2021 Chevrolet Equinox — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is an SUV powered by a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 32–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Chevrolet Equinox workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 34 mpg (UK) combined. No longer listed: 2L 4-cyl turbo. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.5L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 6-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 103 cu ft (2,917 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 30 cu ft (850 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 34 combined / 31 urban / 37 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 26 city / 31 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 198 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, all with the 1.5L 4-cyl turbo engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 27 to 28 mpg (US), or 32 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (25/30) | 205 | $2,500 |
| 1.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (26/31) | 198 | $2,400 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 103 cubic feet (about 2,917 litres) and luggage volume at 30 cubic feet (about 850 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Running Costs: 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Child seat (1), Fuel system (1), Tires (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Child seat — campaign 23V339000, reported 11 May 2023. Risk: The inability to install a child seat with the LATCH anchorage bars could result in an unsecured child seat, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fuel system — campaign 23V013000, reported 19 January 2023. Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Tires — campaign 21V612000, reported 5 August 2021. Risk: Tread separation can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Seat belts — campaign 20V811000, reported 23 December 2020. Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 96 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox. The most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (18), Unspecified (17), Electrical system (17). Complaints include 6 reported crashes, 5 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 392 complaints across the 17 Chevrolet Equinox model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (1 recall campaign · 18 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Electrical system (17 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (17 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Tyres (1 recall campaign) — Check tyre age and wear and ask about any tyre recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Chevrolet Equinox compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 34 mpg figure is 7 mpg better than that average. Its 198 g/km CO₂ figure is 55 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Chevrolet models in our database average about 29 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox's 34 mpg is 5 mpg above that make average. Its 198 g/km CO₂ figure is 48 g/km lower than the 246 g/km Chevrolet average.
Of the 17 Chevrolet Equinox model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 3rd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (34 mpg UK combined, against a high of 38 mpg). See every Chevrolet Equinox year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have?
It's fitted with a 1.5L 4-cyl turbo regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic 6-spd transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 32 to 34 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Child seat (1), Fuel system (1), Tires (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox?
Among the 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (18 complaints), Unspecified (17 complaints), Electrical system (17 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 103 cubic feet (about 2,917 litres) and luggage volume at 30 cubic feet (about 850 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.
Is the Chevrolet Equinox's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.