Thinking of buying a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox? Read this first
With some 1,803 litres of cargo capacity available with all the seats folded, the Equinox had less storage room than some of its competitors.
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox was introduced as a replacement for the Suzuki-built Tracker and became one of General Motors’ best-selling SUVs of the era. It appealed to buyers looking for a compact crossover with a quiet cabin and available all-wheel drive. Designed to compete with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Equinox remains a contender in the used vehicle market. However, with more than a decade on the road, potential buyers should carefully assess its reliability and market value before making a purchase.
Powertrains and performance
The 2011 Equinox was available with two engine options:
- 2.4-litre Ecotec four-cylinder
- 3.0-litre V6
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A six-speed automatic transmission was standard across all models, with buyers able to choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. While the four-cylinder engine offered better fuel efficiency, Consumer Reports noted excessive oil consumption issues, which in some cases led to significant engine failure. The V6 model provided better acceleration and a smoother ride, though at the cost of increased fuel consumption.
Reliability and common issues
The 2011 Equinox has been plagued with reliability concerns, particularly with models equipped with the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. Common issues include:
- Excessive oil consumption: The Ecotec engine is known for burning oil at a high rate, potentially leading to engine damage if not properly maintained.
- Engine ticking and knocking: Many owners have reported premature wear in engine components, resulting in costly repairs, according to Consumer Reports.
- Transmission problems: RepairPal highlights rough shifting and transmission failures as frequent complaints, often requiring expensive replacements.
- Electrical issues: Dashboard electronics malfunctions and power accessory failures are common, according to RepairPal.
- Unpredictable stalling and power loss: The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received multiple complaints about sudden power loss, raising safety concerns.
Overall, the 3.0-litre V6 engine has been more reliable but offers poorer fuel economy than rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Safety and recalls
- Seatbelt recall: Transport Canada and the NHTSA issued a recall for front seatbelts that may detach during a collision, posing a serious safety risk.
- Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): Consumer Reports lists more than 60 TSBs for the 2011 Equinox, covering issues such as fuel tank noises and traction control failures.
- Crash test ratings: The Equinox received strong crash test ratings at the time of release, providing decent occupant protection.
Interior and cargo space
While the Equinox offered a comfortable cabin, cargo space lagged behind key competitors. With the rear seats folded, it provided 1,803 litres of cargo capacity—less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Edmunds also noted that the rear door opening is smaller than its rivals, making it less practical for loading bulky items. On the plus side, the V6 model offered a quieter ride and better overall build quality than previous GM models.
2024 market value
According to Kijiji Autos, the price of a used 2011 Chevrolet Equinox in Canada varies depending on condition and trim level. Prices in urban centres tend to be higher due to greater demand.
- 4-litre four-cylinder front-wheel drive: $4,500 to $7,500
- 0-litre V6 all-wheel drive: $6,000 to $9,000
While resale values have declined, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 from the same era hold their value better, mainly due to stronger reliability ratings and steady demand in the used market.
Fuel economy (litres per 100 kilometres)
- 2.4 four-cylinder front-wheel drive: 9.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.1 on the highway
- 3.0-litre V6 all-wheel drive: 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 7.7 on the highway
While these figures were competitive when the vehicle was new, real-world reports suggest the V6 version consumes more fuel than expected, according to Edmunds.
Our Verdict
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox offers a spacious, quiet cabin and decent safety features. However, high maintenance costs, engine issues and long-term reliability concerns make it a risky purchase in 2024.
Consumer Reports advises caution with four-cylinder models, which are particularly problematic. The V6 models fare slightly better but come with higher fuel costs. Buyers considering an Equinox should look for a well-maintained V6 all-wheel drive model with a documented service history.
For those prioritizing long-term reliability, the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 remain safer choices. While the Equinox may be a budget-friendly option, the four-cylinder version is best avoided due to widespread engine issues.
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