A 2023 Chevy Equinox Buyer’s Guide

There are a lot of SUVs out there these days, and even the Chevy lineup has more than half a dozen models available, with more hitting the road this year. That being said, if you’re looking for a Chevy Equinox for sale, then you’ve already made a great decision in narrowing down these potentially overwhelming options to focus on one of the best SUVs on the road. The Equinox has a lot to offer, and it’s been one of the most popular SUVs on the market for many years now, yet it manages to keep getting better year after year.

With so much going on, choosing the right Chevy Equinox can be a challenge, particularly if you’re unsure exactly what you need in your next vehicle—but our team here at DePaula Chevrolet is here to help. While we’re always happy to talk to you and work with you to choose the perfect model with everything you need, we also know that many people like to figure things out before contacting us. Let’s look at the 2023 Chevy Equinox to see what it offers and consider some of the important decisions you’ll need to make while shopping for one.

A Look at the 2023 Chevy Equinox Basics

Before we get into some of the finer points of the Equinox, particularly the considerations for different options that you have, let’s briefly look at what you can expect no matter which model you choose. The Equinox is a small or compact crossover SUV with two rows of seating for up to five passengers—different trims come with a variety of options, but the space inside will generally remain the same. Every Equinox model is powered by a 1.5L Turbo I-4 engine that has been improved for the 2023 model year to now deliver 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque for a fantastic driving experience.

The Chevy Safety Assist package of advanced safety technology comes standard on every model, which includes impressive features like a Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking and Front Pedestrian Braking. You also get a Following Distance Indicator to warn you when you’re too close to the vehicle in front of you, IntelliBeam headlights that can turn off automatically to avoid blinding other drivers, and a Lane Keep Assist system with a Lane Departure Warning. These features all come together to ensure that every Equinox model, regardless of trim, can help protect you and your loved ones on the road.

Although this is a small crossover model, you still get plenty of room inside to utilize; this is one reason why it’s such a popular option for so many people. You get 40 inches of headroom up front along with almost 41 inches of front legroom; passengers behind you get more than 38 inches of headroom and almost 40 inches of legroom. The Equinox has nearly 30 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and more than 63 cu.ft. of total cargo volume inside behind the front seats, giving you plenty of room to load up with everything you need to take with you.

What’s New for the 2023 Model?

There aren’t a ton of changes for the 2023 Chevy Equinox compared to last year, which isn’t much of a surprise since it’s a fantastic vehicle that was just refreshed last year. As we mentioned, one notable update for the 2023 model is that the engine has been tuned for better performance, giving you greater horsepower than last year’s model. You’ll also find E-boost electronic power-assisted brakes on the 2023 Equinox, improving your braking power and making this crossover even safer on the road. Some new exterior colors are available, including Radiant Red Tintcoat and Sterling Gray Metallic, along with the Midnight and Sport special editions offered for the starting LS trim. Altogether, it’s an excellent year for the Equinox, plus you have some fantastic options to consider when looking at different models…

Drive Types

One of the simplest things to decide on with the 2023 Equinox—but an important consideration nonetheless—is the drive type you prefer. The Equinox comes with front-wheel drive (FWD) performance standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for all four trim levels. We love to see this because it’s not uncommon for trims on some other models to be restricted to a certain drive type; with the Equinox, you have total freedom to get just what you want.

The biggest impact this decision will have is the overall driving experience you enjoy—there’s no wrong answer here, but it does matter. A FWD Equinox is a great choice that is a lot of fun to drive, but there’s no denying that AWD gives you superior traction and greater control. This can be particularly important during a rough winter here in Albany and the surrounding area when road conditions get slippery and treacherous. We certainly prefer an AWD Equinox to ensure we’re always ready to tackle whatever nature throws at us, but you’ll need to decide which is better for you.

What Trim Level Best Fits Your Driving Needs?

We’d argue that the biggest decision you need to make when considering the Equinox is which trim level is right for you and has the features you need. You have four trim levels available, starting with the LS with 17-inch wheels, heated power outside mirrors, and a manual rear liftgate. The LS also comes with a seven-inch infotainment display, a six-speaker sound system, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and premium cloth seating. If you’re interested in some upgrades, the LT trim comes with deep-tinted rear glass, a 4.2-inch multi-color Driver Information Screen—rather than the standard 3.5-inch monochromatic display—and an eight-way power driver’s seat.

For an exceptional driving experience, we’re big fans of the RS trim and the gorgeous features that it brings to the Equinox, starting with 19-inch wheels and a power-programmable rear liftgate for easier access to your cargo. You get dual-zone automatic climate control inside the RS, along with remote start functionality, heated front seats, and more. If you’re looking for an Equinox with all of the bells and whistles, then you need to check out the Premier trim, which comes with 18-inch wheels, a hands-free gesture liftgate, and outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators. Inside the Premier, you’ll find an eight-inch infotainment display, perforated leather-appointed seats, and a wireless charging pad for compatible devices.

Some Other Additional Options

Choosing the right trim level is just the start, however, as plenty of additional options and packages are available to elevate your driving experience even further. For example, even if you choose the starting LS trim, you can get additional safety features like a Rear Cross Traffic Alert as part of an extra package. With the special Midnight Edition available on the LS trim, you can get 18-inch wheels, gorgeous black and chrome details, and more unique touches for added style.

Even if you go for the stunning Premier trim, you still have more accessories and packages that you can choose from to upgrade your experience. The Driver Convenience II package for the Premier includes an eight-way power front-passenger seat, heated rear seats, and more, while the Driver Confidence III package adds Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist, and an HD Surround Vision camera system.

You can even get an incredible Bose seven-speaker sound system to elevate your time on the road—these options let you customize your ride to get the perfect Equinox with everything you want. Now all you have to do is weigh these considerations to determine which ones provide what you need and then bring it all together to get the vehicle you have been looking for. If you’re still unsure about the vast array of customizable options available to you, we here at DePaula Chevrolet are here to walk you through every step of the process.