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Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda32021 Chevrolet Equinox: A Comfortable Choice
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox SUV is a good value. You get a comfortable, safe, well equipped, and fuel-efficient option to a Toyota RAV4.
What’s New for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
2021 Chevrolet Equinox – chevrolet.com | Shop 2021 Chevrolet Equinox on Carsforsale.com
Larger inside than it looks and less expensive than you’d think, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover SUV is a good value. At $23,800, you get a comfortable, safe, nicely equipped and fuel-efficient option to the Toyota RAV4.
This five-passenger crossover is due for a remake in 2022, which is good since many competitors will also have a complete redesign. Competition like the Tucson will be tough in 2022, but currently, you can appreciate the Chevy’s quality and be surprised at the 1.5-liter engine’s power. Let’s see what you get with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox.
The Breakdown
The exterior styling is nice
Standard safety features
The interior design works well
Small cargo room compared to competitors
We’d like a second engine option
2021 Equinox Specs
- 170 horsepower from base engine
- 203 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 29.9 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- 63.9 cu-ft. of cargo capacity with seats down
- 7-inch infotainment screen on the base trim
- 5-star safety rated SUV
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Powertrain
The Chevy Equinox has found a niche in the center of the super-competitive compact SUV field, and there’s nothing wrong with being predictable and average. It’s not an off roader like a Forester, although it has AWD. And it’s not going to carve canyons like the Mazda CX-5, but you will still have fun. You won’t even geek out as you would with the Nissan Rogue‘s technology, but there’s a great safety package. Special editions seem to be a thing these days, and the Equinox has two. A handsome Sport Edition makes the Equinox look aggressive with its 19-inch wheels, redesigned grille, and optional leather interior. There’s also the blacked-out Midnight Edition. Both will help you stand out from the regular Equinox crowd, if desired.
For power, you have only one option, the 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine since the optional 2.0-liter engine is no longer available. Even with smaller than average 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, the 1.5-liter engine will do a 6.8 second 0-60, and that’s no slouch. The power is sent through a non-CVT 6-speed automatic transmission that operates smoothly through every gear.
As mentioned, you’re not in a sports car, but it’s comfortable for daily outings. We feel the Equinox’s ride is on the softer and more comfortable side while the cornering can be fun and the steering direct. You won’t be bored if you like to drive with more spirit. Just remember it’s still an SUV.
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy & MPG
One of the many reasons to get the Equinox is fuel efficiency. The EPA suggests that the 2021 Chevy Equinox will sip gas at 25 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. So, with a 15.6-gallon tank, you shouldn’t be filling it up too often.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
We’re fans of the Equinox interior. Most models will have the contrasting gray colored door panel and dash, which helped bring out the interior’s flowing lines. It showed us that an inexpensive SUV can still be attractive.
And while we’re on the design subject, we appreciated the buttons and knobs for volume and AC controls. And although the responsive 7-inch or 8-inch infotainment screen isn’t the size of an iPad, it fits well in the Equinox interior. You’ll have easy access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Plus, should you want it, there’s an available wireless phone charging pad in the console. This is an excellent spot to make a note of the backup camera. Chevy does a good job with the 360 overhead views and HD quality of the image. Bravo.
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has optional leather seating surfaces, but you’ll appreciate Chevy’s standard cloth material too. Cloth seats won’t feel hot after sitting in the sun and the quality is excellent.
Passengers in the 60/40 back row can have optional heated reclinable seats and a rear-seat infotainment system. Taller passengers will find themselves brushing the front seatback pocket, but we think the seating position is comfortable. Kids would have more than enough space, and two car seats would fit fine.
Cargo capacity is adequate. By collapsing the rear seats, you get 63.9 cubic feet of storage, which is 4 inches more than the Kia Sportage. By contrast, the Honda CR-V seems massive with its 75.8 cubic feet, but it doesn’t have a large underfloor storage area. That storage area looks like a perfect place to place grocery bags, so they don’t slide around.
Entertainment & Technology
The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox has Amazon Alexa built-in to the 7-inch or optional 8-inch infotainment system. You can now use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Music, plus interact with your Alexa devices at home. WIFI is available and you’ll also get Chevy’s suite of connected car services and MyChevrolet app.
Safety Features
It’s good that Chevrolet has included Chevy Safety Assist on all models. The focus on safety helps the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox get a 5-star crash rating. The safety package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam, and adaptive headlamps. Other features are optional or included in the Premier trim.
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Trims & Pricing
L – $23,800
The L trim has the 1.5-liter Turbocharged Engine, keyless entry,. and stop/start. It also includes standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and the standard Chevy Safety Assist package.
LS – $26,300
The LS adds daytime running lamps, Teen Driver Technology, and the option to add AWD.
LT – $27,500
The LT would be our recommended best value. It has HID headlamps, a power driver’s seat with optional leather, and extra standard Safety Assist features like blind-spot monitoring.
Premier – $31,400
The top-spec Premier adds a leather interior with heated front seats, convenience items like the hands-free power liftgate, and Chevy’s full Safety Assist package.
Warranties
The 2021 Chevy Equinox has a 36,000-mile limited warranty and a 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. With more and more manufacturers including free 2-year basic maintenance plans for new car lease or purchases, we’re looking forward to Chevy doing the same.
What we think
2021 Chevrolet Equinox – chevrolet.com | Shop 2021 Chevrolet Equinox on Carsforsale.com
If you need a compact SUV right now, you can’t go wrong with the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. It’s comfortable, fun and efficient. If you can be patient, waiting for the all-new 2022 version might be your best option though.
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