2021 Chevrolet Equinox: Engine, Performance, 0-60 MPH and Quarter Mile

Almost every established automaker today has stepped into the deep waters of the fierce crossover segment. Of course, when a utilitarian vehicle like the crossover comes with all the desirable features in a pocket-friendly price tag, which family would say no. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is a 5-door crossover SUV from America’s favorite bowtie company. In a segment where every tiny detail matters, can the 2021 Equinox go all out against its numerous competitors with its performance specs?

What’s the engine under the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox’s hood?

The Equinox includes a single-engine option for its 2021 rendering. A 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 will be the only available power plant for all Equinox trims this year. This engine is capable of chugging out 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Chevy mates this engine to a 6-speed automatic shifting gearbox as standard. Front-wheel drive is standard on all Equinox trims, while all-wheel drive is available for all trims excluding the base L trim.

Although the 1.5-liter turbo inline-4 is potent enough, its limelight is stolen by its bigger 2.0-liter brother. Chevy’s 252 hp 2.0-liter Turbo Inline-4 was reportedly canceled this year because of COVID-19 limitations Chevy fans have nothing to fret about though, as both this engine and the 9-speed automatic gearbox will make their comeback in a more refined avatar for the 2022 Equinox.

How does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox handle around the corners?

The Chevy Equinox is an easy-to-drive crossover with an accurate and direct steering response. Power is sent to the wheels uniformly through the smooth-shifting 6-speed gearbox. This transmission however gets reluctant to send extra power to the wheels while downshifting. The engine too runs out of breath while propelling it to highway speeds.

The ride quality of the Equinox is on the harsher side. The bigger 19-inch wheels on the top trim feel like a style gimmick instead of an actual ride quality improvement. Traveling on rough country roads may transmit some degree of vibration and noise inside the cabin.

What are the 0-60 mph and quarter-mile times of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox breaches the 60 mph mark within a timing of 6.8 seconds. The SUV keeps its momentum steady in the quarter-mile run too, and clocks in the run in 15.2 seconds. Since the powertrain remains the same for all the trims, there is no change in the speed figures for each trim. Switching to the all-wheel drivetrain brings no difference in the speed figures either.

The Chevrolet Equinox emerges as one of the fastest crossovers in the segment in the base variant. However, its engine is still a bit on the sluggish end. Besides, the more powerful variants of its rivals easily outperform the 2021 Equinox in the speed charts.

Conclusion

The 2021 Chevy Equinox is on the faster side of the spectrum when it comes to the base engines. However, its rivals have access to more powerful engines as well. Thus, Equinox is only left disappointed by sidelining its more powerful 2-liter turbo engine. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox's impressive performance spec sheet does make up for its numb handling though.