18 MPG combined. That’s what you can expect from the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox AWD with the 3.6L V6. It’s not the most fuel-efficient SUV, but it offers a balance of power and all-weather capability. This Equinox is for a buyer who wants confident acceleration and all-wheel drive and is willing to spend more on gas. These buyers may be moving from a smaller car or a larger SUV and are okay with slightly lower efficiency for the other benefits.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 3.6L are 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The city MPG reflects the engine’s higher fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic and the added weight of the all-wheel-drive system. The highway MPG is better, but still lower than some competitors. The six-speed automatic transmission tries to keep the engine efficient at cruising speeds, but the V6 has to work to move the Equinox. The combined 18 MPG is a realistic expectation for many owners, even those who commute in urban areas.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 3.6L to be $2,450. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% in the city and 55% on the highway, using national average fuel prices when calculated. It’s helpful for comparing vehicles, but your actual costs will change based on your driving, and local fuel prices. Factors like aggressive acceleration, short trips, and tire pressure affect real-world costs.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a standard, but real-world MPG varies. Aggressive driving lowers MPG, also stop-and-go traffic. Cold weather decreases efficiency because the engine runs richer to warm up. Expect to see numbers closer to the EPA estimates during steady highway driving, especially with cruise control and without speeding up quickly. 18 MPG combined is a fair estimate for a typical owner with combined driving.

How it compares

The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 3.6L’s fuel economy is average for compact SUVs with good power. The 2016 Honda CR-V (FWD) gets a much better 29 MPG combined. The Toyota RAV4 (FWD) also does better with 26 MPG combined. However, these lack the Equinox’s power. Compared to a 2016 Jeep Cherokee with the V6 and 4×4, fuel consumption is similar. The choice depends on whether the buyer wants higher MPG in a less powerful vehicle, or accepts the Equinox’s rating. Comparing EQUINOX MPG across all years shows if there are better model years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid aggressive acceleration. The 3.6L V6 in the Equinox responds well to quick acceleration, but it uses more gas. Smooth acceleration prolongs tire and brake life and improves fuel economy. Think of an egg between your foot and the gas pedal.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure monthly, and inflate them to the pressure on the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. Optimal tire pressure can increase fuel economy by up to 3%.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart easily, and the fuel savings add up. The AC also uses more fuel while idling.

Use cruise control on the highway. A constant speed optimizes fuel consumption. Cruise control prevents unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Watch out for hills, as cruise control may downshift, hurting fuel economy. Driving without cruise control lets you see the driving conditions too.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained engine is efficient. Regular oil changes, new air filters, and good spark plugs improve fuel economy. Neglecting maintenance decreases performance and increases fuel consumption. These tips work across many vehicles and years, and you can examine all Chevrolet fuel economy data online.