Chevy Equinox 2022 Review

The Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV that competes with some of the most popular vehicles on the market, including the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. So for 2022, Chevy is giving the Equinox a bit of an update in hopes of making it a more compelling pick.

This latest model includes a refreshed look with new LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and a new grille. The styling on the front and rear bumpers has been revised as well. You'll also be able to get the Equinox in the new RS trim that adds more features and has black wheels and blacked-out trim to make it look sportier.

Unfortunately, the Equinox faces some steep competition, and those cosmetic upgrades don't do much to fix the Equinox's small cargo space, lackluster cabin design and sluggish performance. These are things that will only likely be remedied by a redesign. For 2022, we think most small SUV shoppers would be better off with a Ford Escape, CR-V or Mazda CX-5.

Which Equinox does MatoCar recommend?

Chevrolet offers the 2022 Equinox in four trim levels: LS, LT, RS and Premier. Each one is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (170 horsepower, 203 lb-ft of torque) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Feature highlights include:

LS The base Equinox comes with:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Keyless entry and push-button ignition
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Six-speaker audio system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot

The Equinox also comes standard with driver aids such as:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the Equinox back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Rear-seat reminder (alerts you to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle)

You can also opt for the LS Convenience package that adds:

• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Enhanced multi-color driver information display
• Rear privacy glass

LT Our recommended trim level is your ticket to satisfaction. It comes with:

• LS Convenience package
• Added chrome and body-colored exterior trim
• Satellite radio
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Remote rear-seat folding levers
• Illuminated sun visors

Several packages are available for the LT trim, including:

• Confidence & Convenience package:
• Remote engine start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Power liftgate
• Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible when parking)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

• Infotainment package:
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• High-definition backup camera
• 120-volt household-style power outlet
• Heated steering wheel

RS Has more standard features and a sportier look thanks to:

• Features from the LT's Confidence & Convenience package
• Black-painted 19-inch wheels
• Black interior with red stitching
• Unique shift knob
• Power liftgate
• Roof rails

The RS trim offers a unique RS Leather package with:

• Leather upholstery
• Bose sound system

Premier Includes all the LT content, plus the Confidence & Convenience package. It also adds:

• 18-inch wheels
• Hands-free liftgate
• Ambient cabin lighting
• Wireless charging pad
• 120-volt power outlet
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Upgraded backup camera
• Heated steering wheel
• Driver's seat memory settings
• Leather upholstery

The Premier isn't fully loaded out of the box, however. You can also add:

• Confidence & Convenience II package
• Heated steering wheel
• Power-adjustable passenger seat
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts the speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Equinox and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Infotainment II package (requires Confidence & Convenience II package)
• Navigation system
• Seven-speaker Bose premium sound system