The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 2.4L gets 23 MPG combined, which won’t win any awards, but many buyers find it acceptable for the Equinox’s spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive. This isn’t a vehicle purchased primarily for its fuel sipping capabilities. Instead, it’s a practical choice for families who need a versatile crossover without spending too much.

City and highway performance

The Equinox’s EPA ratings of 20 MPG city and 28 MPG highway give a more detailed view. The city figure shows the demands on the 2.4L four-cylinder in stop-and-go traffic. It emphasizes that the Equinox, especially with AWD, is not at its most efficient in urban congestion. The highway number is better, with 28 MPG suggesting that on longer road trips, the Equinox can deliver reasonable fuel economy, especially if driven gently.

The six-speed automatic transmission helps with this, allowing the engine to run at lower RPMs at cruising speeds.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 2.4L at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. It’s important to remember that this is just an estimate, and your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and the price of gasoline in your area. Drivers who mostly drive in the city or drive aggressively will likely see higher costs.

Also, remember that premium fuel is not required, so the EPA estimate is based on regular unleaded gasoline.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world conditions often differ. Many drivers report slightly lower fuel economy than the official figures, particularly in combined driving. Factors like weather conditions, terrain, and cargo weight can all impact fuel efficiency. A heavily loaded Equinox climbing steep hills in winter will consume more fuel than a lightly loaded one cruising on a flat highway in the summer.

Tire pressure is another commonly overlooked factor affecting fuel economy.

How it compares

When considering the 2016 Equinox, it’s important to compare its fuel economy to other vehicles in its class. The front-wheel drive version of the 2016 Equinox with the same 2.4L engine achieves a slightly better 25 MPG combined. A similarly sized and equipped 2016 Honda CR-V with AWD manages an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, a more fuel-efficient alternative. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 with AWD achieves 24 MPG combined, putting it slightly ahead of the Equinox.

The difference might seem small. However, over the lifespan of the vehicle, these numbers can translate to significant savings at the pump. Before buying, explore all Chevrolet fuel economy data and consider how your driving style aligns with the mileage of each compact SUV competitor. You should also search through EQUINOX MPG across all years to get a thorough picture of Chevrolet’s compact SUV fuel economy.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Driving style has a significant impact on fuel economy in the Equinox. Avoid hard acceleration and braking, as these actions make the engine work harder and use more fuel. Maintaining a consistent speed on the highway and predicting traffic conditions can also help save fuel.

Regular maintenance is critical. Ensure that your Equinox is properly maintained and keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which can noticeably reduce fuel economy. Also, don’t forget routine oil changes and other scheduled maintenance tasks.

Minimize unnecessary cargo. The heavier the vehicle, the more fuel it uses. Remove any unnecessary items from the trunk or cargo area to reduce weight and improve fuel economy. This is especially relevant for those who regularly haul items they might not actually need every day.

Use cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. However, avoid using it in hilly terrain, as the system may downshift unnecessarily, wasting some efficiency.

Consider your route. When possible, choose routes that minimize stop-and-go traffic. Highway driving generally gets better fuel economy than city driving. Planning your route in advance can help you avoid congested areas and improve fuel consumption, especially since the Equinox isn’t its best in stop-and-go conditions.