The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox gets a refresh this year.

And the Bow Tie brand does its top-selling SUV well by the adjustments it delivers.

In fact in the entire Chevy vehicle line-up, sales of the compact sport-ute are bested only by Silverado.

With that in mind, it makes sense that Chevrolet pays extra-special attention to the 5-seat Equinox and its upgrades.

So let’s unpack the details in this review, starting with the Top-3 things that make this compact crossover so popular.

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2022 Chevy Equinox Top-3:

1. Drive
   
2. Safety
   
3. Interior
   

Compact Crossover/SUV – up to 31 MPG

What’s New For 2022 Chevy Equinox SUV

At first glance, the ’22 Equinox is noticeably updated by the refreshed front and rear fascias.

Often these are the areas that carmakers focus on for updates, but Chevy designers get kudos for this one.  Because it takes closer inspection to determine if the vehicle is all-new or just spruced up.

Chevrolet also ads its popular RS offering to the Equinox trim line-up for 2022.  That’s Rally Sport for the uninitiated.  And as the name suggests, it delivers a sportier appearance among other upgrades.

Additionally, the bow tie brand adds some new exterior colors for ’22.  Including Cherry Red Tintcoat, Iron Gray Metallic, Seaglas Blue Metallic, and Blue Glow Metallic – some at an extra cost.

Finally, there’s some new technology available in the ’22 Equinox.  And that covers available auto parking assist and front and rear park assist along with Outside heated adjustable mirrors.

But the favorite tech enhancement that most road warriors will appreciate is the addition of wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability.

1.5L Turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder

Trims And MSRPs

For 2022 Chevy Equinox comes in four optional trim configurations.  With the starting manufacturers suggested retail price is $25,800.

• LS $25,800
  
• LT $26,900
  
• RS $30,100
  
• Premier $31,000
  

Engine, Transmissions, And MPG

There is a bit of engine news or 2022.  And that is that your choice of engines got much easier.  Because Chevy is offering only one this year.

Engine

However, it’s an enthusiastic 1.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder Ecotec engine.  Plus that power plant delivers 170 horsepower with 203 pound-feet of torque.

Transmission

Likewise, there’s a single transmission option, but with a two or all-wheel drive decision to make.

So the trans is a six-speed automatic.  It pairs nicely with the motor and keeps the driving experience confident and enjoyable.

And Equinox is more of a crossover than an SUV.  This is evidenced in the transmission area with the two-wheel-drive option being front-wheel drive rather than the power coming from the rear wheels.

Fuel Economy

As expected, with the only differences being FWD and AWD the estimated fuel economy is quite similar.

Specifically, the FWD will give you 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.  Whereas the AWD is estimated to deliver 25 mpg in the city and 30 out on the open road.

183.1-inches long + 72.6″ wide

What’s The ’22 Chevy Equinox Look Like?

With this refresh, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox looks sportier for sure.  But also it appears a little wider and bolder.

And this brings the overall styling of the compact SUV more in line with the appearance of its brethren.  Specifically, the Trailblazer and Blazer, both of which returned to Chevy’s lineup in recent years.

And upon their return, they both ushered in the more sleek and sporty look that the 2022 Equinox represents.

Exterior Dimensions:

• Length 183.1
  
• Wheelbase 107.3
  
• Height 65.4
  
• Width 72.6
  
• Track:
  
  • front 62.2
    
  • rear 62.2
    
  
  
• Ground clearance 7.6-plus varies
  

*All inches

The ’22 Equinox curb weight varies depending on the trim and drivetrain.  But the range is 3,274 to 3,512 lbs.

Additionally, if you need to drag anything behind you, the Bow Tie compact offers a 1,500 lb towing capacity.

Legroom, front/back 40.9/39.9

2022 Chevrolet Equinox Interior

Inside the 5-seat Chevy Equinox is spacious, well laid out, and moreover highly functional.

I like the legroom in both the front and backseats.  Plus, those backseats lay nearly flat when you want to haul more cargo than people.

Also, it’s easy to switch from backseats down, or only partially down, and back up for people hauling.

But the cockpit is where Equinox really shines.  Even though Chevy has an advantage in this design area.

Because being part of the General Motors Family Chevrolet gets design influences from more than just its own name brand’s team.  Equinox shares much directly with GMC Terrain and Buick Envision.

Interior Dimensions

• Headroom
  
  • w/sunroof 38.2/36.9
    
  • w/out sunroof 40.0/38.5
    
  
  
• Legroom 40.9/39.9
  
• Shoulder room 57.2/55.5
  
• Hip room 54.2/51.7
  

*All inches

And when it comes to the cargo area, the Chevrolet’s 2022 Equinox offers 29.9 cubic feet behind the backseats.

Also, with the backseats folded down, that jumps up to 63.9 cu-ft.

Up to 63.9 cu-ft cargo area – backseats down

Technology, Infotainment, And Safety

When it comes to the infotainment technology in the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox – I’m a big fan of the user interface.

For the driver, all vehicle, climate, and infotainment controls are simple to use.  Furthermore, they’re simple to learn to use for drivers taking their first spin behind the wheel of an Equinox.

2022 Chevy Equinox Driver Assistance Features:

Standard

• Rear vision camera
  
• Rear seat reminder
  
• Teen driver safety tech
  
• OnStar
  

Available

• Lane change alert w/ blind zone alert
  
• Rear cross-traffic alert
  
• Front and rear park assist
  
• Adaptive cruise control
  
• HD surround vision
  
• Safety alert seat
  

Technology

Being a parent.  And having been a teen who was certain he was invincible.  I love Chevrolet’s Teen Driver safety tech.  So much so that I wrote an entire article and recorded a podcast about it.

Another big win for the ’22 Chevy compact SUV is the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.  Because the only thing better than integrating our smartphones with our cars is doing so without cables!

NHTSA Safety Rating

Perhaps better yet is the compact SUV’s safety stats.  For example, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration gives the 2022 Equinox top marks with a 5-star safety rating.  And that includes both the FWD and AWD options.

Simple driver controls and intuitive UX

2022 Chevrolet Equinox SUV Top-3

And this brings us back to the Top-3 favorite things about the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox.

1. Drive – The engine is not huge, nor is the horsepower.  But thanks to proper attention to the overall drivetrain Equinox is a fun driver with solid mpg!
   
2. Safety – NHTSA’s 5-star safety rating says a great deal.  But all the additional safety content that Chevy offers tips the scales in this category’s favor.
   
3. Interior – It’s compact, not huge.  But it’s well laid out.  Quality to both the touch and function and highly useful for hauling people and/or stuff.
   

Martin Chevrolet is iDriveSoCal’s Chevy Dealer

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