quality tires to optimize comfort and efficiency on the road.
Summary
The Chevrolet Equinox can be a comfortable and capable choice for long-distance driving, particularly with the 1.5L turbo engine and a well-equipped trim. It offers a smooth highway ride, practical cargo space, and modern connectivity, with all-wheel drive available for adverse conditions. Pros include comfortable seating, versatile cargo capacity, and competitive highway efficiency; potential drawbacks include variable road noise levels and reliability differences across model years. For the best long-trip experience, choose a newer model with your preferred features and stay on top of maintenance and tire choices.
