There are several different SUV functions, ranging everywhere from large family-friendly models to sub-compact SUVs that are made to appeal more to car lovers. The 2022 Chevy Equinox falls somewhere in between these categories, offering enough passenger space to fit up to 5 people while offering plenty of cargo for its small size. The Chevy Equinox first debuted in 2004 as a compact SUV designed with storage in mind, and while it has undergone some cosmetic changes and tech upgrades, its general crossover style remains the same: slim, sleek, and sporty.
The main factors you want to consider when purchasing a compact SUV are cargo space, safety features, and fuel economy. The great news is that the 2022 Chevy Equinox excels in each of these categories and much more. The Equinox has been a favorite for many drivers as it provides the perfect balance of space and fuel economy without feeling too big or inefficient to act as an everyday commuter vehicle. Plus, the new styling choices make this SUV look fantastic anywhere you drive it.
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When you purchase an SUV instead of a car, the main factor you’re typically sacrificing is fuel economy. However, that’s not the case with the 2022 Chevy Equinox. This model can get up to an estimated 26 miles per gallon in the city and up to 31 on the highway, thanks to its 4-cylinder 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Don’t let the small engine fool you, though. You can still tackle those slick, snowy winters thanks to the new Equinox’s optional all-wheel drive feature.
While this model isn’t designed with towing in mind, that doesn’t mean it isn’t tow-capable at all. When you need to haul small trailers, lawnmowers, or ATVs, the 2022 Chevy Equinox has your back with a max towing capacity of 1,500 pounds. It’s safe to say that this model offers the perfect balance between affordability and capability.
SUVs have a bad rep of being plain, boring adult vehicles that lack customization options when compared to cars and trucks, but that stereotype cannot be further from the truth for the 2022 Chevy Equinox. Its standard exterior colors include shades such as Blue Glow Metallic and Cherry Red Tintcoat, but the real customization lies in the RS trim option. This sporty trim includes additional exterior customization features such as a black mesh grille, black side rails and window surround, and 19-inch black wheels. Below the grille lies a matching lower fascia that matches both the mesh grille and the Equinox’s exterior color. There’s an additional rear fascia on this model as well.
This red and black theme carries over to the vehicle’s interior as well. The 2022 Chevy Equinox includes red interior stitching, Jet Black cloth or leather seating, and black accents. Every trim also includes a chrome bordered shift knob and assist handles by every door. Overall, this model’s aesthetic options make it one of the more customizable compact SUVs on the market.
While the aesthetics are important, there are several interior functions that are also worth mentioning. Even the base-level 2022 Chevy Equinox comes with remote keyless entry and push-button start. All trims include a 7-inch color touchscreen as well, minus the Premier trim, which offers an upgraded 8-inch option. Buyers can get memory settings on higher trims, which include presets so that drivers don’t have to lose their custom mirror and seating settings after someone else drives their Equinox. Heated front seats are also an additional feature that is included on higher Equinox trims, along with remote start and dual-zone climate control, which means that the driver and passenger don’t have to agree on temperature settings. The driver can set the thermostat to 68 while the passenger can have the heat on.
Most importantly, we need to address cargo space. Despite its small size, you’ll get up to 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space with this model. While the 2022 Chevy Equinox is an affordable model, it does include several handy interior convenience options alongside its space and sporty design options.
The 2022 Chevy Equinox’s tech features will largely depend on what trim you choose. However, audio streaming features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard no matter what trim you choose. The same goes for general wireless Bluetooth capability. As you upgrade your trim, you’ll gain access to features such as wireless device charging, a wireless Wi-Fi hotspot, and even built-in Navigation. The wireless device charger is a simple pad that drivers can place phones or tablets on. This magnetic charger looks like a phone holder, so not only does it charge your device, but it also acts as cargo space in that sense. Additionally, no matter what trim you choose, you can pay for a SiriusXM Radio subscription and access it with ease, thanks to Chevy’s Infotainment system.
We also need to take a look at Chevrolet Connected Services. This is a standard Chevy feature that comes at no added cost to the buyer. First off, it includes Vehicle Diagnostics, which helps warn you of potential issues in between maintenance visits. Second, the Smart Driver technology informs you of your driving skills, tells you how you can improve, and can even help get you discounts on your insurance as long as you stay cautious and follow the speed limit. This feature also includes a marketplace you can purchase from and earn points with, along with a mobile app where you can schedule service appointments and access your owner's manual.
For an added cost, you can upgrade Chevrolet Connected Services with specific packages, such as the Remote Access Package for remote vehicle commands or the Premium Plan, which includes OnStar features. In short, the 2022 Chevy Equinox can be as tech-savvy as you desire, but the most important, basic tech features are standard throughout its trims.
One of the most important factors to consider while you’re vehicle shopping is safety. While most modern vehicles come with at least a few driver-assist features, Chevy steps the game up by including Chevy Assist Safety free with even the base-level LS trim. This safety suite includes six different driver assist features.
First, there’s Automatic Emergency Braking which automatically applies the brakes or enhances your braking in situations where you may collide with a vehicle. Second, there’s Front Pedestrian Braking, which works the same way but with people rather than vehicles. Forward Collision Warning works with these technologies to alert you when you could potentially collide with the object ahead. The Following Distance Indicator works ahead of this safety feature to help keep you from getting too close to another vehicle in the first place.
Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning is next on the standard features list. This technology not only notifies you when you’re lane drifting, but it can keep you centered in the appropriate lane by monitoring road lines. Don’t worry; when it’s time to switch lanes, you don’t have to turn off Lane Keep Assist. Simply remember to use your turn signal when switching lanes, and the Lane Keep Assist system will step aside and let you merge on over.
Finally, headlights actually matter a lot more than you’d think, which is why the IntelliBeam feature counts as a safety suite addition. Not only do these lights automatically dim when another vehicle approaches, preventing bright lighting, but these lights are also LED, meaning you can see much better at nighttime than ever before. While it’s not part of the safety suite package, you do get a standard rear backup camera on the 2022 Chevy Equinox as well.
Another standard safety feature that’s separate from Chevy Safety Assist is Teen Driver Mode. This feature is designed to keep young drivers safe. It includes options to add on speed limits, volume limits, and curfews. It also includes a report card, which lets guardians know how safely their teen has been driving when they’re not around. This standard technology also includes a vehicle tracking system, so if your teen needs help or isn’t home on time, you don’t have to panic with worry.
In addition to all these standard features, the 2022 Chevy Equinox also includes add-on safety options such as Side Blind Zone Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Front and Rear Park Assist. The Side Blind Zone Alert will notify you when a vehicle is in your blind zone by flashing a warning in your side mirror. Adaptive Cruise Control eliminates the need to reset your cruise every time the traffic flow changes, and Front and Rear Park Assist, which is a new feature for the Equinox in 2022, sends audible notifications when you get too close to an object while parking. Chevy succeeds once again in creating a safe and affordable vehicle option with its new 2022 Equinox model.