2022 Review: Chevrolet Equinox RS

    
Know how they say looks aren’t everything? Well, the Chevrolet Equinox RS proves that point.
  

Fresh off a redesign that spruced up the front and rear ends, the compact crossover is admittedly a handsome entry in this crowded category. 
  

This Equinox had the sporty look you might expect from a Chevy wearing the RS label. Its styling upgrades include unique dark-finished 19-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out exterior trim and special interior details, including red stitching on seats and the steering wheel. 
  

But, just to be clear, the more polished looks of the RS don’t make it any more entertaining from behind the wheel. The meh driving character of the Equinox is undoubtedly due to the turbocharged 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine that puts out a notably underwhelming 170 horsepower. Towing capacity is limited to 1,500 pounds—not much but typical for the class.  
  

Unfortunately, this anemic performance doesn’t result in improved fuel economy. At best, the Equinox’s mileage is on par with more sprightly competitors, several of which are also offered with significantly more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains.  
  

Front-wheel drive is standard, but the Equinox RS I tested was fitted with the optional all-wheel-drive system. While most such drivetrains automatically shift power to the rear wheels when there’s a loss of traction up front, this system must be activated manually, thereby losing one of the feature’s main advantages.
  

Nevertheless, the Equinox is not unpleasant to drive as long as you don’t need maximum acceleration. Steering feels precise, and handling is perfectly adequate for a family vehicle. The ride quality is also very smooth, which not all small crossovers can claim.
  

The two-row interior offers generous room for four passengers, and there’s even good legroom in the back seat. Where the Equinox comes up short is in cargo capacity, with just 63.9 cubic feet with 60/40-split rear seats folded, which is significantly less than class leaders. An available power rear liftgate does make that space easier to access, though. 
   

While the base model Equinox is reasonably well-equipped, upper trim levels like my test RS are better. That said, some of the most desirable features—think heated front seats, rear parking sensors, a 360-degree surround-view camera system and adaptive cruise control—are offered only in option packages that run up the price tag.  
   

The cabin’s appearance is a bit on the drab side, even on more expensive trims. Simplicity has its upside, however, with controls—including the standard touch-screen infotainment interface—that are easy to use.
  

All in all, the Chevrolet Equinox is a decent crossover, but consider checking out top-selling competitors before signing on the dotted line. 
 

 

STRENGTHS

• Roomy interior is passenger-friendly.
• Lots of infotainment features 

 

WEAKNESSES

• Lackluster acceleration 
• Some advanced safety features (such as blind-spot/rear cross-traffic alert) aren’t standard.

 

BOTTOM LINE

• While not a category leader, the Equinox has some strong points. 

 

SAFETY

• NHTSA Overall: 5 Stars (out of 5)

 

FUEL ECONOMY (mpg)

• 25 city/30 highway

 

PRICE*

• MSRP: $29,295
• As Tested: $35,320

 

 

*Prices listed include All Wheel Drive; destination charges, taxes and fees not included.