What is the best engine in the Equinox?
The Chevrolet Equinox has offered several engine options across its generations. For most buyers, the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is the best overall choice for a balance of efficiency and everyday performance, while the 2.0-liter turbo is preferred by those who want stronger acceleration or greater highway capability. The best pick depends on your priorities, model year, and region.
What makes an engine “the best” in a crossover?
When evaluating engines, owners typically weigh fuel economy, real-world driving feel, reliability, maintenance costs, and whether the engine fits their typical use—city driving, highway trips, or towing. The Equinox has evolved in this regard, with newer turbocharged options aimed at improving efficiency without sacrificing everyday practicality. Regional availability and model-year differences can also influence which engine is considered the best choice for you.
Current engine options in recent Equinox models
In the most recent generations, Chevrolet focused on two gasoline turbo engines for the Equinox. The 1.5-liter turbo is pitched as the efficient, everyday powerplant, while the 2.0-liter turbo provides more punch for acceleration and highway merging. Some older or regional configurations also offered other options, but the two turbos are the mainstream picks in many markets today.
1.5L Turbo: The balanced choice
Introduced to improve efficiency without sacrificing usable power, the 1.5-liter turbo is typically paired with a modern automatic transmission (the exact number of speeds has varied by year). It delivers adequate mid-range torque for city driving and smooth highway cruising, with better fuel economy than the larger turbo. This engine is often recommended for daily commuting and family use due to its practicality and lower operating cost.
Pros and general trade-offs of the 1.5L turbo:
- Excellent fuel economy for a compact SUV in its class
- Sufficient everyday power for most drivers and typical cargo loads
- Lower upfront cost and likely lower maintenance/repair costs over time
- Transmission tuning and year-to-year changes can affect feel and efficiency
In normal driving, the 1.5L turbo offers a satisfying balance between performance and efficiency, making it the default recommendation for most buyers.
2.0L Turbo: The power option
The 2.0-liter turbo is built for drivers who value stronger acceleration, more confident highway merging, and better capability when the Equinox is fully loaded. It produces noticeably more peak power and torque than the 1.5L, and is usually paired with a higher-capacity automatic transmission. The result is brisker performance at the cost of lower fuel economy and higher purchase and maintenance costs.
Pros and general trade-offs of the 2.0L turbo:
- Greater acceleration and stronger highway performance
- Better capability when carrying heavier loads or towing limits
- Higher fuel consumption and potentially higher maintenance costs
- Typically more expensive upfront than the 1.5L option
For buyers who regularly drive with a full cabin, long highway commutes, or light-towing duties, the 2.0L turbo can be a compelling upgrade.
Which engine should you choose?
Choosing the best engine comes down to your priorities. If efficiency and everyday practicality are your top concerns, the 1.5L turbo is generally the most sensible pick. If you crave quicker acceleration, improved on-tap power, or plan to haul cargo more often, the 2.0L turbo is worth the extra cost and trade-offs.
To help you decide, consider these factors before buying or leasing:
- Fuel economy vs. performance: Are you optimizing for miles per gallon or an eager throttle response?
- Daily usage and driving style: City commutes vs. highway miles and weekend trips influence which engine feels better to you.
- Towing and payload needs: Heavier loads or occasional towing may justify the 2.0L’s extra power.
- Cost of ownership: Initial price, insurance, fuel costs, and maintenance can shift the value proposition between engines.
In practice, most Equinox buyers will find the 1.5L turbo to be the best overall balance, with the 2.0L turbo serving as a desirable upgrade for those with higher performance or payload requirements.
Notes on regional availability and model years
The exact engine offerings and tuning can vary by model year and market. Some older or non-US markets may have had additional engine choices or different transmission setups. Always verify the specific engine options and EPA fuel economy ratings for your exact vehicle and year when shopping, and take a test drive to feel how each engine responds in your typical driving conditions.
Summary
For most Chevrolet Equinox shoppers, the 1.5-liter turbo engine provides the best everyday value—a good balance of fuel economy, sufficient power, and cost of ownership. The 2.0-liter turbo is the recommended upgrade for those who want stronger acceleration or more capability under load. Always check the exact engine and transmission pairing for your model year and region, and test drive both options to determine which matches your driving needs.
