If you are in the market for a fuel-efficient SUV, the Chevy Equinox may be on your list. But are Chevy Equinox good on gas? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the fuel economy of the Chevy Equinox and what factors can affect its gas mileage.
Overview of Chevy Equinox Fuel Economy
The Chevy Equinox has been designed to deliver impressive fuel economy. According to the EPA, the 2021 Chevy Equinox gets an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway with the base engine. The Equinox also offers a turbocharged engine, which increases the fuel economy to 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
These figures are competitive with other SUVs in the same class, such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. However, the actual fuel economy can vary based on several factors.
Factors That Affect Chevy Equinox Gas Mileage
While the EPA fuel economy estimates provide a general idea of what to expect, several factors can affect your gas mileage with your Chevy Equinox. These include:
- Driving Habits: Aggressive driving, speeding, and rapid acceleration can decrease your fuel economy significantly. Therefore, adopting good driving habits like smooth acceleration, maintaining a steady speed, and avoiding hard braking can improve your fuel economy.
- Terrain: Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain requires more fuel than driving on flat terrain. Therefore, your fuel economy may decrease if you frequently drive in these conditions.
- Cargo and Passenger Load: Carrying heavy cargo or transporting a full load of passengers can decrease your fuel economy. The added weight puts more strain on the engine and requires more fuel to maintain speed.
- Maintenance: Keeping your Equinox well-maintained is crucial for optimal fuel economy. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire rotations can help ensure your car runs efficiently.
- Weather Conditions: Extreme temperatures can affect your fuel economy. It takes longer for the engine to warm up in cold weather, which can reduce fuel efficiency. In hot weather, using the air conditioning can decrease fuel economy.
Tips to Improve Chevy Equinox Gas Mileage
While there are factors that can affect your fuel economy, there are also steps you can take to improve it. Here are some tips to get better gas mileage from your Chevy Equinox:
- Use Cruise Control: Cruise control on the highway can help you maintain a steady speed, improving your fuel economy.
- Remove Excess Weight: Removing unnecessary items from your car can help reduce the weight and improve fuel economy.
- Inflate Your Tires: Under-inflated tires can decrease your fuel economy. Make sure to keep your tires inflated to the recommended pressure levels.
- Keep Up with Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, can help ensure Equinox runs efficiently.
- Choose the Right Fuel: Using the recommended fuel type for your Equinox can help improve your fuel economy.
Final Thoughts
So, is Chevy Equinox good on gas? The answer is yes, the Equinox is designed to be fuel-efficient and offers competitive fuel economy for an SUV. However, several factors can affect your actual gas mileage, and it’s essential to adopt good driving habits and keep up with maintenance to ensure optimal fuel economy. Following the tips in this guide can improve your Equinox’s gas mileage and save money at the pump.