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.

Chevrolet Equinox Maintenance Cost

Chevrolet Equinox maintenance costs. Full year-by-year breakdown, common problems, and which years to buy or avoid.

Last verified June 2026

$537

Annual maint.

7/10

Reliability

18%

Major repair risk (5yr)

$2,140

Avg. insurance / yr

// RELIABILITY BY YEAR

Which year Equinox should you buy?

Tap any year to see what to expect. Green is safe, red means known issues.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Second generation (C100/C140 (Theta))

Engine: 2.4 L LAF I4 (182 hp); 3.0 L LF1 V6 (264 hp, 2010–2012); 3.6 L LFX V6 (301 hp, 2013–2017)

Transmission: 6-speed automatic (6T40/6T45)

Avoid

Complaint volume is more than 2× the model average. At least 10% of complaints involve an injury or death.

First year of 2nd gen. Excessive oil consumption on 2.4L I4 — some owners burning a quart per 1,000 miles. Timing chain failures and AC compressor failures compound risk. Engine repairs routinely exceed $2,000.

3 recalls on record. Affected systems:

Electrical System
Seats
Visibility

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks on the Equinox

Top issues ranked by share of total NHTSA complaints.

Engine

Common

Years affected: 2010–2026

Visibility

Moderate

Years affected: 2010–2022, 2024–2026

Electrical system, seats, visibility/wiper

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Power train, vehicle speed control, engine

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Suspension, structure, service brakes

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Fuel system, gasoline

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2026

Air bags, engine

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2022, 2024, 2026

Steering, suspension, power train

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2016, 2018–2026

Tires

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2025

Seat belts

Rare

Years affected: 2010–2015, 2017–2022, 2026

// EXTENDED WARRANTY

Is a Equinox extended warranty worth it?

Worth considering. The Chevrolet Equinox has an above-average major repair probability for the segment — a warranty is worth pricing before you buy, especially on higher-mileage examples. If you want to minimise risk, stick to the 2021, 2023, and 2024. Pay particular attention to 2010, 2011, and 2013 model years.

// NEW VS USED

Buy new or save on a used Equinox?

The Equinox loses value faster than most — only 76% retained after 3 years, below the compact SUV average of 81%. Here's what that means for the new vs used decision.

76%

Value retained · 3 yr

54%

Value retained · 5 yr

43%

Value retained · 7 yr

New Equinox

$31,000

MSRP including destination charge for base trim

Used Equinox

$18,800

KBB Fair Purchase Price, 2023, national average, good condition, ~36k miles

Avg. maintenance / yr$537

Major repair risk (any year)18%

Avg. insurance premium / yr$2,140

MPG combined (City/Hwy)26

Value depreciation after 3 yr$6,887

// HEAD TO HEAD

How it compares

Honda CR-V

$407/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full comparison

Toyota RAV4

$429/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full comparison

Nissan Rogue

$467/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full comparison

More Compact SUVs

Honda CR-V Hyundai Tucson Kia Sportage Nissan Rogue Subaru Forester All Compact SUVs →

// 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 →