2011 Chevrolet Equinox

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Rating8.0

Ranked #3 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$22,995 - $30,320
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on June 10, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Impressive fuel economy

Vague steering feedback

Carry-over model

Powerful engines

Lacks cargo space

Superb-quality interior

Specs & Features

$24,745

price

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

horsepower

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

2.4L 4cyl AWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2011 Chevy Equinox is majorly a carry-over model with 182 horsepower 2.4L I-4 and newer 264 hp 3.0L V-6 engines under the hood capable of having 1,500-3,500 lbs towing capacity in a single shot. Moreover, with a starting of MSRP of $22,995, its trim level of LS, 1LT, 2LT which now adds newly standard heated front seats, and LTZ hits on the fuel economy of up to 32 MPG while retaining its spacious interior and a cargo capacity of 63.7 cu-ft.  

 

 

2011 Chevrolet Equinox Buying Advice

The 2011 Chevy Equinox is no different from 2010 MY, meaning you pound on similar power curves and safety gears. So, it makes sense to choose the 2010 Equinox itself. However, if you wish to spend a little more with the more diversified build, one can even go with the 2020 Equinox as well which makes a huge difference in almost all parameters and that too with improved safety. 

The 2011 Equinox rivals against the mettle of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape in all possible front right from cabin interior richness and safety gears to performance dynamics. Though the RAV4 and CR-V are a step ahead in their cargo capacities but Equinox has been designed to take on that deficit with its enhanced interior space and payload prowess. 

2011 Chevrolet Equinox for sale

The 2011 Chevy Equinox has been put on for sale with a lease deal of just $91/month for 60 months if a down payment of $2,000 is paid at the beginning. Moreover, the used Chevy Equinox 2011 seems to be priced at an average cost tag of $8,000-$14,700 throughout the domain. 

Buying Advice

Considering all the comfort and highest interior enhancements on offer for a reasonable price, it has to be the Chevy Equinox 2011 LTZ with FWD that stands out among all. With the comparable towing utility, best-in-lineup interior convenience, and top-notch economy, this trim gives you the most satisfaction. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox offers a quite practical cabin along with well-isolated space that is powered by worthy 182 horsepower 2.4L I-4 and 264 hp 3.0L V-6 engines. Though its J.D power rating could have taken to a slightly better stance from just 82, its trade-off between payload capacity of 1,095 lbs(I-4) to1,199 lbs(V-6) and a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs is simply undeniable. 

Hitting the total expense of $24,000 that one has to bear after 5 years of standard operation, the Chevy Equinox 2011 does come out to be decently priced in its investment. Moreover, exclusive maintenance of $630 per year is also certain in its character which may differ by huge margins just like its repairing cost once every 3 years of purist throttling. 

Buying Advice

Considering all the comfort and highest interior enhancements on offer for a reasonable price, it has to be the Chevy Equinox 2011 LTZ with FWD that stands out among all. With the comparable towing utility, best-in-lineup interior convenience, and top-notch economy, this trim gives you the most satisfaction. 

Features
8.0/10

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox LS introduces itself at a price tag of $22,995 and owns features like the 17-inch alloy wheels, 6-speaker audio unit, and Graphic Interface Display. The next trim is the 1LT costing $24,160 for which one gets to use the Bluetooth Connectivity along with Premium Cloth Seats.

Pay $2,060 more than what you pay for the Equinox LT1 and you would rev the 2LT configuration that brings in Automatic Climate Control and Heated Front Seats. While the best among all of them is the LTZ edition with assets such as the Perforated Leather-Appointed Seats and Digital Music Storage for an MSRP of $28,570. 

Trims

LS

1LT

2LT

LTZ

MSRP(FWD)

$22,995

$24,160

$26,220

$28,570

MSRP(AWD)

$24,745

$25,910

$27,970

$30,320

Key Features

17-inch Alloy Wheels

Premium Cloth Seats

Fog Lamps

Available 19-inch Chrome-clad Wheels

 

Cruise Control

Available 18" Machined-aluminum Wheels

Remote Ignition

Memory Settings For Driver And Exterior Mirrors

 

Air-conditioning

Roof Rails

Heated Front Seats

Perforated Leather-Appointed Seats 

 

6-speaker audio unit

Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel

Automatic Climate Control

Digital Music Storage

  Graphic Interface Display

Bluetooth Connectivity

An Eight-way Power Driver Seat

Chrome Appearance Package

   

Deep Tinted Glass

Pioneer Premium 250-watt 8-speaker Sound System 

Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The 2011 Chevy Equinox MPG returns some of the most efficient figures in the marketplace with EPA ratings of 22 MPG in the city, 32 MPG on the highway, and 26 MPG combined for the FWD layout. However, they go down with a thirstier V6 engine that offers 17/25/20 MPG in city/highway/combined respectively for the same FWD configuration.

The Chevrolet Equinox AWD has been engineered out to have a mileage of 20/29/23 MPG in the similar city/highway/combined driving conditions. On the other hand, the V6 powertrain in pairing with AWD drops down by 1 MPG across all formats as compared to the FWD. As far as range is concerned, 468 miles of combined range is within your gas pedal which may increase to 601 miles when its 18.8-gallon fuel tank is completely filled. 

Model

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

2011 Honda CR-V 

2011 Toyota RAV4

2011 Ford Escape

MPG (City)

22

21

22

23

MPG (Highway)

32

28

28

28

MPG (Combined)

26

24

24

25

Fuel Capacity (Gallons)

18.8

15.3

15.9

17.5

Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)

413/601/468

321/428/367

349/445/397

402/490/437

Being 4 MPG more efficient than the 2011 CR-V, RAV4, and Escape on the highway, the Chevy Equinox turns out to be a good affair for your economy. Its 3.5-gallon bigger fuel tank further gives it an edge against the CR-V by 101 miles during your daily combined commute while the RAV4 lags behind the Equinox by 71 miles at the same time.

Interior
8.0/10

Step inside the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox interior and the generic premium cloth-finish manually adjustable seats are the first ones to get your vision for the LS and 1LT trims. In addition to that, we have nothing better than the manual climate control inside these trims as well, however, the Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel does get a mention from Equinox 1LT onwards.

Moving to the higher configurations such as the 2011 Equinox 2LT and Equinox LTZ interiors, the Automatic Climate Control keeps the ambiance calm and so does the heated front row. Moreover, the Eight-way Power Driver Seat is also called upon for your convenience for these two top-end editions where the LTZ has the privilege of leather upholstery too. Meanwhile, a cargo capacity of 31.4 cu-ft is standard throughout the lineup which can expand to 63.7 cu-ft at its best.  

Model

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

2011 Honda CR-V 

2011 Toyota RAV4

2011 Ford Escape

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulders/Legs) (in)

40.9/55.8/41.2

40.9/56.9/41.3

40.8/57.1/41.8

40.4/56.6/41.6

Second Row (Head/Shoulders/Legs) (in)

39.2/55.3/39.9

38.5/56.0/38.5

39.7/55.3/38.3

39.2/55.9/35.6

Cargo Capacity (cubic feet)

31.4

35.7

36.4

31.4

As per data, the 2011 Equinox cargo space has been arranged to be 5 cu-ft less practical than the RAV4 but it tries to compensate for that with its 1.6 inches better 2nd-row legroom. On the other hand, the CR-V appears to be having 4.3 cu-ft more accommodating in its cargo volume, unlike Ford Escape which is at par with the Equinox 2011. Also, a Graphic Interface Display sits right in the middle for control settings which stays common throughout. 

The Chevrolet Equinox 2011 flaunts a 6-speaker audio unit too that finds its sweet spot inside the LS and 1LT. While the Equinox 2LT and Equinox LTZ settle with the Pioneer Premium 250-watt 8-speaker Sound System. Further extending these feature assets, the 1LT integrates Bluetooth Connectivity that continues for other higher trims but the Digital Music Storage retains its stance of exclusivity for the LTZ.

  • Manual/Automatic Climate Control
  • Manual/Power Seats
  • Heated front seats
  • Cloth/Leather upholstery
  • AM/FM stereo
  • XM Radio10 with three trial months 
  • CD/MP3 player and six-speaker system
  • 6-speaker audio unit

Exterior
8.0/10

The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is no different in its design silhouette. And the halogen headlamps with automatic exterior lamp control continue to define the front fascia in conjunction with the split grille having that bow-tie emblem embossed right in the center. 

Also, the Chevy Equinox 2011 rides on the 17-inch Alloy Wheels, 18-inch Machined-aluminum Wheels, and 19-inch Chrome-clad Wheels as per trim specific. Further, on top, it attaches roof rails for luggage management that goes inherent for all except Equinox LS.  

Model

2011 Chevrolet Equinox

2011 Honda CR-V 

2011 Toyota RAV4

2011 Ford Escape

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,786

3,386

3,360

3,268

Length (in)

187.8

179.3

181.9

174.7

Width (in)

72.5

71.6

71.5

71.1

Height (in)

66.3

66.1

66.3

67.9

Ground Clearance (in)

7.8

6.7

7.5

8.4

Wheelbase (in)

112.5

103.1

104.7

103.1

Based on the figures, the Chevrolet Equinox 2011 weighs 100 lbs less than the CR-V but is 518 lbs heavier than the Ford Escape because of which Equinox might be a difficult one to handle at tight corners. However, its 1.1 inches higher ground clearance than the CR-V could prove to be pretty handy for the underbody panels and platform bed on the off-road terrains. 

  • Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Tinted rear windows
  • Roof rails
  • Fog Lamps
  • Automatic headlamps
  • Optional 19-inch chrome-clad wheels 
  • Front and rear body-color bumpers with bright front and rear lower

Safety
9.0/10

The 2011 Chevy Equinox has got an overall 4-star NHTSA safety rating and a "Good" rating by the IIHS in all parameters. On top of that, the IIHS has marked it with the "Top Safety Pick" award as well. Apart from these, we have got a series of safety features too, among which a few of them have been mentioned below:

  • Daytime Running Lamps with Automatic Exterior 
  • Lamp Control 
  • LATCH (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children) system
  • Automatic Crash Response 
  • Power rear door child safety locks 
  • StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System 
  • Traction Control and rollover mitigation 
  • Theft-deterrent system: content-theft alarm 

Competition
8.0/10

2011 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2011 Honda CR-V

The 2011 Chevy Equinox and the 2011 Honda CR-V have got similar towing power at their ends. However, Equinox seems to outclass its rival with a better range and fuel economy scale. This stays true in the overall cabin spaciousness as well but unfortunately misses having a parallel cargo volume. All in all, it has to be Equinox that gets our preference. 

2011 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2011 Toyota RAV4

The 2011 Chevy Equinox has been designed to be better off in the range coverage without compromising on its payload and towing utility. That being said, its practicality to seat 5 passengers is also impressive despite not having comparable cargo capacity to the RAV4. However, the RAV4 is slightly better in its dynamic pursuit. Therefore, one can go for either of them as per requirement. 

2011 Chevrolet Equinox vs. 2011 Ford Escape

The 2011 Chevy Equinox has a clear edge over the 2011 Ford Escape in almost all domains right from higher range to cabin roominess. The interior ambiance and tech-ends can be placed on the same level just like their towing prowess. But, if looked at holistically, the Equinox 2011 proves to be a reasonable proposition. 

Final Verdict

To conclude, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a strong competitor in its segment. It is generously loaded, the standard engine offers refined ride quality, while the optional V6 adds more grunt and swiftness. The interior layout offers segment-leading space. However, the safety aids do lack as compared to some of the Japanese rivals, but it’s still fitted with adequate tech and should be fine for most of us out there.

Trims

    LS
    $22,995 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Driver Lumbar support
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Remote keyless entry
    1LT
    $24,160 onwards
    • Heated mirrors
    • Premium cloth Seat trim
    2LT
    $26,220 onwards
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • Front automatic air conditioning
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Parking assist
    LTZ
    $28,570 onwards
    • Leather Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$21,845- $30,845

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.82

Horsepower

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

169 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$27,640- $38,775

Gasoline

7.64

285 hp @ 6500 rpm

253 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,555- $29,065

Gasoline

8.33

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,295- $25,995

Gasoline

7.4

158 hp @ 6400 rpm

141 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,240- $27,920

Gasoline

7.98

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$19,299- $24,949

Gasoline

7.74

166 hp @ 6000 rpm

162 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$18,295- $27,295

Gasoline

8.27

176 hp @ 6000 rpm

168 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,250- $31,400

Gasoline

7.75

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,720- $37,390

Gasoline

7.32

200 hp @ 5100 rpm

207 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,825- $24,185

Gasoline

7.47

166 hp @ 5800 rpm

161 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

4

Read Review

2011 Chevrolet Equinox vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.7 sec16.9 sec-
    6.8 sec15.5 sec120 mph
    7.3 sec15.8 sec132 mph
    7.3 sec15.5 sec-
    7.3 sec15.6 sec-
    7.5 sec16 sec114 mph

    2011 Chevrolet Equinox vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18.8 gal.413.6/601.6 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18 gal.396/576 mi.
      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg17.5 gal.402.5/490 mi.
      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg16.6 gal.381.8/464.8 mi.
      22 mpg28 mpg25 mpg15.9 gal.349.8/445.2 mi.
      23 mpg29 mpg25 mpg13.6 gal.312.80/394.40 mi.Jeep USA

      2011 Chevrolet Equinox vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        187.8 in.72.5 in.66.3 in.7.8 in.112.5 in.
        201.8 in.79 in.72.5 in.8.4 in.118.9 in.
        197.1 in.78.9 in.70.4 in.7.6 in.112.6 in.
        192.4 in.72.2 in.66.6 in.7.3 in.113.8 in.
        185.3 in.72.8 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        184.3 in.73.7 in.64.8 in.8.1 in.108.3 in.

        2011 Chevrolet Equinox vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          31.4 cu.ft.99.7 cu.ft.63.7 cu.ft.
          35.7 cu.ft.103.8 cu.ft.72.9 cu.ft.
          31.4 cu.ft.99.5 cu.ft.67.1 cu.ft.
          29.3 cu.ft.45.4 cu.ft.75.6 cu.ft.
          21 cu.ft.151.7 cu.ft.80.7 cu.ft.
          32.2 cu.ft.108.4 cu.ft.68.9 cu.ft.

          2011 Chevrolet Equinox vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            13.1 cu.ft.31.4 cu.ft.63.7 cu.ft.-
            53.6 cu.ft.22.7 cu.ft.53.6 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            60.9 cu.ft.25.2 cu.ft.60.9 cu.ft.98 ft.Jeep USA
            67.2 cu.ft.31.4 cu.ft.67.2 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.29.3 cu.ft.75.6 cu.ft.-
            27 cu.ft.36.2 cu.ft.72.6 cu.ft.-

            2011 Chevrolet Equinox vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1500 lbs.1190 lbs.3786 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1150 lbs.3976 lbs.
              5000 lbs.-4557 lbs.
              5000 lbs.881 lbs.4143 lbs.
              4500 lbs.1631 lbs.4780 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1298 lbs.4082 lbs.

              2011 Chevrolet Equinox SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              3

              Recalls

              3

              Investigations

              778

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2011 Chevrolet Equinox User Reviews

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              [2 Reviews]

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              POPULAR TAGS

              HR

              Heather Rodriguez

              2012 Chevrolet Equinox

              LS 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 8, 2024

              Recall should have covered more.

              Pros - ["Color black", "Size small suv"]

              Cons - ["Keeps breaking down", "Not reliable"]

              I believe a recall on a vehicle of this nature should cover repairs to make sure your vehicle is reliable. I haven't had a reliable vehicle now due to the recall on it for going in two years. My vehicle is my job so I have struggled relentlessly.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              DH

              Deelaina Hocker

              2010 Chevrolet Equinox

              LT w/1LT 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 30, 2024

              2010 Chevy Equinox wonderful car love it so much

              Pros - ["Interior design", "Good gas mileage", "Lots of room"]

              Cons - ["The seat has fabric not leather", "Where my door lock button is located", "Does not go as fast as I thought it would"]

              I love this car because it is a roomy easy to get around Equinox lots of room in the car I can take all my friends good on gas mileage I feel safe in it the trunk is humongous and I can fit lots of my stuff in it for moving

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review