Chevy Equinox Gas Mileage: A Year-by-Year Look
Equinox fuel economy has stayed fairly consistent in the mid-to-upper 20s combined for most gas engine options, with the biggest outlier being the diesel engine offered briefly in 2018-2019 that reached nearly 40 mpg highway.
Jump to a section: 2018-2021 models · The diesel option · 2022-2023 models · What affects your real-world mileage · Quick reference table · FAQ
2018-2021 Models
The standard 1.5L turbo four-cylinder returned an EPA-estimated 26-28 mpg city and 31-32 mpg highway on FWD models during this span, with AWD trims running roughly 2-3 mpg lower across the board. A more powerful optional 2.0L turbo four-cylinder was rated lower, around 22-23 mpg city and 29-30 mpg highway, trading efficiency for stronger acceleration.
The Diesel Option
For 2018 and 2019 only, Chevy offered a 1.6L diesel engine rated up to 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway on FWD, or 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway on AWD — by far the most efficient Equinox powertrain ever offered, though it was discontinued after just two model years.
2022-2023 Models
Chevy discontinued the optional 2.0L turbo in 2022, leaving the 1.5L turbo as the sole engine choice, rated at 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The 2023 model carried forward similar numbers, at up to 26 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined on entry-level trims.
What Affects Your Real-World Mileage
Drivetrain choice (FWD typically beats AWD by a couple mpg), driving style, tire pressure, and regular maintenance like fresh oil and a clean air filter all influence where your actual mileage lands relative to the EPA estimate.
Quick Reference Table
| Engine / Years | City | Highway |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5L Turbo (2018-2023, FWD) | 26-28 mpg | 31-32 mpg |
| 2.0L Turbo (2018-2021) | 22-23 mpg | 29-30 mpg |
| 1.6L Diesel (2018-2019, FWD) | 28 mpg | 39 mpg |
| 1.5L Turbo (2023, entry trim) | 26 mpg | 31 mpg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the diesel Equinox discontinued so quickly?
Despite its strong highway mpg, it sold in low volumes relative to gas trims, and Chevy shifted focus toward its turbo gas lineup and, later, the Equinox EV.
Does AWD really hurt fuel economy that much?
Yes, typically by around 2-3 mpg compared to an equivalent FWD trim, due to the added weight and drivetrain friction of the all-wheel-drive system.
What's the easiest way to improve my Equinox's real-world mpg?
Keeping tires properly inflated, staying current on oil and air filter changes, and moderating acceleration all meaningfully help close the gap to the EPA rating.
How does the current turbo compare to older non-turbo Equinox engines?
The turbocharged four-cylinders introduced starting with this generation generally improved on the fuel economy of the larger V6 that was available in earlier Equinox generations.
Shop the Parts Mentioned
- ACDelco GM OE dexos1 GEN 2 Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil (1 qt) — supports efficient engine operation.
- ACDelco GM OE CF185 Cabin Air Filter — keeps HVAC running efficiently.
- DTI-13G Digital Tire Inflator — proper tire pressure directly affects mpg.
- 5-in-1 Digital Tire Pressure Gauge — quick checks between fill-ups.
- Wireless Scanner — catches fuel trim issues that quietly hurt mileage.