The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 3.6L V6 gets 18 MPG combined. For its target audience, this figure is probably not unexpected, or a deal-breaker. It offers a blend of strong power, all-weather capability, and affordability that defines its crossover purpose. Buyers typically value these qualities over maximizing fuel efficiency and understand the trade-offs with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that this version of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox achieves 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects how the engine performs in stop-and-go driving, where the vehicle’s weight and repeated acceleration use more fuel. The highway number is more optimistic, showing that the 3.6L engine can be reasonably efficient at steady speeds. Many drivers see highway mileage closer to the EPA estimate, which is good for longer trips. Remember that aggressive driving will significantly change both numbers.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says the annual fuel cost for this Equinox is $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices when the estimate was made. Actual costs will change with local fuel prices, driving habits, and how much you drive in the city versus on the highway. This number gives you a standard for comparing vehicles, but your results might be different.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 3.6L V6 can vary based on a few things. Driving style is important; accelerating quickly and braking hard will use more fuel. The type of roads matters too; hills will make the engine work harder, which lowers MPG. Also, weather and using accessories like air conditioning impacts fuel use. Expect the Equinox to get mileage at or slightly below its EPA ratings in normal conditions, with larger drops when conditions aren’t ideal.

How it compares

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 3.6L V6’s fuel economy is lower than some competitors. The Honda CR-V with AWD gets 27 MPG combined, for example. The Toyota RAV4 AWD gets 25 MPG combined. The slightly larger Nissan Murano with AWD gets 24 MPG combined because of its efficient CVT. The Equinox’s V6 offers more power than the base engines in those models, and buyers likely know they are trading some fuel economy for that extra power. You can view all Chevrolet fuel economy data on this site. For a look at EQUINOX MPG across all years, visit this page.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Proper tire inflation is critical for getting the best possible mileage. The right tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, letting the Equinox roll more easily. Check your tire pressure often and inflate to the level the manufacturer recommends, usually on a sticker on the driver’s side doorframe.

Avoid accelerating too fast or braking too hard. Accelerating and braking gently saves fuel by wasting less energy. Anticipate traffic and drive at a consistent speed when you can.

Reduce extra weight, since extra cargo in the Equinox increases its weight, which means the engine needs more energy to accelerate and maintain speed. Remove anything from the trunk and cargo area that you don’t need for your daily drives.

Using cruise control on the highway can help. Cruise control helps keep a consistent speed, which can improve fuel efficiency on long trips. On steep hills, turning off cruise control can prevent the vehicle from shifting down unnecessarily, which wastes fuel.

Regular maintenance helps your vehicle perform efficiently. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and replace air filters, spark plugs, and other parts when needed. Clean or replace a dirty air filter to make sure the engine gets enough air.