If you’re fine with a five-seat capacity and you’re in the market for a great-looking SUV that’s also great value for money, you’ll struggle to find a better all-around package than the refreshed 2023 Chevrolet Equinox. The Equinox is a comfortable vehicle because it excels in every area a vehicle like this needs to impress in but doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t. The compact Chevy doesn’t try to be a minivan by squeezing a tiny third-row seat in the back, and there’s no pretense of being some serious off-roader, although most of the models you’ll come across will probably be equipped with all-wheel-drive.
There are four different trim levels in the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox family, but some automakers with a lineup similar to this may try and claim they have six different models. This is because the first two trim levels are available in both standard front-wheel-drive and available all-wheel-drive, but an AWD base model is the exact specification as the front-drive version apart from the drivetrain. That entry model here in the Equinox lineup for 2023 is the LS, and from there, the range goes onwards to the LT, RS, and finally to the range-topping Premier trim level. LS and LT models are standard front-drive models, but the LT, RS, and Premier trims get AWD as part of their standard specifications.
The entry-level version of the Equinox used to be the L model, but that has now been dropped to leave the LS as the most affordable version of the Equinox, but the range has been kept at four models with the addition of the new RS trim level.
Chevrolet keeps things nice and simple with the powertrains for the 2023 Equinox as all four trim levels come with the same turbocharged engine, which is a 1.5-litre unit that puts out 170 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque. The power is sent to the front or all four wheels through a standard six-speed automatic transmission and the driving experience is frisky and satisfying. The ride is comfortable and the handling is good with all specifications, but lower trim levels with the smaller alloy wheels can ride a little softer as the larger wheels of higher-spec models deliver a slightly firmer and perhaps slightly sportier ride.
Front-drive versions of the Equinox are rated for fuel economy at 8.9 L/100 km in the city and 7.7 L/100 km on the highway, AWD versions get 9.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.0 L/100 km on the highway, and the maximum towing capacity is 680kg (1,500 pounds).
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox really does come across as outstanding value for money, especially at the lower trim levels, which are in no way lacking when it comes to standard features. On the other hand, if you want a highly specified compact crossover SUV, then an Equinox Premier fully loaded from the options list will undoubtedly complete that mission.
Standard LS features include 17-inch alloys, a complete set of power features, auto on/off headlights, a six-speaker audio system, active noise cancellation, heated front seats, keyless open, a rear vision camera, remote start, climate control, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The refreshed 2023 Chevrolet Equinox is a midsize crossover SUV that builds on an already winning formula to deliver a small SUV that’s even better and even better value than it’s ever been. Come and see why the Chevrolet Equinox is such a popular choice with a test drive here at Yellowknife Motors located at 360 Old Airport Road, Yellowknife, NWT, or call us right away at (867)-766-5000 for more information and to book an appointment at a time to suit your schedule, or for details of all our latest offers.
