GREEN | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
22 mpg city, 32 highway (FWD, four-cyl.); 20/29 (AWD, four-cyl.); 17/24 (FWD, V-6); 16/22 (AWD V-6)
U.S. EPA
During our drive time in the front-wheel-drive four-cylinder Equinox, we averaged a respectable 26 mpg – not bad for a 3,800-pound non-hybrid CUV.
Autoblog
So far our samples have been averaging 24 mpg overall for the four-cylinder and 21 mpg for the V6. That's pretty good but also a far cry from the 30-plus anyone thought they would actually average based on the advertising.
Consumer Reports
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox gets impressive fuel economy, provided you don't step up to the V-6 model.
With its 22 mpg city, 32 highway ratings for the base four-cylinder model with front-wheel drive, the Equinox is among the most frugal vehicles in this class, and the highway figure is better that a Ford Escape Hybrid, even. Stepping up to AWD, mileage drops to 20/29, still good for a comfortably sized crossover. All four-cylinder models now come with an 'Eco' button which, when engaged, causes accessories like the air conditioning compressor to be a little more conservative, has the torque converter lock up a little earlier, and makes the transmission a little more reluctant to downshift.
With the V-6, fuel economy rates a less impressive 16/22 mpg with all-wheel drive, or 17/24 with front-wheel drive.
Conclusion
The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has impressive fuel economy ratings in four-cylinder form, but the V-6 is much thirstier.
