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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Chevrolet Equinox

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Overview

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2012 Chevrolet Equinox Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.8

In the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV, Chevrolet stretched the boundary of what is considered "compact" to create a small SUV priced and equipped like the segment-leading Honda CR-V, but with more power, more features and more style. Comparatively, the Toyota RAV4 might be a better matchup, as both vehicles have the same larger footprint, offer the option of a V6 engine and are similarly priced. Although unlike the RAV4, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox SUV does not offer a third-row seat, it does have plenty of room for five and a sizable cargo hold to boot. The Traverse is more stylish than many of its competitors, including the conservatively styled Kia Sorrento and somewhat dated Ford Escape. With some of the best fuel-economy figures in the segment, the 2012 Chevy Equinox continues to draw customers-new and repeat alike-making the most of every penny they spend.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the idea of driving a small SUV, but you want carlike ride and handling, excellent gas mileage, cutting-edge navigation, audio and cell-phone connectivity and you demand it all in a vehicle with a strong sense of style, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox will likely meet all your criteria and then some.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Those who cannot live without a third-row seat will have to live without the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox SUV. What's worse, to get a third-row seat you'll have the difficult decision choosing among the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai Santa Fe.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.8
Driving Dynamics

6.8
Comfort & Convenience

8.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.8
Value

7.2
Safety

8.0

How It Ranks

#7

out of 43

MPG

#11

out of 43

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

7.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Chevrolet Equinox Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Chevy Equinox compact SUV gains blind-spot mirrors on all trims, while Bluetooth is now standard on the LS trim. A rearview camera is added to the 1LT trim and a new 7-inch color touch-screen radio with USB port is made standard on 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. Later in the model year, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment and safety system becomes available.

Driving the Equinox

2012 Chevrolet Equinox Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions If the 2012 Chevy Equinox compact SUV has one standout feature, it's the vehicle's roomy, quiet and nicely appointed interior. If you count yourself as someone more interested in fuel...

efficiency rather than the fastest 0-to-60-mph time, the standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with its 182 horsepower should more than suffice. Teamed to an ultra-smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, the Equinox's 4-cylinder engine has no problem moving the little SUV, and its ability to select the right gear for maximum fuel economy earns the 2012 Chevy Equinox SUV an EPA highway estimated 32 mpg. If you're not trying to squeeze every drop of gasoline from your tank, the 264-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 delivers a much more robust performance. V6-powered models also offer more optional equipment, such as the Lane Departure Warning and Forward Collision Alert systems. Finding a comfortable position behind the wheel is a breeze thanks to the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and power adjustable seat. The Equinox's sliding rear seats make it easy for rear-seat passengers to get comfortable, especially those with long legs.

Favorite Features

Height-adjustable Tailgate
If you have low garage clearance or limited vertical reach, the 2012 Chevy Equinox SUV allows the tailgate to be programmed to open to a safe or reachable height.

Rear-seat Entertainment
This is an option we think more vehicles in the class should offer. In the 2012 Chevy Equinox compact SUV, the system features two independent seatback-mounted screens on which one rear passenger can watch a DVD movie while the other plays a (self-supplied) video game, for instance.

2012 Chevrolet Equinox Details

2012 Chevrolet Equinox Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

While the interiors of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda CR-V may be newer than the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox crossover SUV, we still think the Equinox has one of the most visually dynamic instrument panels and interior layouts in the segment. Aside from some plastics that look a bit cheap, the stunning flow of the center stack and the Equinox's ice-blue ambient lighting and available perforated leather seats make you forget you're not in a luxury crossover. Order the 2-tone Jet Black/Brownstone leather seat package, and you'd swear you were driving in a new small Cadillac crossover rather than in a Chevy. Beyond its good looks, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox provides excellent room for four adults, a vast cargo hold and lots of clever storage spots for drinks, cell phones and odd and ends. The rear seats can slide forward a full eight inches, creating an even larger cargo area. To help keep the cabin quiet, 4-cylinder models are equipped with active noise cancellation, a system that employs the audio speakers to cancel out intrusive sound waves with counteracting sound waves.

Exterior

Unlike so many smaller crossover SUVs that attempt to mimic the styling of their full-size big brothers, Chevrolet wisely gave the 2012 Equinox SUV its own distinctive look. Looking more like a slightly overgrown Malibu wagon than a tough little SUV, the Chevy Equinox stands out with an oversized headlight treatment and the signature 2-bar grille. Eye-catching styling cues include the "floating" foglight bezels and the sharply creased fender flares that give the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox crossover SUV a decidedly racy appearance. While we find even the base trim to be attractive, it's the LTZ trim that makes our hearts race. With its 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, chrome-covered door handles and neatly placed roof rack, the LTZ really stands out from its competitors' more pedestrian offerings.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All models have a 6-speed automatic transmission, while an "eco" mode on models with the 4-cylinder engine alters shift points to improve fuel economy. Safety and convenience are enhanced with standard OnStar, while XM Satellite Radio provides added entertainment value. The "smart" remote-start feature, standard on the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT and Equinox LTZ trims, also activates the heating and air conditioning.

Optional Equipment

The 2012 Chevy Equinox SUV offers a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a power liftgate, both of which are uncommon in the category. Other notable options include the 264-horsepower V6 engine, all-wheel drive, a navigation system, comprehensive premium audio system, remote start, rearview camera, leather seating, heated front seats, and a memory-enabled driver's seat and mirror. Later in the model year, Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system will allow users to connect their cell phones to the system, accessing such apps as Pandora and Stitcher Smart Radio via voice-activated commands.

Under the Hood

Every 2012 Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV includes a fuel-efficient, 182-horsepower, 4-cylinder engine as standard equipment, and all but the entry LS trim level offer the upgrade to the 264-horsepower V6 for around $1,500. The engines feature direct-injection technology and are matched with 6-speed automatic transmissions, both of which simultaneously increase power and efficiency. The 4-cylinder versions offer an "Eco" button that sets the engine and transmission programming to mileage-maxing mode. Both engines are E85 compatible. The V6 offers manual shift control, although we felt it could be more responsive. The 4- and 6-cylinder versions feature tow ratings of 1,500 and 3,500 pounds respectively.

2.4-liter in-line 4
182 horsepower @ 6,700 rpm
172 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 (FWD) 20/29 (AWD), 15/22 (E85, FWD), 14/20 (E85, AWD)

3.0-liter V6
264 horsepower @ 6,950 rpm
222 lb-ft of torque @ 5,100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (FWD), 12/18 (FWD, E85), 16/23 (AWD), 12/17 (AWD, E85)

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Chevy Equinox SUV has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting just over $24,000 for the base Equinox LS, and tops out at about $37,000 for a fully loaded AWD Equinox LTZ model. We expect our Fair Purchase Price values to reflect real-world transaction prices within a few hundred dollars of sticker price. Comparable base models of the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4 start closer to $23,000 and top out around $33,000 and $36,000, respectively. As for resale, we expect the 2012 Chevy Equinox to hold strong 5-year residual values, better than the Ford Escape and Kia Sorento, nearly equal to the Toyota RAV4, and just below the Honda CR-V.

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2012 Chevrolet Equinox Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.6

Out of 10

Based on 272 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.1/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

8.3/10

Performance

7.9/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.5/10

Perfect ride, super quiet

By Jen (ME) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quiet, good handling, well outfitted"

Cons: "No power passenger seat in the LT2 package."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I went from an 8cyl truck to this 4cyl Equinox with trepidation but needed better gas mileage & a good car in the snow. The 6-speed transmission offsets the loss of engine size nicely and the car is not under-powered for it's size. It is incredibly quiet, rides like a dream and at the LT2 has every option I could want. It feels like being in a far more expensive car than it actually was!!"

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great car. excellent build quality, reliable

By Cool Ride (FL) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, handling, fast, safety, quality"

Cons: "None. This is a very nice vehicle."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought a 2013 LTZ with the v-6 engine and most of the options in September. The car has been flawless. I have only been back to the dealer once, for a free oil change and tire rotation. Everything works as advertised. This is a very high quality car and the leather seats are comfortable. The car is quiet,fast and handles well. I have gotten 33.2 MPG as my best highway mileage. Around town it gets between 20 and 22MPG,depending upon how much time I spend idling at stop lights. The four cylinder engine would get better mileage, but I am very satisfied with the mix of power and economy with the more poserful V-6. I like the rear view camera, traction control, collision warning and lane-change warning systems. This is a very safe car. I get many compliments on the good looks of the car. I have nothing but good things to say about my 2013 Equinox. It is a well built, good quality vehicle. It is a very good car at any price, but for the price Cheveolet sells them, it is a real bargain."

4 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Best purchase!

By Cb (CA) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Practical design in and out, drives extremely well"

Cons: "No air vents in the back"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I couldn't be happier with this vehicle. The interior design is very practical with a deep center console, adjustable back seats with a tremendous amount of room. It drives and handles fantastic in all types of weather, heavy snow, rain or high winds. My ONLY complaint is no air vents in the back seat. All in all, I'd buy this car over again. We are currently in the market for a vehicle for my husband and he can't seem to find a vehicle he likes more than the equinox.....something tells me we might end up owning two..."

10 people out of 16 found this review helpful

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My own Eq

By JMG (CA) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Matches it's goals"

Cons: "Not a cargo truck, or a race car, much more!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have been borrowing my father's Eq for months, now I have my own. I know it very well even though mine only has 120 miles! Mileage and modern comfort at a very reasonable price."

6 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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major engine issue

By Cal on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I am having engine problems and dont get any help from GM... The oil consumption is unreal! Its around a quart of oil for every 300 miles. I get it changed at the dealer and have them document the oil usage but they say that GM wont do any warranty work until a complete engine failure? Its pretty bad when a person has to carry a case of oil with every time I leave town. I'm sure if I let it run low on oil the warranty will be voided, and it appears thats what GM wants."

23 people out of 27 found this review helpful

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A great car. Excellent quality and performance.

By DC (FL) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excelloent quality and performance. A great car."

Cons: "None. I like everything about my Equinox."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought a 2013 LTZ with the V-6 engine in September. The car has 7,000 miles and has been back to the dealer only once, for a free oil change and tire rotation. Everything works as advertised. I am very impressed with the quality, fit and finish, quietness, comfort and performance of the Equinox. The 301HP V-6 offers much better performance than the old 3 liter engine it replaced. My best mileage is 32,2 MPG on a trip while driving 75MPH. It gets 20 to 21 MPG around town. I am sure the four cylinder engine would do even better, but I enjoy the power of the V-6 The car is quick, quiet and handles really well. The brakes are superb. The leather seats are comfortable and I love the adjustable lumbar support for both front seats. This is a very nice vehicle at any price, but it is a real bargain at what Chevrolet is asking for one. This is a really nice car to drive. I am very satisfied."

5 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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See all 272 reviews