Chevrolet Equinox II (2009 – 2017)

Reliability score : 7.6/10

The second-generation Chevrolet Equinox is a compact/mid-size SUV that enjoyed immense success, particularly in North America. Based on the General Motors Theta platform (shared with the GMC Terrain), it stands out for its ride comfort, excellent soundproofing, and sliding rear bench seat (Multi-Flex system) offering legroom worthy of a higher category. Although recent statistics from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports rank it above the class average in terms of overall reliability, this generation had a difficult start with its 4-cylinder engine, before reaching excellent maturity at the end of its career (after the 2016 facelift).

✅ Strengths

Above-average reliability on late-career models (2014-2017) and V6s
Sliding rear bench seat offering exceptional legroom
Very successful cabin soundproofing (active noise cancellation system on 4-cylinder models)
High-performance 3.6L V6 engine (301 hp) rare in this category
Extensive after-sales network and highly accessible spare parts (especially in North America)

⚠️ Weaknesses

Catastrophic oil consumption problems on the 2.4L from 2010 to 2013
Poor rear and rear three-quarter visibility (very wide C-pillars)
High fuel consumption on V6 engines
Quality of some interior plastics that scratch easily
Large turning radius for an SUV of this size

🎯 Verdict

The second-generation Chevrolet Equinox is a vehicle with two faces. Statistics from J.D. Power and Consumer Reports place it above average, which is entirely true for models equipped with the robust V6 engines (3.0L and 3.6L) as well as the 2.4L 4-cylinders produced from 2014 onwards. These versions offer an excellent price/quality ratio, undeniable comfort, and high reliability. On the other hand, you must absolutely avoid the 2.4L models from 2010 to 2013 unless the engine has been rebuilt (piston rings/timing chain) under warranty by GM, otherwise you risk facing engine failure due to chronic oil consumption.

Common issues

Consommation excessive d'huile moteur (moteur 2.4L Ecotec) High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 2 500 – 5 000 $ USD (segmentation/réparation majeure) ; 4 000 – 7 000 $ USD (remplacement moteur)

Vérifier le niveau d'huile très régulièrement; éviter les modèles 2.4L si possible.

Usure prématurée ou défaillance de la chaîne de distribution (moteur 2.4L Ecotec) High

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 1 000 – 2 500 $ USD (remplacement de la chaîne et tendeurs)

Écouter les bruits de cliquetis moteur; entretien régulier avec huile de qualité.

Problèmes de transmission automatique (6 vitesses) High

🔧 120 000 – 200 000 km

💶 2 000 – 4 000 $ USD (reconstruction ou remplacement)

Tester la transmission attentivement; vidanger l'huile de boîte régulièrement.

Défaillance du système PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) (moteur 2.4L Ecotec) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 160 000 km

💶 400 – 1 000 $ USD (réparation/remplacement des composants)

Vérifier le système PCV lors des entretiens; peut contribuer à la consommation d'huile.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing chain	£850 – 2,000
Complete brakes	£300 – 600
Estimated annual budget	£500 – 1,000

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.