The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox sits in a sweet spot for used car buyers: recent enough to feel modern, old enough to be genuinely affordable. But “good deal” and “right car” aren’t the same thing. This review breaks down what you actually need to know before handing over your money.
If you want a comfortable, fuel-efficient compact SUV that doesn’t cost a fortune to own, the 2019 Equinox deserves a serious look. It’s best suited for daily commuters, small families, and anyone who wants a practical vehicle without the price tag of a newer model. Just go in with your eyes open.
Reliability and Common Issues
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has a reputation that lands somewhere in the middle of the pack. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, which is genuinely encouraging for a used buy. Consumer reviews across Edmunds, KBB, and Cars.com show a split: plenty of owners report zero issues well past 80,000 miles, while others have had real headaches early on.
The biggest recurring complaint centers on the 1.5-liter turbo engine. Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, and there are documented cases of coolant mixing with oil, which is a serious problem if it goes unnoticed. Chevrolet has acknowledged oil consumption concerns with this engine, so ask specifically about that when you’re looking at any 2019 Equinox with the base turbo four-cylinder.
The engine cooling system has also caused trouble for some owners. Consumer Reports highlights a specific issue where the louvers controlling airflow to the radiator stopped functioning properly. It’s a fixable problem, but you want to know if it’s already been addressed on the vehicle you’re considering.
Remote start triggering the heat or AC prematurely is a minor but consistent complaint. Not a safety issue, more of an annoyance, but it points to quirks in the climate control system that some owners find frustrating over time.
The interior plastics on the 2019 Equinox scratch easily. Edmunds consumer reviewers specifically called this out after cross-shopping multiple small SUVs. On a used vehicle, expect to see scuffs on the trim panels and the seat surrounds unless the previous owner was unusually careful.
According to the NHTSA recalls database, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox has four recalls on record. Before you buy, run the VIN to confirm all recall work has been completed. Dealers are required to fix open recalls for free, but you need to know they exist first. Our free VIN lookup tool can surface that history quickly.
What to Inspect Before You Buy
Start with the engine, specifically if the vehicle has the 1.5-liter turbo. Check the oil level and look at its condition on the dipstick. Fresh oil right before a sale can mask consumption issues, so ask for service records going back at least two years. If the seller can’t produce them, that’s a flag.
Pull the coolant reservoir cap and look for any oily residue or a milky discoloration. Either of those signs points to coolant and oil mixing, which is expensive to fix and potentially engine-ending if it’s been running that way for a while.
When you drive the vehicle, pay attention to how the transmission shifts. The six-speed automatic in the Equinox should shift smoothly and without hesitation. Hard shifts or a noticeable delay pulling away from a stop are worth investigating further before you commit.
Check the rear cargo area and the rear seat floor for any signs of water intrusion. Sunroof drains can clog and lead to interior moisture, especially on vehicles that spent time in wetter climates. Damp carpet under the rear seat is not just a smell problem, it leads to mold.
Look at the interior carefully. The plastic trim scratches easily, as mentioned, but more importantly check the seat stitching and the condition of the driver’s seat bolster. High mileage shows up there first. A heavily worn driver’s seat on a vehicle with claimed low mileage is a red flag worth taking seriously.
Get an independent mechanic to put it on a lift and inspect the undercarriage, particularly if the vehicle has spent time in the northern US or Canada where road salt is common. The Equinox isn’t notably rust-prone for its class, but any used vehicle deserves a proper look at the brake lines, fuel lines, and subframe.
Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic who has no stake in the sale. A dealer inspection doesn’t count. Spend the $100 to $150 at an independent shop and you’ll have real information to work with.
Fair Price Range
What you pay for a 2019 Equinox depends heavily on trim, mileage, and where you’re buying. A base LS or mid-range LT trim with around 60,000 to 80,000 miles will typically come in at a meaningfully lower price than a fully loaded Premier with under 40,000 miles.
You’ll often see the LT trim as the most common version on used lots, since it was the best-seller new. It strikes a good balance between features and value. The Premier adds more content but also commands a premium price that may not make sense depending on your budget.
According to EPA fuel economy data, the 2019 Equinox with the 1.5-liter turbo engine gets around 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway in front-wheel drive configuration. The all-wheel drive version gives up a little fuel economy, typically around 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Factor that into your ownership cost calculations. Lower fuel costs help offset whatever you’re paying up front.
Condition matters more than mileage in many cases. A well-maintained 2019 Equinox with 90,000 miles and full service records is a better buy than one with 45,000 miles and no documentation. Use our car loan calculator to figure out what different price points actually cost you per month before you start negotiating.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox Worth Buying Used?
For most buyers, yes. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox offers a genuinely comfortable interior, decent fuel economy for a compact SUV, and enough features across its trim levels to feel like a real modern vehicle rather than a stripped-down budget buy.
Consumer feedback across major review platforms leans positive overall, with the strongest satisfaction scores going to owners who prioritized comfort and everyday usability over performance. If you push the Equinox hard or compare its drive feel to sportier crossovers, you’ll be disappointed. It’s not that kind of SUV.
The 1.5-liter turbo engine concerns are real but manageable. If you find a 2019 Equinox with documented service history showing no oil consumption issues and all four NHTSA recalls completed, you’re in a much better position than buying blind. The 2.0-liter turbo engine, available on higher trims, has a generally cleaner track record and gives you noticeably more power if that matters to you.
Who should look elsewhere? If you regularly carry five adults or need genuine towing capacity, the Equinox isn’t the right fit. It’s a practical five-seater, but the rear seat is tight for three adults on longer drives. Buyers who want a more driver-focused experience or who plan to do any serious off-road driving should also look at other options.
But if you want an efficient, well-equipped compact SUV that’s easy to live with day to day, the 2019 Chevy Equinox earns its place on your shortlist. Just do your homework on the specific vehicle, not just the model.
Before you commit to any Chevrolet Equinox, pull its history. Run a free VIN check on this Equinox to see reported accidents, title issues, and ownership history.
You can also browse used cars by make to compare the Equinox against other compact SUVs in a similar price range. Once you’ve done the research and had your inspection, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into. That’s when a good deal actually stays good.
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