Why did Chevy discontinue the diesel Equinox?

The diesel Equinox was pulled from Chevrolet’s lineup chiefly because demand for diesel crossovers in North America remained weak while the costs and complexity of diesel technology rose. Gasoline engines and hybrids offered similar or better efficiency with simpler maintenance and lower total ownership costs.

In the mid-2010s, GM briefly offered a 2.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel in the Equinox (and its Terrain sibling) to boost highway fuel economy. However, sales did not meet expectations, and the added expense of emissions systems, DEF infrastructure, and maintenance weighed against the benefits. GM ultimately discontinued the diesel option after the 2017 model year in the United States, with no diesel variants offered in North America by the 2018–2019 period.

Background: The diesel option and its lifecycle

The Duramax-turbo diesel provided a fuel-efficiency edge on highway driving, but it required Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) management, diesel particulate filters, and other emissions equipment. These factors increased upfront cost, complexity, and service considerations for buyers and dealers alike. The market response to diesel crossovers in the U.S. proved lukewarm compared with gasoline engines and, later, hybrids and plug-in options.

Why GM pulled the diesel option

Key factors driving the decision

Before outlining the main reasons, note that the combination of consumer preference, cost, and regulatory dynamics ultimately shaped the decision to end diesel variants for the Equinox.

• Weak demand for diesel crossovers in the U.S. market relative to gasoline-powered models


• Higher upfront cost for diesel propulsion and the required emissions systems (DPF, DEF)


• Increased maintenance and ownership complexity for diesel engines


• Regulatory and certification costs associated with diesel vehicles


• Competition from more efficient gasoline engines and hybrid options offering similar efficiency gains


• Shifts in consumer pricing and fuel economy expectations as diesel prices and exposure fluctuated

These factors combined to reduce the return on investment for maintaining a diesel option in a mainstream, volume-selling crossover like the Equinox. Dealers also faced added parts and service considerations, which further dampened enthusiasm for continuing the diesel variant.

Regulatory and market context

Diesel technology carries tight environmental standards, especially in the United States. The cost of meeting evolving emissions rules—plus the need to maintain diesel-specific components—made the program less attractive as alternative powertrains (efficient petrol engines and hybrids) improved and became more popular. The broader industry trend toward electrification further reduced perceived long-term value of adding diesel to compact crossovers.

Timeline: Diesel Equinox in brief

To provide a concise timeline of the key milestones related to the diesel Equinox, see the summary below.

1. Mid-2010s: GM introduced a 2.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel option for the Equinox and Terrain to improve highway fuel economy.


2. 2015–2017: Diesel variant was offered in the U.S. market for these models, accompanied by the usual diesel emissions equipment and maintenance considerations.


3. Late 2010s: Demand remained relatively weak, and regulatory/operational costs rose relative to the benefits.


4. 2018–2019: GM officially discontinued the diesel option for Equinox/Terrain in North America; no diesel variants were offered thereafter.

In the years since, Chevrolet and GM have focused on gas engines with advanced turbocharging and on expanding electrified options, aligning with market preferences and regulatory trajectories.

Impact on buyers and the market

For buyers, the withdrawal of the diesel option means relying on gasoline engines (including turbocharged variants) or exploring hybrid configurations for efficiency. It also simplifies ownership, maintenance, and service requirements by reducing the number of diesel-specific components and emissions systems on mainstream crossovers.

Summary

The diesel Equinox was discontinued primarily due to a combination of weak demand for diesel-powered small crossovers in the U.S., higher costs and complexity of diesel emissions systems, and a market pivot toward more affordable, efficient gasoline engines and electrified powertrains. This shift, reinforced by regulatory considerations and consumer preferences, led GM to end the diesel option after the 2017 model year in North America and to focus on other propulsion strategies.

How long will a diesel Equinox last?

Average Lifespan in Miles and Years
Newer Equinox models usually hit 100,000-150,000 miles before needing big repairs. But, we've seen some go over 200,000 miles with the right care. Even in other countries, some Equinoxes have hit 320,000 kilometers (about 200,000 miles).

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. 

Why is everyone getting rid of diesel cars?

Most people aren't buying diesel now because lots of places are phasing it out entirely. This is because it's a dirtier fuel to the local environment. Diesel is better for fuel economy, so less CO2, but if I remember correctly it's worse for oxides of nitrogen and maybe sulphur.

Why did Chevy stop making diesel Equinox?

``We no longer offer the diesel option on the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox due to low demand,'' GM's representative told me via email today.