Chevrolet Equinox
2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with 252 hp and 260 lb-ft. Modern direct injection with dual VVT, paired with the 9T50 nine-speed automatic. Dropped from the Equinox after 2020 because the premium didn't make sense for family buyers. Mechanically more solid than the 1.5 turbo.
A 252 hp engine in the wrong car
The 2.0L LTG makes 252 hp and 260 lb-ft — interesting on paper, completely wasted in an Equinox. Suspension is too soft, steering is numb, and the 9T50 judders on some units. Dropped after 2020 because nobody would pay extra for a fast family SUV that doesn't feel fast.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Recall 23V013 covers 2021–2022 Equinox: fuel pump module may not provide consistent fuel flow, causing engine stalls. 16,023 vehicles affected.
The 9T50 paired with the 2.0L LTG shows rough shifting on some units with slip between gears and noticeable shudder around 1,800 rpm.
2018–2020 Equinox: missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap cause transmission oil leaks and can lead to loss of propulsion.
2018 Equinox tops CarComplaints' brake category: pedal becomes hard, effort increases. Average repair $1,600 at roughly 54,000 mi.
On the 1.5L LYX, Chevrolet locked out 6th gear below 15°F via software to prevent charge air cooler icing. Result: high rpm on the highway in cold weather.
The 8-inch MyLink touchscreen freezes, reboots spontaneously, or the lower half becomes unresponsive. Cause: software or comms module.