The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox FWD with the 3.6L V6 has an official fuel economy rating of 20 MPG combined, which means it isn’t the most fuel-efficient choice in the compact crossover segment. This configuration is geared towards buyers who value strong acceleration and highway passing power over ultimate fuel savings. These buyers are often trading up from smaller cars or downsizing from larger SUVs, but still want a V6 and are willing to sacrifice some gas mileage.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this specific Equinox configuration gets 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows how much fuel the engine consumes in stop-and-go traffic, made worse by the six-speed automatic transmission’s programming, which shifts smoothly instead of aggressively conserving fuel. The Equinox does better on the highway. Getting 24 MPG requires consistently maintaining steady speeds and anticipating traffic flow. Sudden bursts of acceleration will quickly reduce the MPG. It’s achievable, but requires disciplined driving.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA calculates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox FWD 3.6L at $2,200 per year. This is based on driving 15,000 miles annually with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you use, and fluctuating gas prices. Think of this number as a benchmark. Are you willing to spend approximately $183 per month on fuel for the V6’s added performance? This is the key question.

Real-world expectations

EPA numbers are a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy can be different. Many 2017 Equinox 3.6L owners report numbers slightly below the EPA’s estimates, especially in city driving. Driving aggressively, frequent short trips, and using the air conditioning consistently can all lead to lower MPG. However, drivers who accelerate smoothly, anticipate traffic, and minimize idling may see numbers closer to, or even slightly above, the EPA’s highway rating. How you drive matters with this engine, and consistent attention to driving habits will save you money.

How it compares

Several competitors offer better fuel economy. The 2017 Honda CR-V, for example, gets a combined EPA rating of 28 MPG with its 1.5L turbocharged engine. Even the V6-powered Toyota RAV4 from the same year typically gets around 24 MPG combined. The Nissan Rogue gets a combined rating close to 29 MPG. While the Equinox has more horsepower than many of these alternatives, its fuel economy is worse. For buyers prioritizing lower fuel costs, the Subaru Forester, rated at 28 MPG combined, is an attractive option. The Equinox delivers more reliable acceleration, but it costs more to fuel. Shoppers wanting to save money on gas should explore EQUINOX MPG across all years, or even research alternatives.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Aggressive acceleration hurts fuel economy in the 3.6L Equinox, so practice smooth starts and avoid unnecessary bursts of speed. The engine’s power can be tempting, but resisting the urge to floor the accelerator will improve your MPG.

Tire pressure also matters. Ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Regular tire pressure checks optimize efficiency.

Limit idling because the 3.6L V6 consumes fuel even when the vehicle is stopped. Avoid idling for long periods, especially during cold weather warm-ups. If you anticipate waiting for more than a minute or two, turning off the engine and restarting it is generally more fuel-efficient.

Plan your routes strategically. Minimize stop-and-go driving by choosing routes that prioritize flowing traffic and fewer intersections. Avoiding rush hour congestion saves fuel, as frequent braking and acceleration are bad for fuel economy, especially in a V6-powered SUV.

Routine maintenance is important. A properly maintained engine runs more efficiently. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance, helps ensure fuel economy. You can view all Chevrolet fuel economy data to compare this model against others.