The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox is a familiar sight on American roads, and for good reason. As a compact SUV, it competes in one of the most crowded and popular vehicle segments, yet it remains one of Chevy's best-selling models, second only to the Silverado truck. The Equinox has built a reputation for being a practical, affordable, and spacious option for families and individuals alike. It offers a comfortable ride and a user-friendly infotainment system that keeps you connected. For 2024, it continues to focus on providing solid value, bundling many desirable features into its various trims. While it may not be the flashiest or fastest SUV on the block, its blend of space, comfort, and standard safety tech makes it a compelling choice.

Performance and Engine Specs

Every 2024 Chevy Equinox is powered by the same engine: a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine produces 175 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. In simple terms, torque is the force that gets the car moving, and this engine delivers it at low speeds, which is helpful for city driving. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth and seamless shifts. Its main goal is to maximize fuel efficiency rather than deliver sporty, rapid downshifts for quick bursts of speed.

Buyers can choose between standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and available all-wheel drive (AWD). The FWD version offers slightly better fuel economy, while the AWD system provides extra grip and confidence in slippery conditions like rain or snow. It's worth noting that the AWD system is a "selectable" or "user-activated" system. This means you have to press a button to engage it. It does not automatically turn on when traction is lost.

In terms of acceleration, the Equinox is adequate for daily tasks. It gets you from 0 to 60 mph in about 8 seconds. This isn't particularly fast compared to some rivals, but it’s perfectly capable of merging onto highways and navigating city traffic. The Equinox truly shines in its ride quality. It offers a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing most bumps and rough patches in the road with ease. The steering is accurate and direct, making it feel competent and easy to drive.

A Look Inside the Cabin

The interior of the 2024 Equinox is designed with practicality and comfort in mind. It's a spacious and well-organized cabin made from durable materials that are built to withstand the demands of daily use.

Space and Comfort

One of the Equinox's biggest strengths is its generous interior space. Both front and rear passengers have plenty of room to stretch out. The rear seats offer ample legroom, making it comfortable for adults on longer journeys. This makes the Equinox a great option for small families or for anyone who frequently has passengers in the back.

While the cabin is spacious for people, the cargo area is about average for the class. Behind the rear seats, you get about 30 cubic feet of storage space. This is enough for groceries, sports equipment, or a few suitcases. Folding the rear seats down expands the cargo area to nearly 64 cubic feet, giving you plenty of room for larger items. While some competitors like the Honda CR-V offer more cargo volume, the Equinox still provides a very usable amount of space for most needs.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Chevrolet has equipped the Equinox with a modern and intuitive infotainment system. A 7-inch touchscreen comes standard on the base LS trim, while all other trims feature a larger 8-inch screen. The system, known as Chevrolet Infotainment 3, is praised for its user-friendly interface and quick response times.

A huge plus is that wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims. This feature allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone to the car's screen to access maps, music, and other apps without needing a cable. Standard features also include Bluetooth streaming, USB ports for charging and connectivity, and an available Wi-Fi hotspot that can be activated with a subscription.

Trims and Pricing Explained

The 2024 Chevy Equinox is available in four main trim levels: LS, LT, RS, and Premier. This lineup offers a good range of features and price points to suit different budgets.

LS Trim

The entry-level LS trim starts at around $28,000. It comes well-equipped with standard features like the 7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Chevy Safety Assist suite. For 2024, buyers can add the Driver Confidence II package, which includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, making the base model an even better value.

LT Trim

The LT trim, starting around $31,000, is a popular choice because it adds a significant number of comfort and convenience features. Standard equipment includes the larger 8-inch touchscreen, a power-adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, remote start, and a power liftgate. This trim strikes a great balance between features and price.

RS Trim

For a sportier look, there's the RS trim, which begins at approximately $32,500. The RS doesn't add any performance upgrades, but it enhances the Equinox's appearance with blacked-out exterior accents, 19-inch black aluminum wheels, a unique grille, and black Chevy bowtie emblems. The interior gets a touch of sportiness with red stitching on the seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Premier Trim

At the top of the lineup is the Premier trim, with a starting price of around $33,000. This model includes all the features of the LT and adds luxury touches like leather upholstery, a hands-free power liftgate, a heated steering wheel, and additional chrome trim on the exterior. It's the most feature-rich Equinox available.

Standard Safety Features

Safety is a key consideration for any vehicle, and Chevrolet includes a solid package of driver-assistance features as standard on every 2024 Equinox. This suite is called Chevy Safety Assist.

Standard features include:

  • Forward Collision Alert and Automatic Emergency Braking: This system warns you if it detects a potential front-end collision with a vehicle you're following and can automatically apply the brakes to help reduce the severity of or avoid the crash. It also includes pedestrian detection.
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning: This system can provide gentle steering corrections to help you stay in your lane if it detects you are unintentionally drifting.
  • Following Distance Indicator: This displays the gap time in seconds between your vehicle and the one you're following, helping you maintain a safe distance.
  • IntelliBeam Auto High Beams: The high beams automatically turn on and off according to surrounding traffic conditions.

Higher trims offer additional available safety features like adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox might not lead the pack in every single category, but it excels as a well-rounded and practical compact SUV. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, a smooth ride, and an easy-to-use infotainment system loaded with the features modern drivers want. Its strongest selling point is the value it delivers. With an affordable starting price and a generous list of standard features, particularly on the popular LT trim, the Equinox presents a sensible and appealing package. For those seeking a reliable, comfortable, and family-friendly SUV without breaking the bank, the 2024 Equinox remains a smart and dependable option.