Is a used Chevrolet Equinox a good deal?
Short answer: A used Chevrolet Equinox can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 47% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
Looking at a used Chevrolet Equinox? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Depreciation and value retention
| Age | Depreciation | Value kept | Typical resale value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 25% | 75% | $21,747 |
| 5 years | 47% | 53% | $15,366 |
| 7 years | 56.4% | 43.6% | $12,645 |
| 10 years | 72.2% | 27.8% | $8,055 |
Its class (compact SUV) averages 39.9% after five years; all vehicles average 41.7%. Source: iSeeCars, Chevrolet Equinox resale value.
Recalls and complaints by model year
| Model year | NHTSA recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 4 | 303 | Engine (100), Service Brakes (81), Electrical System (43) |
| 2020 | 4 | 309 | Service Brakes (110), Engine (89), Fuel/Propulsion System (50) |
| 2021 | 4 | 96 | Fuel/Propulsion System (18), Electrical System (17), Power Train (17) |
| 2022 | 5 | 176 | Fuel/Propulsion System (76), Fuel System (33), Gasoline (33) |
| 2023 | 3 | 96 | Fuel/Propulsion System (45), Engine (17), Service Brakes (16) |
Source: NHTSA recalls and complaints APIs, pulled 2026-10-07. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Example recall campaigns
- 20V668000 (Power Train:automatic Transmission): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Ca…
- 18V576000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and …
- 19V667000 (Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Chevrolet Equinox all-wheel drive vehicles. The fuel tanks may have been manufactured with an improperly sealed seam, possibly allowing fuel to leak along the seam …
- 19V184000 (Seats): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles. The rear-right seat may have insufficient welds on the head-restraint bracket.…
- 19V704000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper): General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The rear brake calipers may have been produced with an incorrect lubricant, potentially causing the rubber seals to swell and the brakes to d…
Fuel cost
The EPA estimates $2,400–$2,500 per year in fuel for 2022 Chevrolet Equinox versions (27–28 MPG combined across 2 configurations). Source: fueleconomy.gov (EPA/DOE).
Dealer add-ons to watch for
- Paint and fabric protection or ceramic coating packages
- VIN etching and "anti-theft" packages
- Nitrogen-filled tires
- Dealer prep, reconditioning or "certification" fees on top of the advertised price
- Market adjustment or "additional dealer markup" stickers
- Window tint, door-edge guards and all-weather mat bundles
- In the finance office: extended warranties, GAP, tire-and-wheel and key-replacement plans. All optional; get prices in writing
What to check before you buy
- Run the VIN through our free VIN check or NHTSA and confirm open recalls were repaired.
- Owners report problems most often with: Engine, Fuel/Propulsion System, Service Brakes. Ask for service records covering these and have a mechanic look at them.
- Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic.
- Compare the price against local listings of the same year, trim and mileage. Dealers price models like this with more room to negotiate.
- Read the FTC Buyers Guide on the window: it says whether the car is sold as-is or with a warranty (FTC).
- Ask for the full out-the-door price in writing before you visit.
FAQ
Is a used Chevrolet Equinox a good deal?
A used Chevrolet Equinox can be a good deal when the price is in line with local comparable listings, open recalls are fixed and the out-the-door quote has no padded fees. It loses value faster than average: iSeeCars measures 47% five-year depreciation vs 41.7% for all vehicles, which makes a used one a relatively better deal than new. The biggest money leaks we see are dealer add-ons and fees, not the sticker price.
How much does a Chevrolet Equinox depreciate?
iSeeCars estimates a Chevrolet Equinox loses 47% of its value after five years (25% after three years, 72.2% after ten).
Does the Chevrolet Equinox have recalls?
NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns across the 2019–2023 model years combined (counted per year, so a campaign covering several years counts in each). Check any specific car by VIN: an open recall should be fixed free by a franchised dealer before you buy.
Which Chevrolet Equinox year has the most complaints?
Among 2019–2023, the 2020 has the most NHTSA owner complaints (309). Complaint counts also grow with sales volume and time on the road, so compare years, not models.
How much does a Chevrolet Equinox cost to fuel per year?
The EPA estimates $2,400–$2,500 a year in fuel for 2022 versions, based on its standard mileage and price assumptions.
What dealer add-ons should I refuse on a used Chevrolet Equinox?
Common ones are paint/fabric protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires, dealer prep fees and market adjustments. They are optional; ask for them to be removed or get an itemized out-the-door price.
Looking at a used Chevrolet Equinox? Check its VIN free for recalls and complaints, then scan the dealer quote free for junk fees. Want an expert? Check My Deal for $19 (money-back guarantee).
Data as published by each source; pulled 2026-10-07. All used car models