What is the best year for a Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2023 Equinox is one of the strongest used buys — it landed on the mature end of the third generation with a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, just 82 complaints, and only 5 severe issues on record. The 2021–2024 range is generally solid, with complaint counts dropping sharply from the turbulent 2014–2018 period. Avoid the early 2010–2013 model years if reliability is a priority.

How much does Chevrolet Equinox insurance cost?

The Equinox averages around $2,140/year to insure, or roughly $178/month. That's on the lower end for compact SUVs, partly because it doesn't carry the theft-risk premium of more desirable crossovers. Your actual rate will vary based on trim, model year, location, and driving history — but the Equinox tends to quote well for budget-conscious buyers.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Honda CR-V cheaper to maintain?

The CR-V is cheaper to maintain by about $130/year — $407 versus $537 for the Equinox. Over five years that's roughly $650 in savings, and the CR-V also carries a higher reliability score (9 vs 7) and a lower major repair probability (10% vs 18%). If long-term ownership cost is the deciding factor, the CR-V has a clear edge.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Chevrolet Equinox?

It's worth considering. The Equinox's 18% major repair probability is well above the compact segment average of 11%, and its reliability score of 7 trails the class norm. If you're buying a used Equinox outside factory warranty coverage — especially a 2014–2018 model year — a powertrain warranty provides real protection against the repair exposure this model carries. For newer 2022+ models, self-insuring is more defensible.

Is the GMC Acadia expensive to maintain?

The Acadia costs $734/year to maintain — $161 above the three-row segment average of $573. Major repair probability of 19% is the highest in the three-row class. Reliability score of 6 is below the segment average of 7. Repair frequency of 37% is slightly below the class average of 40%. Above-average cost and the highest major-repair risk in the segment.

What is the best year for a GMC Acadia?

The 2023 (38 complaints, 10/10 safety, 4 severe) and 2022 (45 complaints, 10/10 safety, 3 severe) Acadia are the cleanest years on record. Avoid 2017 (689 complaints — the second-generation launch) and 2014 (464 complaints). The 2022-2025 window is significantly better than the model's historical average.

How much does GMC Acadia insurance cost?

Acadia insurance averages around $2,242/year — roughly $187/month. One of the lower insurance rates in the three-row class.

Is the GMC Acadia or Chevrolet Traverse cheaper to maintain?

The Traverse is cheaper to maintain by $78/year — $656 versus $734 for the Acadia. Both carry a reliability score of 6. The Traverse has a slightly lower major repair probability (18% vs. 19%), while the Acadia has a slightly lower repair frequency (37% vs. 43%). Neither is a standout value — the Traverse holds a modest cost advantage.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a GMC Acadia?

Major repair probability of 19% is the highest in the three-row segment. Extended warranty is worth considering for most used Acadia models, particularly those from the pre-2022 era. The 2022-2025 window carries lower risk, but the class-high repair probability still warrants careful consideration.

Chevrolet Equinox vs GMC Acadia

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Chevrolet Equinox — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the GMC Acadia if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Chevrolet Equinox	GMC Acadia
Annual maintenance	$537winner	$734
5-year total cost	$2,685winner	$3,670
Reliability score	7 / 10winner	6 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	18%winner	19%
Cargo space	63.5 cu ft	—
Starting price (new)	$31,000winner	$43,800
Best years to buy	2021, 2023, 2024	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Chevrolet Equinox	GMC Acadia
RepairPal score	7 / 10winner	6 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	162.1	89.6winner
Years to avoid	2010, 2011, 2013	2014, 2017, 2019
Value retained · 3 yr	76.1%winner	71.6%
Value retained · 5 yr	54.3%winner	51.5%
Value retained · 7 yr	43.2%winner	38.2%

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Chevrolet Equinox	GMC Acadia
Engine	40.0%	12.4%winner
Electrical	5.9%winner	13.2%
ADAS	5.2%winner	5.8%
Brakes	4.9%	3.4%winner
Steering	2.5%winner	10.5%
Fuel system	4.5%	2.3%winner
Tires/Wheels	1.7%	1.5%winner
Glass/Windows	16.7%	—winner
Airbags	4.4%winner	19.3%
Lighting	—winner	3.6%
Seatbelt	0.6%winner	1.6%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Chevrolet Equinox	GMC Acadia
Avg annual premium	$2,140winner	$2,242

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Chevrolet Equinox

$537/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

GMC Acadia

$734/yr maint · 6 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Equinox costs around $537/year to maintain — $16 above the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 31% is essentially at the class average of 30%, but its 18% major repair probability runs well above the segment average of 11%, meaning there's a meaningfully higher chance of facing a costly unscheduled repair in any given year than with class leaders like the CR-V or RAV4.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →