Some say, “a car is just a car.” Before any gearheads fly into a rage, remember that cars aren’t exactly everyone’s cup of tea. Just as knitting, painting, and playing the piano aren’t something we can all bond over, some folks are happy to purchase the least complicated, most user-friendly, and overall budget-appropriate vehicle that meets their life and drive style. They want to shop for a vehicle in layman’s terms, not by the measure of engine compression or the axle ratio. They need a car to get to work, school, and vacation, and one that’s not going to get complicated for them. It could just be that they need an easy-to-understand and affordably priced 2023 Chevy Equinox.
That’s not to say that the Equinox doesn’t offer an admirable array of features, trims, and packages. Chevy continues its long-running tradition of driver customization by making this mid-size crossover SUV available in a variety of configurations to meet a vast number of driver needs. However, the Chevy Equinox is a delightfully uncomplicated vehicle that provides ample space, plenty of fun features, the right amount of power, and lots of style for drivers more interested in being safe in a reliable vehicle than their track time, towing capacity, or crawl ratio. It’s an SUV made for drivers who just want to drive, making it one of the most user-friendly vehicles for 2023.
Stretching Out in the 2023 Chevy Equinox
In today’s SUV terminology, a “mid-size crossover SUV” is a vehicle that is typically larger and taller than a sedan, offers a hatchback entry to the cargo space, and has two rows of seats for passengers. Of course, that leaves a few things to interpretation, leaving drivers wondering, “how large is large.” When purchasing any SUV, it’s always a good idea to make sure you feel comfortable parking, driving, merging, and even pulling into your garage. The Equinox has an overall length of 183.10 inches and a ground clearance of 7.9 inches. Inside, this feels much more spacious, with similar hip, leg, and shoulder room in the front bucket and rear bench seats. That means that each passenger will have enough room to enjoy the ride, even if they didn’t call “shotgun” first.
As for the cargo room, the 2023 Equinox offers 29.9 cu.ft. of space with all seats occupied and 63.9 cu.ft. with the 60/40 split-folding second row stowed. That translates into several full golf bags, many large suitcases, and probably your friend’s recliner if you’re feeling particularly charitable. Additionally, the Equinox can tow up to 3,500 lbs when properly equipped. This isn’t a huge number, but for drivers who occasionally need to pull something behind, this is a decent figure.
The Perfect Combination of Comfort, Convenience, and Fun
In the world of automobiles, there’s a difference between “uncomplicated” and “painfully basic.” The 2023 Chevy Equinox is decidedly uncomplicated yet offers quite a bit of standard enjoyment for even the least tech-savvy driver. All Equinox trims, the LS, LT, RS, and Premier, include a standard package of driver assistance technology, which includes forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking and front pedestrian braking. These features work together via sensors at the front of the vehicle to help prevent forward-moving collisions. A rear vision camera helps drivers see what’s behind them when they’re in reverse, while lane keep assist with lane departure warning is on board to ensure drivers stay centered in their lane while driving in traffic.
By stepping up to the LT or RS trim, drivers also unlock the available advanced safety package, which includes adaptive cruise control to help you stay at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you without constantly using the brakes and gas pedal, and a 360-degree HD surround vision camera system that provides a clear view of all of your surroundings. Heated exterior mirrors are also a helpful feature that is part of this package.
Inside the Equinox, you’ll find cloth upholstery in the LS and LT trims, while the RS and Premier trims include perforated leather seating. All but the Premier trim include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment center, though the 8-inch version that comes standard in the Premier is offered as an option for the lower trims. This infotainment system has earned accolades for being intuitive and well-labeled, helping drivers navigate Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This system can also be configured for voice control and to allow you to use certain apps via your touchscreen, but these features do not need to be connected to enjoy music while driving.
Exceptional Power and Performance
Seasoned drivers know there’s more to a vehicle’s cost than the monthly payment. Each stop at the gas station adds up quickly, as well as regular maintenance and insurance expenses. The Chevy Equinox is slated for an electric version, but that’s not due until the 2024 model year. Luckily, the gas-powered Equinox is surprisingly efficient in its fuel consumption.
Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Equinox provides an enjoyable 175 hp and 203 lb-ft torque. For the average driver, this means you’ll have plenty of power when merging onto highways, along with the ability to carry your passengers and cargo comfortably on city streets or cruising on the freeway. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which means gear shifting happens smoothly, swiftly, and without the need to stomp on a clutch and throw the shift stick with perfect timing.
The Equinox is also offered in front or four-wheel drive. The Equinox’s switchable four-wheel drive system is operated by the push of a single button and allows drivers to take advantage of the extra stability provided by all-wheel drive without the potential drain on fuel economy. Speaking of which, fuel economy is one area in which the 2023 Equinox truly shines. Overall fuel usage depends on whether you’re driving a front or four-wheel drive model, but only by a small margin. Front-wheel drive models average 26 MPG on city streets and 31 MPG on the highway, while four-wheel drive versions drop slightly to 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Selecting the Right 2023 Chevy Equinox for You
The 2023 Chevy Equinox can be the ideal SUV for many drivers, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for. As with nearly every other vehicle, it’s best to try the Equinox out first to get a feel for how it handles and to make sure that hopping in and out of it isn’t a problem for you. If you’re carrying cargo frequently, you may wish to make sure you feel good about opening and closing the rear hatch. A power-programmable liftgate is an option for several trims and standard on the RS trim.
You’ll also want to make sure the options you want fit within your budget. The base LS Equinox comes well-equipped, but many drivers want to take advantage of the many appearance and feature packages Chevy makes available for drivers who wish to customize their vehicle. From chrome accents to roof rails, nearly every feature on the Equinox can be selected to meet your preferences, but in many cases, there is a price associated with these updates.
Technology has impacted every facet of our lives, from how we keep in touch to how we drive. While modern vehicles are safer and more efficient than ever, these technological advances can be confusing for folks who just want to get behind the wheel and go from point A to point B. Thankfully, Chevy’s Equinox returns in a user-friendly format for the 2023 model year, providing drivers with a simpler option in a tech-forward world.
