What is the 1.5 L turbo 4 cylinder engine Chevy Equinox?

The 1.5 L turbo 4-cylinder engine in the Chevy Equinox is GM’s Ecotec 1.5L turbocharged inline-4, delivering about 170 horsepower and roughly 203 lb-ft of torque.

In Equinox models, this engine has served as the core mid-range power option since around 2018, engineered to blend reasonable performance with better fuel economy. It uses direct injection and variable valve timing, and it pairs with an automatic transmission whose exact configuration has varied by model year and trim. Below is a closer look at what this engine is, how it performs, and what owners should know across model years.

Engine overview

A concise look at the design and core features of the 1.5L turbo in the Equinox.

Core design and features

Before the list, here are the essential elements that define the engine:

• Displacement and layout: 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4


• Fuel system: direct fuel injection with turbocharger boost


• Valvetrain: variable valve timing to optimize efficiency and power


• Drivetrain availability: front-wheel drive (FWD) standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option


• Transmission pairing: automatic transmission; exact gear count varies by model year and trim

Overall, the engine is designed to deliver usable power for everyday driving while aiming to improve fuel economy relative to larger naturally aspirated options.

Performance and efficiency

Details on how the engine performs in real-world driving and what buyers can expect in terms of efficiency.

Power, economy, and gear choices

• Horsepower: around 170 hp


• Torque: about 203 lb-ft


• Transmission: GM automatic transmission; the specific gear count has varied by year (commonly 6-, and in some updates, 9-speed)


• Drivetrain: available in both FWD and AWD configurations


• Fuel economy: typically in the mid-20s to low-30s mpg depending on drivetrain and model year

In practice, the 1.5L turbo is tuned to offer steady acceleration for daily driving with an emphasis on efficiency. Real-world fuel economy can vary based on acceleration habits, cargo, weather, and whether the vehicle is equipped with AWD.

Model years and variations

Notes on which model years used the 1.5L turbo and how configurations evolved over time.

Year-by-year notes

• Introduced around the 2018 model year as the base/mid-range engine to replace older larger naturally aspirated units


• Commonly paired with a 6-speed automatic in early years; later updates saw enhancements to efficiency and, in some trims, a higher-gear-count automatic


• All-wheel-drive availability existed across multiple years, with FWD as the baseline in many trims


• The engine remained a staple in many Equinox trims through the early-to-mid 2020s, with variations by market and model year

For exact specifications, including transmission gear count and availability in a given trim or region, consult the official GM specifications for the specific model year and model variant you’re considering.

Maintenance and reliability considerations

What owners should know about keeping the 1.5L turbo healthy and performing well over time.

Maintenance guidance and potential concerns

• Oil and filter changes: follow the manufacturer’s recommended interval and use the specified synthetic oil (often around 0W-20, but verify for your year)


• Turbo and intake cleanliness: direct-injected engines can benefit from periodic fueling strategies that help keep the intake and turbo clean


• Cooling system: ensure the cooling system is up to date, as turbo engines rely on proper cooling to maintain performance and longevity


• Troubleshooting indicators: typical signs to watch for include sluggish response, reduced fuel economy, or unusual noises that warrant service


• Maintenance history: stay current on spark plugs, intake valves, and related components per GM’s service schedule to avoid drivability issues

With regular maintenance, the 1.5L turbo in the Equinox is positioned to offer a balanced ownership experience—efficient operation for daily driving with adequate response when you need it.

Summary

The Chevy Equinox’s 1.5 L turbo 4-cylinder is GM’s compact-turbo solution designed to deliver efficient performance for everyday use. With about 170 horsepower and roughly 203 pound-feet of torque, it provides a practical balance of power and fuel economy across FWD and AWD configurations. Transmission options and exact outputs vary by model year and trim, but the engine remains a central element of the Equinox lineup through the early 2020s. Regular maintenance aligned with GM’s recommendations helps preserve performance and reliability over time.

Is a 1.5 L 4-cylinder engine good?

The 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine leads in both power and fuel efficiency. This is because turbocharged engines feature an internal fan and cooling system that keeps the engine at an optimal temperature during peak performance. It gives the engine that added boost while reducing the risk of overheating.

What is the life expectancy of a 2018 Chevy Equinox 1.5 Turbo?

Average Lifespan in Miles and Years
At Pinkerton Chevrolet, we've seen Equinoxes last 13-17 years or 150,000-200,000 miles with good care.

Is the Chevy 1.5 L turbo a good engine?

The Chevy 1.5L turbo engine is generally considered a good engine for its intended purpose, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for daily driving. While it can lack the performance of larger engines and has had some issues in older models, newer versions are known for good reliability and high mileage. It excels in fuel economy and is a capable daily driver, especially with regular maintenance. 
Pros

• Fuel efficiency: The 1.5L turbo is designed for good gas mileage, which is a major benefit for daily commuting. 
• Adequate performance: It provides enough power for most situations, including highway merging and light towing, though it may feel less powerful than larger engines. 
• High reliability and longevity: Many drivers report very high mileage from these engines, with some models reaching over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. 
• Regular fuel: Unlike some other turbocharged engines, the 1.5L typically uses regular unleaded gasoline. 
• Modern design: It's part of a family of modern, direct-injection, turbocharged engines that aim to provide power without increasing engine size. 

Cons

• Performance limitations: It may not feel as powerful as larger engines, particularly in heavier vehicles or during hard acceleration. 
• Potential issues: Some older models had specific issues, such as a recall for a defective accelerator position sensor in some 2018 Malibus. Other problems like cracked pistons have been reported in some, though solutions have been issued and they don't happen frequently. 
• Maintenance: Turbocharged engines, including this one, may require more attentive maintenance compared to naturally aspirated engines. 

Which Chevy Equinox to stay away from?

You should avoid Chevy Equinox model years 2010–2013 due to widespread problems with excessive oil consumption, engine issues, and stalling. Other years to be cautious about are the first generation models 2005–2008, which had issues like head gasket failures, and the 2015 model, which had a dangerous airbag defect. 
Specific model years to avoid

• 2005–2008: First-generation models, particularly the 2005, experienced significant engine problems like head gasket failures. 
• 2010–2013: This range is highly problematic for the second generation, with the 2.4L four-cylinder engine being especially prone to excessive oil consumption, stalling, and other engine damage. 
• 2015: A dangerous airbag defect was a major issue, where the front seat-mounted side impact airbag inflator could rupture on deployment. 
• 2018: The first year of a redesigned generation had issues with the powertrain, including a potential problem with the right front intermediate drive shaft fracturing. 

Common issues across various model years

• Oil Consumption: Primarily affects the 2010–2017 models, requiring frequent oil additions. 
• Transmission Problems: Reported in some models from 2011–2012 and 2010-2015 models with the 3.6L V6. 
• Electrical and Battery Issues: Occurred in the 2015 model, and 2005 models had ignition switch problems. 
• Brake and Fuel System Issues: Specific defects in some models, such as brake caliper issues in 2020 models, and a fuel pump problem in 2021-2024 models. 

Which models are safer to buy

• First generation (2008–2009): These are considered better options within the first generation. 
• Third generation (2017 onwards): Models from 2017, and especially 2019–2021, are considered more reliable, with 2019 being the first year after the 2018 redesign.