Strong sales continue for this lowly performer

Roseville, Calif. – Just being average just isn’t good enough in this highly competitive class. However, this does not mean that success cannot be achieved in terms of sales.

Although it remains a notch or even two behind class leaders like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape and Mazda CX-5, the Chevy Equinox can point to the numbers of its impact in the compact crossover sport utility vehicle category.

Since its introduction 18 years ago, there have only been three times the Equinox has failed to surpass 100,000 sales. Despite the numbers, the Equinox is not mentioned in the same respectful tone as the class leaders.

Overall, Equinox sales have been great. But note that after selling 218,000 or more vehicles for nine consecutive years, the number has dropped to 165,323 for 2021. That’s more than half of the Equinox’s best-year sales – 346,048 in 2019.

With some upgrades, the 2022 Chevy Equinox could see a year of sales rebound. It arrived with revised exterior styling (new grille, refreshed bumpers, LED headlights and LED daytime running lights), sporty-looking new RS trim and offers more optional safety features than ever before.

The ups and downs

The Equinox has many advantages. It has a spacious cabin, solid handling and a straightforward infotainment system. Yet its downside remains the same – modest performance at best and a disappointing interior.

Two years ago the Equinox ditched its diesel engine and this year bid farewell to an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

What remains is an engine for all four trim levels (LS, LT, RS, Premier), a 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder that generates 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque.

Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the front-drive Equinox offers an unimpressive 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds. Fuel economy (26-31 mpg) is fine for most SUVs, but in this class there are at least four other SUVs with better gas mileage. Max towing is also modest at 1,500 pounds.

AT A GLANCE: 2022 CHEVROLET EQUINOX

• Performance: 1.5-liter turbo, four-cylinder, 170 horsepower
• Mileage rating: 26-31 mpg
• Price estimate: $25,900 to $32,700
• Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Transmission: 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside assistance: 6 years/100,000; Corrosion: 5 years/100,000
  The Equinox lacks excitement, but it doesn’t present great road challenges. It’s easy to drive thanks to its ability to easily navigate corners and maneuver well in tight spaces.

Standard driver safety aids include forward collision mitigation, lane keep assist and rear seat reminder, automatic forward emergency braking, automatic high beams and restrictions for teenagers.

Interior

We like the Equinox cabin because it’s practical and easy to get used to the layout. Standard features include a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with wireless connectivity.

The standard 7-inch touchscreen responds quickly and simply to view and adjust while driving. It also uses convenient buttons and dials instead of operating them by touchscreen.

Front passengers have good legroom and headroom. However, rear headroom is a bit tight for tall people due to the panoramic sunroof. The second row is comfortable for three children or two adults.

Even though the cargo space doesn’t match some rivals, there’s still 29.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 63.9 cubic feet with the row folded on the ground.

Judging by its annual sales, many car buyers are still able to pull the trigger on the Chevy Equinox. Among its strengths are performance, a solid interior composition and good driving characteristics.