2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $29,585–$39,715
Fuel Economy 29 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $1,810/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$29,585–$39,715

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

About the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base

With an overall Carivo score of 7.6/10, the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.6/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance at 6.6/10 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 7.3/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $29,585–$39,715, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Chevrolet Equinox Base sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 8.2/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.

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 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,585 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 18%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

Which Equinox Base Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Base scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.6 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.7/10$31,415 Read review →
2024 7.7/10$30,500 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.6/10$29,585
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 →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base

✓ What it does well

  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • 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
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra

Common Questions — 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base reliable?

We rate the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base's reliability 7.3/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base worth buying?

It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base cost?

The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox Base starts at $29,585 and ranges up to $39,715 across trims (MSRP when new). At 29 MPG, expect roughly $1,810/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Similar SUV to Consider

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