2022 Fleet SUV of the Year: Chevrolet Equinox

For the second consecutive year, the Chevrolet Equinox has captured the Fleet SUV of the Year title. The sporty compact utility is the brand’s best-selling SUV.

After a model refresh in 2022, the Equinox this year provides an enhanced 1.5L engine with 175 horsepower and a fuel-efficient EPA-estimated 26 city/31 highway mpg. Also new for 2023 are the E-boost electronic power-assisted brakes.

The five-passenger compact SUV offers four models: LS, LT, RS and Premier with standard FWD or available AWD.

Power-Up Features

The 1.5L turbo DOHC four-cylinder engine features direct fuel injection and produces 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and 203 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000-4,000 rpm. Other under-the-hood specs include Hydra-Matic six-speed transmission, variable valve timing and automatic stop/start transmission.

All trims come with StabiliTrak, an electronic stability control system with traction control, as well as electronically controlled transmission. The LT, RS, and Premier iterations feature overdrive and driver shift control.

MacPherson struts and four-link independent rear suspension allow 1,500-lb. trailering capacity, combining some of the power of the mid-size truck category with more space than most sedans offer.

The Equinox fuel tank capacity measures 14.9 gallons on the FWD version and 15.6 on the AWD.

Function & Convenience

The Equinox melds comfort, convenience and utility – befitting its category.

For example, the 60/40 split-folding rear seats help provide a fleet-friendly maximum 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded or 29.9 cubic feet behind rear seat.

The power liftgate is standard with the RS and available on the LT. The Premier model boasts a standard hands-free power liftgate

Drivers in cooler climates appreciate the heated front seats, standard on Premier and RS models and available on LT. Heated steering wheel is standard on Premier and available on LT and RS, while heated rear outboard seats are available on Premier.

Outside heated, power-adjustable mirrors feature integrated turn signal indicators.

Connected navigation is available on LT, RS and Premier models. Other infotainment features include Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa built-in capabilities.

Contemporary Styling

Last year’s Equinox styling refresh brought new front/rear fascias and grille design, complemented with new LED headlamps and LED daytime driving lights.

All LS and LT models continue their updated interior trims while three new exterior colors – Sterling Gray Metallic, and Harvest Bronze Metallic Radiant Red Tintcoat – were added this year to existing choices of Blue Glow Metallic, Iron Gray Metallic, Cherry Red Tintcoat, Summit White, Iridescent Pearl Metallic and Mosaic Black Metallic.

Standard Safety & Driver Assists

Every Equinox comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist, a comprehensive package of driver assistance features that offers:

• Automatic emergency braking.
• Front pedestrian braking.
• Lane Keep Assist with lane departure warning.
• Forward collision alert.
• IntelliBeam, which detects lighting conditions and other vehicles and switches the high beams on and off as needed, depending on vehicle speed.
• Following distance indicator.

Other safety measures include frontal and seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-rail mounted head-curtain for front and rear outboard seating positions.

The standard Tire Pressure Monitor System includes tire refill alert. Rear Vision Camera is standard for the LS, LT and RS models, while the Premier features HD camera view.

Lane Change alert with side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert are available on LS, LT and RS.

The Equinox also offers a variety of Advanced and Driver Confidence safety packages to fit every fleet’s safety considerations.

Now in View: Equinox EV

Chevrolet is expanding its EV lineup to include the 2024 Equinox EV, an affordable, functional compact SUV starting at an estimated MSRP of around $30,000 in the U.S. The Equinox EV, launched with both fleet and retail versions, including LT and RS trims, will leverage GM’s Ultium Platform.