Built by General Motors, the 2014 Chevy Equinox is a compact crossover SUV that gave buyers a choice of two engines, room for five people, and one of the bigger cargo holds you could find in this class. Four trims were on offer, LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ, with front-wheel drive as standard while all-wheel drive could be added on any of them. Even now, for people browsing the used crossover market, this model still proves itself as a roomy, comfortable and generally dependable family vehicle.
Sitting on GM’s Theta platform, it shared much of its structure with the GMC Terrain. Not a lot changed for 2014, just a new paint shade and chrome wheels added as standard on the top LTZ trim. What follows is a breakdown of what actually made this model worth a look.
2014 Chevy Equinox Engine and Performance
Two engines were up for grabs, depending on which trim a buyer picked:
- 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder: puts out 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft torque, comes standard on 1LT, 2LT and LTZ
- 3.6L V6: rated at 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft torque, available as an upgrade on those same trims
- Six-speed automatic: the only gearbox offered, paired either with FWD or optional AWD
Efficiency, not outright speed, is what the four-cylinder was built around, though it still managed daily commuting and highway runs without much fuss. Choosing the V6 gave a real boost for passing power and towing jobs, at the cost of extra fuel use. Both units ran fine on regular unleaded, keeping fuel bills more reasonable than some competitors that demanded premium.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside and the cabin feels a notch above what the price tag might suggest. Higher trims brought in soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching and cloth or optional leather seating that looked more upscale than expected. Standard tech across the range included:
- Chevrolet MyLink infotainment paired with a seven-inch touchscreen
- OnStar telematics covering safety and navigation needs
- Bluetooth for hands-free calls plus audio streaming
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel fitted with audio and cruise controls
Moving up to the 2LT trim added a rearview camera, navigation, heated front seats and an eight-way power driver’s seat. There was also a Safety package buyers could add, bringing in forward collision alert, lane departure warning and rear parking assist, features that were still fairly uncommon in this segment at the time.
Cargo Space and Towing Capacity
Practicality stood out as one of this model’s biggest strengths. Rear seats split 60/40, slid and reclined, giving families room to work with whether hauling people or cargo.
- Cargo volume: 889 litres behind the rear seats, growing to 1,803 litres once folded down
- Max payload: up to 537 kilograms
- Towing capacity: 680 kilograms with the four-cylinder, or 1,588 kilograms when paired with the V6
For small moves, weekend getaways or gear that just wouldn’t squeeze into a sedan, this made the Equinox a genuinely handy choice.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Pricing shifted depending on trim and how many options got added, starting lower on the base LS and climbing well past the mid $30,000s on a fully loaded LTZ with AWD. A road test review published by Car Magazine pointed out that a well-equipped 2LT AWD tester, once optioned up, landed somewhere in the high $30,000 range. These days, used pricing comes down to mileage, trim and overall condition, though the model still offers a budget-friendly way into a spacious crossover packed with useful features.
Is the 2014 Chevy Equinox Good on Gas?
Fuel efficiency came down to which engine and drivetrain combination a buyer went with. The most economical setup was the four-cylinder paired with FWD, while V6 AWD models used noticeably more fuel, particularly around town. Buyers chasing better mileage typically picked the four-cylinder FWD version, while anyone needing more towing muscle leaned toward the V6.
How Reliable Is the 2014 Chevy Equinox?
Owners tend to report that, with regular upkeep, the Equinox holds up reasonably well over time. On used examples, it’s worth checking the timing chain on four-cylinder models along with general wear on AWD parts. GM backed this model with a powertrain warranty running five years or 160,000 kilometers, longer than what many rivals offered back then, which says something about how confident the manufacturer was in this drivetrain’s durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engines were available in the 2014 Chevy Equinox?
Buyers could choose between a 2.4L four-cylinder making 182 horsepower or an optional 3.6L V6 rated at 301 horsepower, both paired with a six-speed automatic.
How much cargo space does the 2014 Chevy Equinox have?
Behind the rear seats sits 889 litres of cargo room, expanding to 1,803 litres once those seats fold flat.
Does the 2014 Chevy Equinox have all-wheel drive?
Yes, every trim level could be equipped with all-wheel drive, while front-wheel drive came standard.
What trim levels did the 2014 Chevy Equinox come in?
Four trims were offered: LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ, each one building on the last with more features and technology included.
Final Thoughts
For anyone shopping the used compact crossover market, the 2014 Chevy Equinox still makes a strong case for itself. It blends a spacious cabin, solid cargo capacity, two capable engine choices and a powertrain warranty that outlasted most competitors of its time. Whether fuel economy, towing strength or everyday comfort tops the priority list, this model keeps proving itself as a crossover families can rely on.
