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- 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
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2013 Chevrolet Equinox Review
What's New for 2013
Interior
By KBB.com Editors
KBB Expert Rating:
The 2013 Equinox is Chevrolet’s torchbearer in the sizzling compact crossover market that pits it against rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. But the Equinox stretches the boundaries of the term “compact,” as it is noticeably bigger than its rivals. That size difference affords more room for passengers in the second row seat and a larger presence on the road. The 2013 Equinox does not offer a 3rd-row seat, but can be had with a V6 that has thankfully grown bigger and stronger for this model year. Those seeking the best fuel economy will want to look at models equipped with the base 4-cylinder. What that engine may lack in gusto, it makes up for in fuel economy with an EPA rating of up to 32 mpg.
You'll Like This Car If...
If you want a small-but-not-too-small SUV with plenty of passenger space, a comfortable ride and good fuel economy, consider the 2013 Chevy Equinox. Those who need to tow will appreciate the 3,500-pound pull rating on V6 models.
You May Not Like This Car If...
The Equinox is not available with three rows of seats, so if you need to carry more than 5 people, look to Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Kia Sorento, or the Equinox’s bigger brother, the Traverse. Need to make the most of cargo space? Check out the Honda CR-V or Mitsubishi Outlander.
What's New for 2013
The V6 option grows from 3.0 liters to 3.6 and now makes a robust 301 horsepower. Passenger seats can be had with 8-way power adjustment. Other options include a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, universal garage door opener, and safety system with collision-warning and lane-departure alerts.
Driving the Equinox
Driving Impressions If the 2013 Chevy Equinox has an area where it shines, it’s the SUV's comfortable and quiet ride. In this regard, the Equinox feels like a more expensive car. Models...
with the 4-cylinder engine have good fuel economy, but sacrifice power and thus performance for those precious mpgs. Buyers opting for the new, larger V6 engine will be rewarded with good off-the-line acceleration and plenty of power for passing, which was not a strong point in the outgoing version. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission connected to both engines is smooth. The Equinox does not feel at home in the twisties, as its suspension favors comfort over corner carving. The driver’s seat and tilt/telescoping steering wheel have multiple adjustments to fit a variety of driver sizes.
Favorite Features
ADJUSTABLE POWER LIFTGATE
Optional on 2LT models and standard in the top-line LTZ trim, this saves the hassle of manually opening the rear hatch door, and gives you the ability to adjust its opening height.
QUIET RIDE
GM went to great lengths to make the Equinox quiet by using specially insulated and sound-absorbing materials. The result is a much more serene cruising experience.
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2013 Chevrolet Equinox Details
Interior
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox has a comfortable and versatile cabin, but despite the boxy design, it does not make the best use of space. The Honda CR-V, for example, is nearly 10 inches shorter in length yet has almost 6 additional cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat. Where the Equinox does have an edge is in passenger comfort, especially in the rear, where the bench seat can move several inches fore and aft to create more legroom. Up front, driver and passenger benefit from generous-sized seats. Dash materials and the instrument cluster are attractive, especially on models with a 7-inch color screen and 2-tone surfaces.
Exterior
The 2013 Equinox has a good blend of soft curves at its edges to balance the vehicle’s rectangular shape. A long hood further helps even out the Chevy’s proportions. It all works to give the Equinox an athletic but not overly tough appearance. Other standout aesthetics include the signature 2-bar grille, “floating” foglight bezels and creased fender flares. Even base LS models are equipped with big 17-inch wheels, and top-of-the-line LTZ versions ride on 19-inch wheels.
Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment
All 2013 Equinox models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission, cruise control, and GM’s OnStar service with a 6-month trial subscription. Base LS models have an AM/FM/CD/satellite radio with auxiliary jack. All other trims come with touch-screen stereo system.
Optional Equipment
Option up an Equinox, and you’ll get a mainstream SUV that feels more like a luxury liner. Among the goods you can add are a V6 engine, all-wheel-drive (AWD), leather seats, dual-screen DVD entertainment system for rear passengers, touch-screen navigation system, collision alert and lane-departure warning, and heated seats. Chevy’s MyLink telematics system offers a host of information and entertainment options like Bluetooth audio streaming and the ability to implement functions using your voice.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine that makes an adequate 182 horsepower. New this model year is a more impressive V6 that puts out 301 horsepower, just what was needed to move this nearly 4,000-pound vehicle. Both engines are connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, with all-wheel-drive as an option for both engines. The 4-cylinder model can tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds, while the V6 can pull 3,500 pounds.
2.4-liter inline-4
182 horsepower @ 6,700 rpm
172 lb-ft of torque @ 4,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg (FWD), 20/29 mpg (AWD)
3.6-liter V6
301 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
272 lb-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (FWD), 16/23 mpg (AWD)
Pricing Notes
The 2013 Chevy Equinox SUV has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $24,500 for a base LS model. A loaded Equinox LTZ with V6, all-wheel drive and options can reach over $37,000. At its base price, the 2013 Equinox is a bit higher than competitors like the Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento and Mitsubishi Outlander. Be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what other buyers in your area are paying for the Equinox. Five-year resale value for the Chevy Equinox is expected to be strong.
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Equinox vehicles for sale near you.
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2013 Chevrolet Equinox Consumer Reviews
Based on 270 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.
Review this car-
ValueQuality
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ReliabilityPerformance
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ComfortStyling
Best purchase!
By Cb (CA) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
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..."
3 people out of 5 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
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
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."
2 people out of 4 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
overall rating 1 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
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."
10 people out of 12 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
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
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."
2 people out of 5 found this review helpful
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Great
By J.R. (SC) on Saturday, May 04, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "price, Mpg, looks, digital readout, reliability"
Cons: "I wish it was a hybrid, I'd like to get 40/50 MPG"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I've had this SUV for over 3 years and no problems. One of the best things I like is the digital speedometer with large numbers which are easy to read. The comfort, MPG, reliability and looks are great."
1 person out of 4 found this review helpful
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Lots of problems
By T. on Sunday, April 28, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000
overall rating 1 of 10rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"This car will clean your bank account out if you drive it after the warranty is gone! I will be trading for a different make but similar model ASAP! I like the car but cant depend on it, and even if its coverd under warranty its still a big hassle haveing to go the dealer practily weekly. Mabey I got a lemmon?"
13 people out of 17 found this review helpful
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Available Equinox Models
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Chevrolet Equinox SUV
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