Are you looking to get a Chevy Equinox because the model has captivated you with its pure class and value for money? Is it confusing to decide which Chevy Equinox years to avoid and which ones to get? Well, the concern is the first step to making the right decision!
Glistening exterior, luxurious interior, and unparalleled performance—everyone wants to get their hands on a brand-new Chevrolet. With tons of successful models already ruling the roads, the brand mass-produces several new Chevies every year just to meet the demand.
In this article, we’ve compiled evidence of the Chevy Equinox years to avoid based on user reviews and commercial performance analysis of the individual models.
So, let’s dive right in!
The Chevy Equinox — Over the Years
The Chevy Equinox is among Chevrolet’s most-sold models, and when you look at what the car has in store for you, it all makes sense! The model was launched in 2005 and came with features that left every other car behind!
What’s more intriguing is that every year, Chevrolet made some amends to the models and improved their past mistakes.
Here’s a list of the key updates in the Chevy Equinox over the years:
| Year | Major Update from the Previous Year |
| 2005 | The 2005 Chevy Equinox comes with a conventional V6 engine, a broad wheelbase that provides lots of interior space, rear seats that can be adjusted fore and aft, and optional side curtain airbags. |
| 2006 | All variants for 2006 come pre-installed with antilock brakes. The LT now offers heated cloth seats, while the LS has body-colored fascias. |
| 2007 | Several new standard features have been added to the 2007 model. A tire pressure monitor, an MP3 player jack for the stereo systems, four-wheel disc brakes, stability control systems, and a driver information center.Furthermore, the availability of wireless starting, a navigation system, and certain new wheel designs are additional. |
| 2008 | The 2008 model now comes in with two new trim levels: the racier Sport, which boasts 264 horsepower and a modified suspension, and LTZ. Every car version now has the default OnStar and stability control, including electronic trailer sway control.Additionally, a tuning suspension has been provided for the standard LS and LT versions. |
| 2009 | The 2009 model comes with classic satellite radio and side curtain airbags, whereas Bluetooth is now available as an option. |
| 2010 | In 2010, the vehicle underwent a thorough overhaul. It is more affordable, has a better fuel-efficient engine, and has a new slim and stylish design inside and out. |
| 2011 | The optional V6 now supports E85, and the OnStar service is enhanced for the 2011 model.Furthermore, enhancements like Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, leather-wrapped steering, and heated cloth seats are now available in the vehicle. |
| 2012 | New forward collision alert and lane-departure warning systems are now offered for the 2012 model. |
| 2013 | The standard 3.0-liter V6 engine is now replaced with a 3.6-litre V6 engine. Various new remote features, like a remote garage opener, are now also accessible in the 2013 model. |
| 2014 | The Equinox is significantly unmodified this year. |
| 2015 | Little has changed for the 2015 model. However, a new trim level and 4G LTE connection with a WiFi hotspot is introduced within the vehicle. |
The 7 Chevy Equinox Years to Avoid at All Cost!
Now that we’ve seen that the Chevy Equinox is all set to become your go-to car let’s get down to business. No matter how awesome any car might be, some years just don’t work. The same is the case for the Chevy Equinox.
So, we’ve prepared a list of the seven Chevy Equinox years to avoid if you want no trouble with your car.
All data included in the tables below are based on owner reviews and reports from Consumer Reports’ Official review of the models.
#1 Chevy Equinox 2010
| Characteristics | Rating | Description |
| Reliability | 1/5 | The car broke down mid-drive for various reasons, includingOverheatingFailed transmissionSeized engine |
| Customer Satisfaction | 1/5 | Users were generally unhappy with the handling and comfort of the vehicle as the suspensions were bumpy and the electronics malfunctioned now and then. |
| Braking | 2/5 | Braking distance was longer than normal. The brakes also felt hard and rigid. |
| Engine Cooling | 1/5 | The 3.6-liter V6 engine took more than an hour to cool down after a drive. The car also shut down often due to this issue. |
| Engine Performance | 1/5 | Users reported the acceleration of the Four-cylinder engine to be below-par. It was slow to get off and even failed to maintain speed without added noise. |
| Transmission | 1/5 | Gear changing caused undue discomfort, and multiple attempts were needed to change transmission. |
| Fuel Economy | 2/5 | Mileage: 18 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $2,655 |
| Safety | 2/5 | ABS StandardECS Standard.Airbags |
#2 Chevy Equinox 2011
| Characteristics | Rating | Description |
| Reliability | 1/5 | The car broke down mid-drive for various reasons, including overheating radiator leaksSeized engine |
| Customer Satisfaction | 1/5 | Users were generally unhappy with the handling and comfort of the vehicle as the suspensions were bumpy and the electronics malfunctioned every now and then. |
| Braking | 2/5 | The braking distance was longer than normal. The brakes also felt hard and rigid. |
| Engine Cooling | 2/5 | The 3.6-liter V6 engine paused mid-drive due to overheating and took way too long to become functional again. |
| Engine Performance | 1/5 | Users reported the acceleration of the 3.6-liter V6 Four-cylinder engine to be below-par. It was slow to get off and even failed to maintain speed without added noise. |
| Transmission | 1/5 | Gear changing caused undue discomfort, and multiple attempts were needed to change transmission. |
| Fuel Economy | 2/5 | Mileage: 18 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $2,655 |
| Safety | 2/5 | ABS StandardECS Standard.Airbags |
#3 Chevy Equinox 2012
| Characteristics | Rating | Description |
| Reliability | 2/5 | Overall, users reported the vehicle to be unreliable as it had overheating and exhaust issues that made it necessary to have pit stops. |
| Customer Satisfaction | 1/5 | Users were generally unhappy with the handling and comfort of the vehicle as the suspensions were bumpy and the electronics malfunctioned every now and then. |
| Braking | 3/5 | Braking was inefficient and needed regular maintenance. |
| Engine Cooling | 1/5 | The Four-cylinder engine took more than an hour to fully cool down after a drive. The car also shut down often due to this issue. |
| Engine Performance | 2/5 | Even with the engine, the car failed to accelerate properly and unduly slowed down on ascents. |
| Transmission | 2/5 | Shifting gears was uncomfortable, and multiple attempts were required in instances. |
| Fuel Economy | 2/5 | Mileage: 18 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $2,655 |
| Safety | 3/5 | ABS StandardECS Standard.Airbags |
#4 Chevy Equinox 2013
| Characteristics | Rating | Description |
| Reliability | 2/5 | Overall, users reported the vehicle to be unreliable as it had overheating and exhaust issues that made it necessary to have pit stops. |
| Customer Satisfaction | 1/5 | Users were generally unhappy with the handling and comfort of the vehicle as the suspensions were bumpy and the electronics malfunctioned every now and then. |
| Braking | 3/5 | Braking was inefficient and needed regular maintenance. |
| Engine Cooling | 1/5 | The engine took more than an hour to cool down after a drive fully. The car also shut down often due to this issue. |
| Engine Performance | 2/5 | Even with the four-cylinder engine, the car failed to accelerate properly and unduly slowed down on ascents. |
| Transmission | 2/5 | Shifting gears was uncomfortable, and multiple attempts were required in instances. |
| Fuel Economy | 2/5 | Mileage: 25 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $2,705 |
| Safety | 3/5 | ABS StandardECS Standard.Airbags |
#5 Chevy Equinox 2014
| Characteristics | Rating | Description |
| Reliability | 2/5 | Overall, users reported the vehicle to be unreliable as it had overheating and exhaust issues that made it necessary to have pit stops. |
| Customer Satisfaction | 2/5 | Chevrolet’s usual ticks were not checked with this model as it was rough, bulky, and uneasy to drive. |
| Braking | 2/5 | Braking distance was longer than normal. The brakes also felt hard and rigid. |
| Engine Cooling | 1/5 | The Four-cylinder engine took more than an hour to cool down after a drive fully. The car also shut down often due to this issue. |
| Engine Performance | 1/5 | Users reported the acceleration of the car to be below par. It was slow to get off and even failed to maintain speed without added noise. |
| Transmission | 2/5 | Shifting gears was uncomfortable, and multiple attempts were required in instances. |
| Fuel Economy | 2/5 | Mileage: 25 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $2,705 |
| Safety | 3/5 | ABS StandardECS Standard.Airbags |
#6 Chevy Equinox 2015
| Characteristics | Rating | Description |
| Reliability | 2/5 | Overall, users reported the vehicle to be unreliable as it had overheating and exhaust issues that made it necessary to have pit stops. |
| Customer Satisfaction | 2/5 | Chevrolet’s usual ticks were not checked with this model as it was rough, bulky, and uneasy to drive. |
| Braking | 3/5 | Braking was inefficient and needed regular maintenance. |
| Engine Cooling | 2/5 | The engine paused mid-drive due to overheating and took way too long to become functional again. |
| Engine Performance | 2/5 | Even with the four-cylinder engine, the car failed to accelerate properly and unduly slowed down on ascents. |
| Transmission | 2/5 | Shifting gears was uncomfortable, and multiple attempts were required in instances. |
| Fuel Economy | 2/5 | Mileage: 18 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $2,705 |
| Safety | 3/5 | ABS StandardECS Standard.Airbags |
#7 Chevy Equinox 2008
| Characteristics | Rating | Description |
| Reliability | 1/5 | The car broke down mid-drive for various reasons, includingOverheatingFailed transmissionSeized engineRadiator leaks |
| Customer Satisfaction | 1/5 | Users were generally unhappy with the handling and comfort of the vehicle as the suspensions were bumpy and the electronics malfunctioned every now and then. |
| Braking | 3/5 | Braking was inefficient and needed regular maintenance. |
| Engine Cooling | 2/5 | The Four-cylinder engine paused mid-drive due to overheating and took way too long to become functional again. |
| Engine Performance | 2/5 | Even with the engine, the car failed to accelerate properly and unduly slowed down on ascents. |
| Transmission | 1/5 | Gear changing caused undue discomfort, and multiple attempts were needed to change transmission. |
| Fuel Economy | 2/5 | Mileage: 18 mpgEstimated annual fuel price: $2,705 |
| Safety | 2/5 | ABS StandardECS Standard. |
The Takeaway
There you have it. Picking a brand and even the model is important. However, choosing the right year makes a huge difference when it comes to getting high-performing cars! The Chevy Equinox is a beast of a car.
However, some years failed to fall on the expectations set by the initial make. Therefore, do not even consider the Chevy Equinox years to avoid what we mentioned above, and go for the best ones for a smooth, comfortable, long-lasting vehicle!