23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but it’s perfectly acceptable for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 2.4L 4-cylinder. This isn’t a hybrid, nor is it a particularly small crossover. It’s a family-friendly vehicle designed for comfort and practicality first, with fuel efficiency playing a supporting role. Its owners are typically suburban families who need space, cargo capacity, and the added security of all-wheel drive, even if it comes at a slight mileage penalty. For them, 23 MPG is a fair trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA breaks down that 23 MPG combined rating into 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the Equinox’s weight and the inefficiencies of stop-and-go driving. The 2.4-liter engine needs to work harder to get the Equinox moving from a standstill. However, the highway rating of 28 MPG demonstrates that the Equinox can achieve reasonable fuel economy when cruising at a constant speed. The 6-speed automatic transmission helps here, allowing the engine to settle into a lower, more efficient RPM at higher speeds. Just don’t expect the highway figure if you’re constantly accelerating to pass; maintaining a steady pace is key to hitting that EPA estimate.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 2.4L is $1,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and assumes national average fuel prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparison, but remember that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and the specific type of driving you do (more city driving will increase your costs, while more highway driving will decrease them). The EPA provides all Chevrolet fuel economy data to help consumers evaluate these operating costs before they buy.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, drivers may experience slightly different fuel economy in the real world. Factors like aggressive driving, carrying heavy loads, and using accessories like air conditioning can reduce fuel efficiency. Conversely, gentle acceleration, careful route planning to avoid traffic, and regular maintenance can help you achieve or even exceed the EPA estimates. Owners who primarily drive in the city should anticipate closer to 20 MPG, while those who frequently take highway trips might see numbers closer to 28 MPG.

Remember that winter blends of gasoline often result in slightly degraded fuel economy, so expect a small dip during colder months. To compare EQUINOX MPG across all years, check out the data here.

How it compares

The 2017 Equinox AWD 2.4L sits in a competitive segment, and its fuel economy is an important consideration for buyers. The Honda CR-V, for example, generally delivers better fuel economy. A 2017 CR-V AWD achieves an EPA-estimated 25 MPG city and 31 MPG highway. Similarly, the Toyota RAV4 AWD typically outperforms the Equinox, with ratings around 22 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. Even the Nissan Rogue, with its emphasis on fuel efficiency, often sees better numbers, hovering around 25 MPG city and 32 MPG highway for AWD models. All of these vehicles offer similar levels of practicality to the Equinox. This difference emphasizes that the Equinox prioritizes other attributes, such as interior space and ride comfort, over outright fuel efficiency, though only the buyer can determine if those tradeoffs work for their needs.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Equinox. Avoid sudden bursts of speed and try to anticipate traffic flow to minimize braking. The 2.4L engine responds well to a light foot, rewarding smooth driving with better mileage figures.

Tire pressure plays a significant role in fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly and ensure they are inflated to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel.

Reduce unnecessary weight whenever possible. Hauling around extra cargo adds load to the vehicle, decreasing fuel economy. Clear out items you don’t need and avoid carrying heavy objects unless absolutely necessary. That extra 100lbs in the trunk adds up over time.

Avoid excessive idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle, which significantly reduces your MPG. The Equinox doesn’t have auto stop/start, so this is something you’ll need to manage manually.

Proper vehicle maintenance is critical for optimal fuel efficiency. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently, using fuel in the way it was designed to.