How Long Will A Chevy Equinox Last? Answered!

The compact Chevy Equinox is an SUV initially offered in 2005. 

Meant to fill the void left by the outgoing chevy Blazer, this vehicle is in a very competitive class, where multiple SUVs contend for supremacy. 

So, it’s essential to know the answer to a fundamental question: How long do Chevy Equinox SUVs last? 

How Long Will A Chevy Equinox Last?

A well-maintained Chevy Equinox can last more than 200,000 miles with relative ease. Its owners can expect a relatively reliable vehicle no matter which generation they purchase, though the most recent have slightly better track records so far. 

Not every owner’s experience is all roses, but Equinox enjoys a low rate of complaints on popular review sites. 

Overall, most owners seem to have a favorable view of the durability of their Chevrolet Equinox, and some boast of exceptionally high mileage vehicles that still run well. 

However, some models of Equinox are more prone to issues than others, so it’s important to understand the subtle differences between each generation.

Otherwise, you could get stuck with a vehicle that was neglected, might not be roadworthy, or can leave you exposed to a hefty repair bill down the road.

At a minimum, you need to make sure you follow our guide to the recalls issued on previous models, or you might be driving an unsafe Equinox. 

Chevy Equinox Models Explained

The Chevy Equinox has been pretty popular since it debuted in the mid-2000s.

That means there’s a reasonably large sample size of each generation and plenty of data to inform you about the reliability and durability of Equinox overall.

This smaller size SUV came in three distinct generations:

• 2005-2009 Chevy Equinox: First generation
• 2010-2017 Chevy Equinox: Second generation
• 2018- Current Chevy Equinox: Third generation

There are plenty of first-generation Equinox SUVs still on the road today. 

But, some of the earliest models were assembled from components manufactured in China and Japan. 

This was also Chevy’s first SUV to feature unibody construction. 

So, it’s fair to say that the first couple of model years had some growing pains. 

That doesn’t mean you should run away, but early Equinox models should be inspected for issues with leaking lower gaskets and any evidence of overheating. 

Early Equinox models featured a new blend of coolant, and it caused the lower gaskets to deteriorate, allowing coolant to seep out. 

If that problem led to overheating, it might have compromised the long-term reliability and durability of the vehicle’s engine.

Second-generation Equinox models didn’t have any major issues with the coolant. 

But, models with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder motor burned oil.

Since this could lead to inadequate lubrication, and it’s difficult to inspect the internal components of an engine for premature wear, you may want to avoid this particular model of the Equinox and opt instead for one equipped with either of the V6 motors offered.

Out of all three generations, the current one is the most reliable. 

There are only a handful of complaints about the most recent years of this vehicle in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations’s records. 

Even the earlier 2018 models don’t have many complaints. 

How Long Does an Average Car Last?

Experts say that an average passenger car should have a lifespan of approximately twelve years. 

That same typical vehicle should also be capable of driving 200,000 miles in its lifetime. 

By this standard, cars that run more than 200,000 miles and stay on the road for more than twelve years are better than average. 

What Makes One Car Last More than Another?

Reliability is a big part of modern car design, and most vehicles tend to perform well for a decade or more. 

We’ve thankfully come a long way from the days when breakdowns were routine and expected.

Getting stranded in your car is not only a pain in the neck, but it can also be really dangerous for you and even other drivers on the road.

So it’s essential to do what you can to keep your car reliable.

That means always performing the routine service items it needs to stay in top condition.

It’s easy to cut a corner, and it’s tempting to save money by skipping trips to the mechanic, but without regular oil changes, coolant flushes, and required filter replacements, you’re setting your car up for premature death. 

Owners who want to maximize the service life of their vehicle should always perform maintenance items according to the schedule in the owner’s manual. 

Never put off repairs because letting a problem remain unsolved can lead to breakdowns and accelerate the demise of your car. 

A simple issue left unchecked can accelerate the wear and tear of your car and even land it in the junkyard. 

Factors Outside an Owner’s Control

Even owners who take outstanding care of their Equinox might not get a long life out of their SUV.

That’s because you can’t account for everything that might affect its durability. 

For instance, we use road salt in large quantities in the winter months. 

While it’s great that we’re deicing the roads and keeping them safer for drivers, that same road salt has a corrosive effect on metal. 

Guess what’s made out of metal? The frame and other components of your Chevy Equinox. 

So, as your car ages, you may still have a reliable engine and transmission, but the car itself is rusting away and needs replacement far ahead of schedule.

Since you have to drive your car to go to work to pay for it, you can’t just park it in the garage every time it snows and the salt trucks roll!

How Many Miles Will a Chevy Equinox Last?

Each car, and each owner, is different.

If you think you’re Dale Earnhardt when you’re behind the wheel, and you drive your Equinox hard, it might not last as long as someone who drives more gently.

 Plus, you never know if there might be a hidden issue lurking deep in a car that might end up needing a significant repair or otherwise shorting how long an Equinox lasts. 

Luckily, the Chevrolet Equinox is the most reliable SUV Chevy makes.

It even beats out the popular Chevy Tahoe. 

And, if you live in areas of the country where they treat the roads with salt, your car may deteriorate faster than one that only saw the roads in warmer climates. 

All that said, a Chevy Equinox owner can anticipate that with regular maintenance, their SUV will last at least 200,000 miles.

That makes it at least average, if not better than most. 

There are also many owners who report that they’ve rolled their Equinox odometer through 300,000 miles or more, sometimes without requiring any significant repairs. 

Chevy Equinox: How Long It Will Last, Bottom Line

You can’t predict precisely how long a car will last with certainty. 

But as one of the most reliable vehicles Chevy makes, the Equinox is a good choice for anyone who desires an SUV that will last a long time. 

You can expect a typical Chevy Equinox to last for more than twelve years and travel at least 200,000 miles. Just make sure to keep up with routine maintenance!