2016 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2012 Equinox

It’s hard not to love the Chevrolet Equinox. This small crossover SUV has all the right moves. The Equinox’s big draws include a spacious, refined cabin, fuel-efficient power, and modern tech features. Before you choose between a new or used model, check out our side-by-side comparison. We go over some of the biggest and best differences between the 2012 and the 2016 Equinox to help you make the best decision for you.

Fuel Economy

At first glance, the 2012 and 2016 Chevrolet Equinox V6 engines might look very similar – at least in terms of fuel economy. Both models let you choose front- or all wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, you’ll enjoy excellent traction over slick roads. Of course, the Equinox gets its best fuel economy numbers with front-wheel drive. With it, you’ll achieve 17 city/24 highway mpg, saving you plenty of money at the pump.

What you’ll notice, though, is that the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox gives you way more power than the 2012 model. Its 3.6-liter V6 is rated for 301 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque. With it, acceleration is a breeze. It’s also got some great utility features, giving you the power to tow max loads of 3,500 pounds.

The 3.0-liter V6 engine in the 2012 Equinox is only good for 264 horses and 222 pound-feet of torque. It’s not as speedy, and it doesn’t improve fuel economy at all. If you’re in the market for optimal fuel economy, then, we definitely think the 2016 Equinox is your best option.

Tech Features

Tech-savvy drivers know that four years makes a big difference in convenience features. When you test-drive a used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, you’ll see that it just doesn’t have all the features you’ll find in the 2016 model. One of our favorite features in the 2016 Equinox is the mobile Wi-Fi connection. You can use it to surf the Web on up to seven devices. That means kids will stay entertained and happy, no matter how long the road trip. The MyLink infotainment system is also great. You can link it to your smartphone to make hands-free calls or stream your favorite tunes.

In the 2012 Equinox, tech features simply aren’t up to date. It does, however, offer some of the features you’ll find on the 2016 model. One of these is navigation, which comes in handy when you’re exploring a new city. Safety systems, like forward collision warning, monitor your surroundings and let you know if you’ve run into danger.