Three Generations of the Chevy Equinox

When it comes to used SUVs for sale, no one does it better than Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford. Our dealership is loaded with the best pre-owned SUVs and crossovers available on the market. You can find just about anything right here on our lot, and our auto experts are happy to assist you. When we asked our team about their favorite used Chevrolet SUV, many of them said it’s the used Chevy Equinox. So, we decided to put our heads together to create a piece centered around this family-family vehicle. If you want to learn everything there is to know about buying a used Chevy Equinox, keep reading!

The First-Generation

The very first Chevrolet Equinox was introduced to the auto industry back in 2005. It made its debut at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, but it wasn’t manufactured until two years later. Initially marketed as a mid-size SUV, this vehicle sat of a unibody structure that was a fusion between the GM Theta platform, the Suzuki LX7, and the Saturn Vue. Its overall length was measured at 188.8-inches, the wheelbase was about 112.5-inches, and it stood 68.3-inch in height with a width of 71.4-inches.

Production for the first-generation Equinox concluded in 2009, but you can easily find these used vehicles on dealership lots. Although they are older, that doesn’t mean that you should count them out. It simply means that you will give up a few modern conveniences for a very affordable price.

Let’s take a look under the hood. This used Chevy Equinox was powered by one of two engine options. The first was a 3.4-L V6 that generated 185 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. The second option was introduced in 2008. It was a 3.6-L V6 engine that produced 264 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. These engines could be mated with either a 5-speed or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

One thing to note about the 2008 3.6-L engine is that it came with an athletic trim level known as the Sport. This spry set of wheels could accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just under 7 seconds. Pretty surprising for an SUV, eh? The overall height of this model was lower for optimized performance, and the 18-inch chrome wheels featured a unique 5-spoke design.
Optional features on this model included a navigation system, heated leather seats, a sunroof, and a DVD entertainment system. If you manage to find one of these models used, you should grab it!

Also in 2008, the OnStar telematics system became standard on all trim levels. This safety technology is something that is still used in vehicles today. It can notify emergency services in the event of an accident, and it can help you find your lost or stolen vehicle.

The Second-Generation

From 2010 to 2017, a lot of changes were made to the Chevy Equinox. We can also safely say that these are the models you will be most likely to encounter on a used car lot. Unveiled in 2009 at the North American International Auto Show, the second-generation Equinox was quite a catch. Even though it still kept the same unibody structure, the insides were gutted and upgraded.

There were three engine options to choose from during this generation. The first was a 2.4-L I-4 motor that made 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque. Next was a 3.0-L V6 that generated 264 hp and 222 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the 3.6-L V6 offered drivers 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. All of these engines were coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive. All-wheel-drive was optional.

In 2013, the 3.6-L V6 was introduced to the Equinox lineup along with larger 18- or 19-inch wheels decked out in chrome. The innovative Chevy MyLink infotainment system was also introduced this year, pushing the Equinox into a new age of technology. Other optional features that you might find in a Used Chevy Equinox from the second-generation include a dual-player DVD entertainment system for the kids and suite of safety systems including forward collision warning, lane departure warning system, and rear park assist. Three new paint colors were also added into the lineup. These included Atlantis Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic, and Tungsten Metallic.

By 2014, chrome wheels became standard, and a few more colors were added. They were called Silver Topaz Metallic and Red Rock Metallic. Not much needed to be done at this point, but the next year sings a different tune.

The year 2015 brought on one significant change that had Chevrolet fans cheering. It was the 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. If you manage to find a 2015 used Chevy Equinox, see if it’s an LT or LTZ. Those are the trims that the Wifi came standard on. If you want navigation, you need to look for the LTZ and 2LT trims. Also, two more paint colors came onto the scene including Sea Grass Metallic and Blue Velvet Metallic.

The next year was a big refresh. Adding a restyled grille, new headlights, and restyled front fascia, the 2016 Chevy Equinox was quite the charmer. A new gear shift knob was added to the cabin as well as an additional shelf for storage. The trim levels were addressed as well. These included a new base model known as the L, followed by the LS, LT, and Premier. Most of the features on each trim remained the same. They just changed the names.

The Third-Generation

If you are searching for a newer used Chevy Equinox, you may be looking at models from 2017 to 2019. Although still in the third-generation, 2019 is where the used models stop. Many changes were made to this generation including an all-new trio of powertrains. First was a 1.5-L I-4 engine that generated 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Next was the turbocharged 2.0-L I-4 motor that made 252 bp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the third option was a turbodiesel 1.6-L I-4 engine that pushed out 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options were either a 6- or 9-speed automatic.

In 2018, eight trim levels were introduced. Standard features included 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, keyless entry, push-button start, a 6-speaker stereo system, and a rearview camera. Also included was the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment interface displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen monitor. This system worked with Bluetooth for hands-free text messaging and calling. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were also standard along with the 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. New safety features for the third-generation include forward collision warning, emergency braking, and a surround-view camera system.

While the third-generation will be more expensive than the first or second-generations, it may be worth it to get all that new technology. After all, folks these days love integrating their smartphones with their vehicles. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can do exactly that!

Finding the Right Used SUV

To learn more about our current stock of used SUVs for sale here at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet of Buford, contact us or stop by today!