2020 Chevrolet Equinox

Pros: Generous passenger room for the class; large, versatile cargo space with good small-items storage; good selection of available comfort and safety features

Cons: Base engine has only adequate power; some middling interior materials; so-so rearward visibility

CG Says: The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox gains a standard Driver’s Confidence Package that includes automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, following-distance indicator, and automatic high-beam headlights. The diesel engine has been dropped. The Chevrolet Equinox was redesigned and downsized for 2018. The current Equinox is about four inches shorter and around 400 pounds lighter than the previous generation, which moved it from our midsize SUV class to the compact SUV category—where it competes more directly against rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4. Equinox’s larger sibling, the Chevrolet Traverse, got a bit larger for 2018 and a Chevrolet Blazer slots between Equinox and Traverse. The Equinox has two engine choices. The base powertrain is a 170-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Also available is a 252-hp 2.0-liter turbo four paired with a 9-speed automatic. All Equinoxes are available with front-wheel drive, and all models but the base L are offered with all-wheel drive. Available safety features include forward-collision alert, blind-spot alert, rear cross traffic alert, and GM’s Teen Driver monitoring feature. A hands-free power liftgate, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats are among the available comfort and convenience features. The previous-generation Equinox straddled the line between the compact and midsize SUV classes. The current Equinox’s downsized dimensions and smaller engines provide better fuel economy and a bit more tractability, and passenger and cargo room aren’t seriously compromised. The base 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine delivers only mediocre off-the-line acceleration, but the 2.0-liter engine has lively performance.