2017 Chevrolet Equinox for Sale: Why It's a Great Deal for Your Next SUV
If you're on the hunt for a reliable SUV that delivers great features, solid performance, and affordable pricing, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox might just be the right choice for you. This versatile compact crossover SUV combines comfort, technology, and practicality in a way that makes it a strong contender in the competitive SUV market. In this article, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about buying a 2017 Chevy Equinox for sale — including its standout features, potential drawbacks, and how it stacks up against its competitors.
Why Consider the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
When you're shopping for an SUV, you want something that's not only capable of handling your daily driving needs but also offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, a smooth driving experience, and modern safety features. The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox does just that. Built on the solid foundation of its previous models, this version received positive updates while keeping everything that drivers loved about it.
Some key advantages of the 2017 Chevy Equinox include:
- Comfortable interior with ample space for both passengers and cargo
- Optional all-wheel drive for added control in various driving conditions
- Available V6 engine for those who need more power
- User-friendly tech features, like Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system
According to Alex Collantes, an auto enthusiast and current owner of a 2017 Equinox, "I’ve found it to be the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and price. It's great for both city driving and longer trips with my family."
Roomy and Comfortable Interior
One of the first things you'll notice when you step inside the 2017 Equinox is its spacious and comfortable interior. For a compact SUV, it offers excellent legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers, and the seats are designed for comfort on long drives.
Key Interior Features:
- Spacious rear seating – Unlike many compact SUVs, the back seats of the Equinox can comfortably accommodate adults, making it ideal for families.
- Adjustable seating – The Multi-Flex rear seat can slide back and forth, allowing for increased legroom or extra cargo space when needed.
- High-quality materials – While not luxurious, the interior uses solid materials that feel durable and well-built.
However, the drawbacks include the fact that while the Equinox's seats are comfortable, some rivals offer a more premium feel. The base models of the Equinox may lack some of the high-end materials found in competing SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5.
Performance and Engine Options
Another highlight of the 2017 Equinox is its available engine options. You have the choice between a base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which is ideal for those who prioritize fuel economy, or an available 3.6-liter V6 engine for those who want more power for highway driving or towing.
Engine Options:
- The 2.4-liter four-cylinder offers 182 horsepower and achieves around 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, making it a great option for budget-conscious drivers.
- The 3.6-liter V6 packs 301 horsepower and can tow up to 3,500 pounds, giving it an edge over some competitors if towing is a priority for you.
While the V6 engine option provides more power, one of the downsides is that it does result in lower fuel efficiency. If you're opting for the V6, expect fuel economy to drop to 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. This might be a drawback for those who prioritize fuel savings over performance.
Advanced Safety Features
Safety is a big concern for many SUV buyers, and the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox doesn't disappoint in this area. It's equipped with a variety of standard and optional safety features designed to keep you and your passengers protected.
Standard Safety Features:
- Six airbags – including front-impact, side-impact, and overhead airbags to protect occupants in case of a collision.
- Stability and traction control – helping you maintain control of the vehicle in slippery or uneven road conditions.
- Rearview camera – making it easier to navigate in reverse or park in tight spaces.
Available Safety Features:
- Forward collision alert – warns the driver of potential frontal impacts.
- Lane departure warning – helps prevent the car from drifting out of its lane.
- Rear parking sensors – assisting you when parking in crowded areas.
However, one drawback is that many of these advanced safety features are only available on higher trims, which could increase the overall cost of the vehicle if you want the full suite of safety technology. Rivals like the 2017 Toyota RAV4 come with more safety features standard across all trims.
Technology and Infotainment
Chevrolet equipped the 2017 Equinox with some solid tech features to keep drivers connected and entertained on the road. The standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a responsive 7-inch touchscreen display.
Notable Technology Features:
- Bluetooth connectivity – standard on all trims for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming.
- USB ports – allowing you to charge devices or connect them to the infotainment system.
- OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi – available in higher trims, making the Equinox a mobile hotspot for passengers.
One area of concern is that while the MyLink system is user-friendly, it lacks some of the functionality and polish of competing infotainment systems. Additionally, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not standard in the 2017 model, which may be a downside for tech-savvy buyers who expect these features.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox comes in four main trim levels, each offering a different set of features and price points. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a more feature-packed ride, there’s likely a trim that fits your needs.
Trim Levels:
- L – The base model comes with basic features like a rearview camera, Bluetooth, and the MyLink infotainment system.
- LS – Adds a few additional features like satellite radio and rear privacy glass.
- LT – Includes a power-adjustable driver’s seat, available V6 engine, and heated exterior mirrors.
- Premier – The top-of-the-line trim with leather seats, heated front seats, and a power liftgate.
For buyers looking for the most bang for their buck, the LT trim with the available V6 engine offers a great balance between features and performance. However, if you're looking for a more luxurious experience, the Premier trim will be your best bet, though it does come with a higher price tag.
Pricing Breakdown:
- L Trim: Starts around $23,100
- LS Trim: Starts around $25,500
- LT Trim: Starts around $26,600
- Premier Trim: Starts around $30,300
While the pricing is competitive for the segment, some downsides include that the base L trim feels a bit under-equipped compared to some of its rivals, and the price for the Premier trim can climb quickly with additional options.
Potential Drawbacks of the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
While there’s a lot to love about the 2017 Equinox, it’s important to be aware of some of its downsides before making a purchase.
Limited Cargo Space
Despite its spacious interior for passengers, the cargo space in the 2017 Equinox is a bit limited compared to other SUVs in its class. With 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and up to 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down, it lags behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape, both of which offer more room for luggage, groceries, or gear.
Fuel Economy with V6 Engine
As mentioned earlier, while the available V6 engine provides a nice boost in power, it comes at the cost of fuel economy. If you're concerned about fuel efficiency, the four-cylinder engine is a better choice, but it may feel a bit underpowered if you frequently drive on highways or tow heavy loads.
Outdated Design
Some reviewers and drivers have noted that the design of the 2017 Equinox feels a bit dated compared to more recently updated models from competitors. While it still looks good on the road, some of the interior features and styling choices feel a bit behind the times.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox?
In the end, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is a solid choice for anyone looking for a comfortable, practical SUV with plenty of features at an affordable price. It's an ideal vehicle for families, commuters, or anyone who needs an SUV that can handle a mix of city driving and longer road trips.
However, if you're someone who prioritizes cargo space, fuel efficiency, or the latest tech features, you may want to explore other options before making your final decision.
As Alex Collantes puts it, "If you want an SUV that's dependable and offers great value, the 2017 Equinox is hard to beat. I've been happy with mine for years and it still feels like a great vehicle."
If you’re interested in finding a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox for sale, now is a great time to explore the market. With many used models available, you can score a fantastic deal on a dependable, well-rounded SUV. Happy car shopping!