DecodedCars2010 Chevrolet Equinox
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV Ls/Lt/Ltz
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 188.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,777 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2010 SUV - (20.7 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints558 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 71 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,777 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 26% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 558 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2010
- Engines added: 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl
- Engines dropped: 3.4L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 20 to 26
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Equinox →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV Ls/Lt/Ltz | 188.6 in | 72.4 in | 66.9 in | 112.6 in | 62.6 / 61.8 in | 3,777 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equinox FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | +26% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Equinox AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | +26% | $2,900 | 386 |
| Equinox FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -3% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Equinox AWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 24 / 20 | +9% | $3,350 | 444 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Chevrolet Equinox (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2010 Toyota 4Runner | 20 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2010 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 17 |
| 2010 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 18 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 5, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 8,367 vehicles
- Problem
- 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, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
- Risk
- If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Seats › Front Assembly › Power Adjust · Jul 23, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V447000 · 414,333 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 seats. In the affected vehicles, the bolt that secures the driver's and passenger's power front seat height adjuster may fall out causing the seat to drop suddenly to the lowest vertical position.
- Risk
- If the driver's seat unexpectedly drops, the distraction and altered seat position may affect the drivers' control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the height adjuster shoulder bolts, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed interim letters to owners on September 11, 2014. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14271.
Not every 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Chevrolet Equinox buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 213 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 138 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Visibility/Wiper — 116 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 95,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Equinox years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Equinox | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Equinox | 27 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 89 |
| 2025 Equinox | 27 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 405 |
| 2024 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 190 |
| 2023 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 99 |
| 2022 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 186 |
| 2021 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 100 |
| 2020 Equinox | 28 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 318 |
| 2019 Equinox | 32 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 310 |
| 2018 Equinox | 32 | 183.1 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 410 |
| 2017 Equinox | 25 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 276 |
| 2016 Equinox | 26 | 188.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 399 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →