2017 Chevrolet Equinox Base — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2017 Chevrolet Equinox Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $24,095–$29,346
Fuel Economy 23 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,283/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$24,095–$29,346

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Base

With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Base earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Performance at 6.4/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.0/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.4/10 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 comes in at 7.0/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $24,095–$29,346, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Equinox Base sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.8/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Base, but it needs the right buyer. Its performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

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 →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Base ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $24,095 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 33%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Equinox Base Year Should You Buy?

Across the Equinox Base model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
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 (this review) 7.3/10$24,095
2016 7.2/10$23,180 Read review →
2015 7.2/10$22,265 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Base

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

Similar SUV to Consider

Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.

2025 Toyota RAV4 Base
2025 Toyota RAV4 Base
8.4/10
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2025 Toyota RAV4
2025 Toyota RAV4
8.4/10
View →
2026 Toyota RAV4
2026 Toyota RAV4
8.4/10
View →
2024 Toyota RAV4 Base
2024 Toyota RAV4 Base
8.3/10
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