Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, individuals seeking a versatile and practical vehicle for urban and light-duty suburban use.
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage.
Features At Launch:
Spacious interior for its class, available AWD, comfortable ride, decent fuel economy, modern styling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential knowledge for owners to maximize vehicle lifespan, ensure safety, and understand features, preventing potential repair scams.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) system operation, torque converter operation (if automatic).
Brakes:
Brake system operation, parking brake, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) indicators and function.
Steering:
Power steering system operation and indicators.
Suspension:
Basic operation and tire care.
Electrical:
Lighting systems (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrument cluster, warning indicators, battery, fuses, horn, wipers, power outlets.
Comfort Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, keyless entry, remote start (if equipped), sunroof (if equipped).
Infotainment Audio:
Radio operation, CD player, auxiliary input, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity (if equipped), navigation system (if equipped).
Safety Security:
Airbags, seat belts, child restraints, LATCH system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), security system, vehicle locator.
Routine Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement, wiper blade replacement.
Emergency Procedures:
Jumper starting, changing a flat tire, using the spare tire, basic troubleshooting of warning lights.
Instrument Panel Operation:
Understanding all gauges, indicators, and warning lights.
Driving Operation:
Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, using cruise control, parking.
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting of common issues. Not a diagnostic or repair manual for technicians.
Type:
6-speed automatic transmission (6T45)
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios will be detailed in the manual, critical for understanding driving characteristics and fuel economy.
Type:
Not applicable for this model year; transmission was standardized.
Driver Selectable Modes:
Manual shift mode (Driver Shift Control) may be present, allowing for sequential gear selection.
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Crash:
5-Star (Front and Rear Seat)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags for front and rear occupants.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions, front pretensioners.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seats.
Tpms:
Standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, auxiliary audio input jack. Optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming capability (on equipped models).
Navigation:
Optional touch-screen navigation system available on higher trims.
Backup Camera:
Optional rearview camera integrated with infotainment display.
Remote Start:
Optional remote vehicle starter system.
HVAC System:
Manual or automatic climate control with air conditioning and a cabin air filter.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil recommended).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) at the same time as oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs typically rated for 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (GM dexos1 approved is preferred).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 U.S. quarts (4.5 L) with filter for 2.4L engine.
Coolant Type:
GM Dex-Cool® (Orange) 50/50 coolant/water mixture.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron® VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some owners reported higher than expected oil consumption with the 2.4L engine, particularly under hard acceleration. Regular checks are advised.
Transmission Shifting:
Occasional reports of rough shifting or delayed engagement, potentially requiring software updates or transmission service.
Climate Control:
Issues with the A/C compressor or blend door actuators could arise over time.
Electrical Gremlins:
Minor electrical glitches (e.g., power windows, infotainment) can occur, often resolved by fuse checks or battery terminal cleaning.
Chevrolet Legacy:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history of producing reliable and accessible vehicles for the mass market since 1911.
Equinox Lineage:
The 2011 Equinox is part of the second generation (2010-2017), which marked a significant redesign with improved styling, updated powertrains, and enhanced safety features compared to the first generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Spring Hill, Tennessee, USA; Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.