The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox AWD, powered by its 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 27 MPG. This puts it in the middle of the compact SUV class, not the most fuel-efficient, but not the worst either. It’s an acceptable number for buyers who want practicality and all-wheel drive, not just the best gas mileage.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Equinox AWD will get 25 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city MPG is lower because of stop-and-go driving, where the 1.5L engine works harder when accelerating and idles more. The highway MPG is better, showing the engine’s efficiency at consistent speeds. This suggests the Equinox is best if you do a mix of city and highway driving. If your commute isn’t all stop-and-go, and you take highway trips, you’ll likely see results closer to the combined 27 MPG. The six-speed automatic transmission, while not the newest, helps keep the engine in its best rev range for fuel efficiency on the open road. A more advanced transmission might improve efficiency, but the current setup is simple and reliable, which many buyers like.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox AWD is $1,600. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on how much you drive, where you drive, and the price of gasoline. However, $1,600 is a benchmark to compare the Equinox’s running costs with other vehicles. This number helps buyers factor fuel expenses into their budget, along with insurance, maintenance, and other costs. Exploring all Chevrolet fuel economy data allows shoppers to compare different Chevrolet vehicles before deciding.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a standard, but real-world fuel economy can change. Factors like driving style, tire pressure, and temperature can affect your MPG. Accelerating quickly and braking hard will lower fuel economy, and so will driving at high speeds. Cold weather can also reduce efficiency because engines take longer to warm up. Smooth acceleration, consistent speeds, and proper tire inflation can help you achieve or exceed the EPA estimates.

Pay attention to the Equinox’s driver information display. You can monitor your average MPG and adjust your driving habits to save gas.

How it compares

The Honda CR-V AWD gets a better 29 MPG combined. The Toyota RAV4 AWD gets 30 MPG combined, and the RAV4 Hybrid gets a much higher 40 MPG. The Jeep Compass 4×4 gets a similar 24 MPG combined, making the Equinox a better choice for those who want fuel efficiency and off-road capability. The Nissan Rogue AWD also gets close to the Equinox’s numbers, with 28 MPG. For Equinox shoppers, even a 2-3 MPG difference can add up, making it worthwhile to weigh fuel costs against other factors, such as price, features, and styling. You can also compare EQUINOX MPG across all years to see how it varies by model year.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Equinox’s 1.5L turbo engine responds to driving style. Avoid fast acceleration and keep a steady foot on the gas, especially when starting. Smooth acceleration will improve fuel economy and reduce wear on the engine and transmission.

Tire pressure is important for fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and make sure it matches the recommended pressure on the sticker on the driver’s side door. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel.

Minimize idling. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and restarting uses less fuel than idling. This is important in city driving, where you might encounter traffic lights and stop signs.

Plan your routes. Avoid congested areas and routes with frequent stoplights or traffic, if possible. Using a navigation system to find the best route can save fuel and reduce stress. Maintaining a consistent speed and avoiding unnecessary braking also helps.

Reduce weight in your vehicle. Carrying extra weight in your Equinox makes the engine work harder, reducing fuel efficiency. Remove items you don’t need regularly, such as sports equipment or extra cargo. A lighter vehicle is more fuel-efficient.