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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $16,960–$20,084 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 6.7/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.7/10, while Performance at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.3/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.7/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.0/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.1/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $16,960–$20,084, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Equinox sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. At 7.1/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and technology and performance scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox ranks #2273 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 7% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $16,960 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 53%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Equinox model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $31,415 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $31,415 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $30,500 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $29,585 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $28,670 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.5/10 | $27,755 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.4/10 | $26,840 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $25,925 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.3/10 | $25,010 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.3/10 | $24,095 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.2/10 | $23,180 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $22,265 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Ignition 05/07/2016 · 16V502000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore,… |
|---|---|
| Seats / Front assembly / Power adjust 23/07/2014 · 14V447000 | General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and Chevrolet Camaro, as well as certain 2010-2012 Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles, equipped with power height adjustable driver and passenger… |
| Tires / Pressure monitoring and regulating systems 19/10/2011 · 11V511000 | GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EQUINOX AND GMC TERRAIN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 18, 2011, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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