The Chevrolet Equinox has been one of the best-selling compact SUVs in America for over a decade — not because it dominates any single category, but because it does everything competently at a price point that makes financial sense for Bergen County families. The 2024 redesign brought a sharper exterior, improved interior quality, and the most significant news in the nameplate’s history: an all-electric Equinox EV starting under $35,000. Whether you’re considering the gas Equinox or its electric sibling, this guide covers every trim from LS to Premier, how the Equinox competes against the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, what the EV delivers for Route 17 and Garden State Parkway commuters, and what to look for in a certified pre-owned example at Paramus Chevrolet.
Bottom Line: The Chevy Equinox is the right compact SUV for Bergen County buyers who want a competitive, well-priced vehicle without the premium attached to Honda and Toyota badges, with the Equinox EV offering one of the most affordable electric SUV entry points available.
- Redesigned for 2024 with substantially improved interior quality and technology
- Equinox EV starts under $35,000 - the most affordable electric compact SUV from a major brand
- Strong value at every trim level versus Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4
- AWD is optional (not standard) and adds meaningful cost across the trim ladder
What’s in This Guide
- Equinox Overview and Generations
- Trim Levels at a Glance
- Powertrain Options Compared
- Trim Levels: LS to Premier Explained
- Equinox EV vs. Gas Equinox
- Equinox vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4
- Equinox vs. Trailblazer: Which Chevy?
- EV Range and Charging for Bergen County Commuters
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Certified Pre-Owned Equinox at Paramus
- Why Bergen County Drivers Choose the Equinox
- Why Buy at Paramus Chevrolet
- FAQ
Equinox Overview and Generations
The Equinox launched in 2005 as a mid-size crossover and evolved into the compact SUV segment as market preferences shifted. The third generation (2018-2023) was the vehicle that established the Equinox as a sales leader — reliable, practical, well-priced, and available at every Chevrolet dealer in the country. The 2024 fourth-generation represents the most significant Equinox redesign since the nameplate began.
The 2024 redesign brought the Equinox’s exterior design in line with Chevy’s current truck-influenced language — a more angular, assertive appearance that directly addresses the perception of the outgoing model as visually conservative. The interior received a complete overhaul with a 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment system (on higher trims), standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and improved seat materials throughout the lineup.
The 2024 Equinox’s most significant achievement is the Equinox EV, launched simultaneously with the gas redesign. By sharing the Ultium platform developed for GM’s luxury EV brands with a mainstream-priced Equinox variant, Chevrolet brought genuine electric SUV ownership within reach of Bergen County buyers who previously found EVs aspirational rather than practical. The EV and gas variants share showroom space at Paramus Chevrolet, allowing direct comparison.
Trim Levels at a Glance
| Trim | MSRP (FWD) | AWD Add | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LS | $30,995 | +$1,900 | 11" touchscreen, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, Chevy Safety Assist |
| LT | ✓ $34,300 | +$1,900 | Heated front seats, remote start, blind-spot monitoring, rear camera mirror |
| RS | $38,400 | +$1,900 | Sport appearance package, 17.7" touchscreen, 252 hp 2.0L turbo optional |
| Premier | $40,200 | +$1,900 | Leather seating, power liftgate, heated rear seats, Bose premium audio |
The LT is where most Bergen County buyers find the right combination of features and value. It’s the first Equinox with heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a rear camera mirror, and remote start — all features that Bergen County drivers use daily. The $3,300 jump from LS to LT is well spent.
The RS trim adds a sport appearance package with blacked-out exterior details and the larger 17.7-inch touchscreen. It’s the styling choice rather than a performance choice — the optional 2.0L turbo is available on the RS but the 1.5L base engine is the realistic powertrain for most buyers regardless of trim.
Powertrain Options Compared
The 1.5L turbo is the Equinox engine for most Bergen County buyers. At 175 hp, it’s adequate for Route 17 traffic, Garden State Parkway merges, and typical New Jersey commuting — not quick, but not slow. The 2.0L turbo on the RS delivers a noticeably more engaged character for an additional cost that can exceed $3,000 when you factor in the required AWD.
AWD on the gas Equinox is optional and adds approximately $1,900 to any trim. For Bergen County’s occasional winter conditions, AWD is worth considering; for primarily highway commuters who can manage with good all-season or winter tires, FWD is viable.
Trim Levels: LS to Premier Explained
The LS is the honest entry point — it includes Chevy Safety Assist (six standard safety features including Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic High-Beam Headlamps), wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 11-inch touchscreen. For buyers who primarily care about utility and safety at the lowest price, the LS is a complete vehicle.
LT: The Value Leader
The LT adds the features that make an Equinox comfortable to live with daily. Heated front seats for Bergen County winters, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, remote start, and the rear camera mirror upgrade are all meaningful in regular use. The LT represents the best cost-to-feature ratio in the Equinox lineup.
RS: The Style Play
The RS adds sport-influenced exterior styling — black exterior accents, 18-inch wheels, a body-color grille — and the larger 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment display that makes the cabin feel substantially more modern. The infotainment upgrade alone is a compelling reason to step up from LT if technology is a priority.
Premier: The Full Experience
The Premier adds leather seating, heated rear seats, a power liftgate, and the Bose premium audio system. For Bergen County families who use the Equinox as the primary family vehicle — school pickup, weekend errands, occasional road trips — the Premier’s rear seat heating and power liftgate are genuine quality-of-life upgrades.
Read our full guide: Chevy Equinox Trim Levels Compared: LS, LT, RS, and Premier
Equinox EV vs. Gas Equinox
The Equinox EV is a fundamentally different vehicle on the same nameplate, built on GM’s Ultium electric platform rather than the gas Equinox’s traditional chassis. At $34,995 for the base 1LT trim — before any applicable federal or state EV incentives — it’s the most affordable compact electric SUV from a major American automaker.
The EV delivers up to 319 miles of range on the long-range FWD configuration, making Bergen County-to-Manhattan round trips, Route 17 to Route 3 commuting patterns, and overnight recharges at home entirely practical. The standard-range AWD version provides around 250 miles — still adequate for most daily commute patterns with a home Level 2 charger.
The EV’s driving experience is notably superior to the gas Equinox — instantaneous torque from the electric motor, a quieter cabin, one-pedal driving capability, and smoother power delivery. Buyers who test-drive the EV first frequently find the gas Equinox’s powertrain less satisfying by comparison.
The practical decision for Bergen County buyers comes down to home charging access and total daily mileage. If you have a garage or driveway and your daily driving is under 200 miles, the EV’s economics — lower fuel costs, lower maintenance costs, available incentives — typically make it the stronger five-year value.
Read our full guide: Chevy Equinox EV vs. Gas Equinox: Is the Electric Version Right for Bergen County Drivers?
Equinox vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4
The Equinox, CR-V, and RAV4 are the three most cross-shopped compact SUVs at Paramus Chevrolet, and the comparison is genuinely competitive. Each wins on specific metrics.
Honda CR-V
The CR-V earns its segment leadership through interior design, cargo space, and the CR-V Hybrid’s fuel economy. Honda’s interior ergonomics and storage solutions are class-leading — the CR-V feels premium in a way that the outgoing Equinox did not, and the 2024 Equinox has closed much of that gap. The CR-V Hybrid at 36 combined mpg is the fuel-economy benchmark for non-EV compact SUVs.
The Equinox counterargument: the 2024 Equinox matches or undercuts the CR-V at every comparable trim by $1,500-2,500. For buyers who value practical utility over brand perception and premium refinement, the Equinox delivers comparable real-world capability at a meaningful price advantage. And the Equinox EV has no direct CR-V competitor in the sub-$35K electric space.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 is the best-selling compact SUV in the country — a position built on Toyota’s long-term reliability reputation, the RAV4 Hybrid’s efficiency, and the TRD Off-Road trim’s capability. The RAV4’s AWD is standard on most configurations where the Equinox charges extra; this can close the price gap for AWD-seeking buyers.
Where the Equinox wins: the 2024 Equinox’s infotainment on RS and Premier trims with the 17.7-inch display is significantly more modern than the RAV4’s 10.5-inch system. The Equinox EV has no comparable RAV4 EV option in the sub-$35K range.
The Equinox’s Position
The Equinox wins for Bergen County buyers who prioritize value per dollar, modern technology features at accessible prices, and the EV option. It competes closely on practical criteria and trails on brand reliability perception — but Chevrolet’s long-term Equinox reliability record from the third generation supports the purchase.
Read our full guide: Equinox vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4: Compact SUV Showdown for Bergen County
Equinox vs. Trailblazer: Which Chevy?
Chevrolet’s two crossovers serve different Bergen County buyers. The Trailblazer is a smaller, sportier subcompact crossover starting under $26,000 — designed for singles, couples, and urban users who prioritize parking ease, fuel economy (up to 29/33 mpg), and lower entry cost. The Equinox is a genuine compact SUV with more cargo space (63.9 vs. 54.4 cu ft maximum), more rear seat legroom, and a more mature family-oriented character.
The Trailblazer RS’s turbocharged 1.3L with optional AWD is genuinely fun to drive in a way that the Equinox 1.5L is not — its shorter wheelbase and lighter weight make it more maneuverable on Paramus’s dense retail corridors and Hackensack parking situations. The Equinox counters with rear legroom that accommodates adult passengers comfortably for longer trips, cargo space for actual family hauling, and more available safety and comfort technology.
For Bergen County families with children, the Equinox is the correct choice. For individuals or couples who prioritize fun-to-drive character and lower cost over utility, the Trailblazer RS is worth a serious look.
Read our full guide: Chevy Equinox vs. Trailblazer: Which Chevrolet Crossover Is Right for You?
EV Range and Charging for Bergen County Commuters
Bergen County’s commuting patterns make the Equinox EV particularly practical. The county’s density of home ownership relative to New Jersey’s urban centers — detached homes in Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, and Hackensack suburbs — means most Equinox EV buyers have access to home charging. With a Level 2 home charger (240V, roughly $400-700 installed), the Equinox EV charges from near-empty to full overnight.
Typical Bergen County commutes — Route 17 to Route 3 to the Lincoln Tunnel, local trips to Paramus Park or Garden State Plaza, weekend trips to Hoboken or downtown Manhattan — fall well within the Equinox EV’s 250-319 mile range on a single charge. Buyers whose round-trip daily commute is under 150 miles may never use a public charger.
The federal EV tax credit — currently up to $7,500 for qualifying buyers and vehicles — meaningfully affects the Equinox EV’s value equation. Verify your income eligibility and the vehicle’s current qualification status with Paramus Chevrolet; tax credit eligibility changes, and a dealer-side Instant Credit option (where eligible) can apply the credit at purchase rather than tax filing.
New Jersey’s own ZEV incentives may stack with federal credits for qualifying buyers. The combination can reduce the effective Equinox EV purchase price to the mid-to-upper $20,000 range — making it competitive with mid-range gas compact SUVs on sticker while delivering lower operating costs.
Read our full guide: Chevy Equinox EV Range and Charging: What Bergen County Commuters Need to Know
Total Cost of Ownership
The Equinox’s five-year gas ownership cost is one of the lowest in the compact SUV segment. Chevrolet’s powertrain reliability for the third-generation Equinox is well-established — Consumer Reports rates it above average for predicted reliability, and the 1.5L turbo has proven durable across high-mileage examples. Insurance costs are moderate for Bergen County.
Fuel costs at 26/31 mpg (1.5L FWD) compare favorably with the RAV4’s 27/35 mpg — the gap narrows at highway speeds where both vehicles spend significant Bergen County commuting time. The AWD penalty (approximately 1-2 mpg) is worth factoring if you’re evaluating an AWD Equinox.
The Equinox EV’s ownership economics are compelling over five years. Lower per-mile fuel costs (electricity at NJ rates versus premium-not-required gas), significantly fewer service items (no oil changes, no spark plugs, less brake wear due to regenerative braking), and the EV tax credit combine to make the EV’s total cost of ownership frequently lower than the gas Equinox over a five-year horizon for Bergen County commuters.
Read our full guide: Total Cost of Owning a Chevy Equinox for 5 Years: Insurance, Maintenance, Resale
Certified Pre-Owned Equinox at Paramus Chevrolet
A Certified Pre-Owned Equinox from Paramus Chevrolet is one of the highest-value used compact SUV purchases in the Bergen County market. Chevrolet’s CPO program includes a 172-point inspection, a 6-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original in-service date, and 12 months of roadside assistance. The third-generation Equinox’s proven reliability makes CPO examples particularly low-risk.
Focus your CPO search on 2021-2023 LT and RS trims. These include blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — the features Bergen County buyers use daily — at discounts of $4,000-7,000 below comparable new examples. The 2024+ redesign’s exterior and infotainment improvements are real, but the third-generation’s driving dynamics and reliability are equally strong.
For CPO Equinox EV buyers: early Equinox EV production from 2024 is beginning to appear in CPO inventory. These represent compelling value — an Equinox EV with warranty coverage and a verified battery health report at a discount from new pricing. Ask Paramus Chevrolet specifically about battery state of health documentation on any CPO EV.
Read our full guide: Buying a Certified Pre-Owned Chevy Equinox at Paramus Chevrolet: What to Look For
Why Bergen County Drivers Choose the Equinox
The Equinox’s value equation on Route 17 is the feature that closes most deals. Paramus is New Jersey’s most competitive automotive retail corridor — buyers compare prices across five or six brands in an afternoon. The Equinox consistently provides more features per dollar than comparably priced Honda, Toyota, and Subaru alternatives at Paramus Chevrolet’s price points.
Bergen County families who drive Hackensack, Ridgewood, and Fair Lawn roads daily appreciate the 2024 Equinox’s 11-inch (LT) and 17.7-inch (RS/Premier) touchscreen’s wireless CarPlay integration — no cable fumbling, clean phone integration from the first moment of every drive. The 2024 infotainment represents a genuine leap over the outgoing model.
For Bergen County commuters taking NJ Transit’s buses to Secaucus or the Pascack Valley Line, the Equinox’s cargo space handles last-mile logistics well — a folding cargo area that accommodates a bicycle, surfboard, or weekend gear without drama, and the right size for Paramus’s parking structures.
Why Buy at Paramus Chevrolet
Paramus Chevrolet on Route 17 serves Bergen County with full Equinox inventory — both gas and EV — across every trim. The sales team can walk you through the EV charging infrastructure specific to Bergen County neighborhoods, NJ EV incentive stacking, and the Instant EV Credit application process that can apply the federal tax credit at purchase for qualifying buyers.
VIP+ membership at Paramus Chevrolet includes lifetime complimentary oil changes and tire rotations, free loaner vehicles during scheduled service, and access to the GM loyalty program for future vehicle purchases. For EV buyers, the service team provides home charging consultation and monitors battery system health as part of standard service visits.
Browse new Equinox inventory at Paramus Chevrolet or explore certified pre-owned options. Schedule a test drive — test the gas LT and the Equinox EV back-to-back if you’re undecided; the EV’s driving character is the most persuasive feature demonstration.
"Bergen County buyers are smart shoppers — they do the research, they know the competitors, and they want to understand the real numbers. When we walk through the EV incentive math and the five-year cost comparison, the Equinox EV case becomes clear for commuters who can charge at home."
General Manager, Paramus Chevrolet
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Chevy Equinox reliable long-term? Yes — the third-generation Equinox (2018-2023) has above-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, and the 1.5L turbo powertrain has accumulated a strong track record across high-mileage examples. The 2024 redesign uses an updated version of the same fundamental architecture. The Equinox EV’s Ultium platform is too new for longitudinal reliability data, but GM’s EV track record in commercial vehicles is encouraging.
Should I buy the gas Equinox or the Equinox EV? For Bergen County buyers with home charging access and a daily commute under 150 miles round-trip, the EV’s five-year economics typically favor the electric version after incentives. For buyers without reliable home charging, frequent long-distance travel, or significant range uncertainty, the gas Equinox’s convenience and $0 charging infrastructure investment make it the more practical choice.
Is AWD worth adding to the Equinox in New Jersey? For Bergen County’s typical winter conditions — periodic snowfall, occasional ice, generally plowed county roads — FWD with good all-season tires is adequate for most drivers. AWD provides a meaningful margin of confidence in heavy snow and on uncleared secondary roads. If you regularly travel on unplowed side streets or take mountain roads in winter, AWD is worthwhile.
How does the Equinox EV charge at home? The Equinox EV comes with a Level 1 (120V) portable charger that adds approximately 4 miles of range per hour — adequate only for topping off partial charge on an overnight. A Level 2 (240V) home charger, which adds 25-30 miles per hour, is the practical home charging solution. Installation runs $400-700 for most Bergen County homes with an existing electrical panel with capacity. Paramus Chevrolet can connect buyers with qualified local electricians.
What is the Equinox EV’s range in cold weather? Like all EVs, the Equinox EV’s range decreases in cold temperatures — typically 15-25% reduction at temperatures below 20°F. The EPA-rated 319 miles (long-range FWD) becomes approximately 240-270 miles in a Bergen County winter. For most commuters this remains adequate; pre-conditioning the battery while plugged in (charging at home before departure) recovers much of the cold-weather loss.
How does the Equinox compare to the Trailblazer for a Bergen County family? The Equinox is the right choice for families. It offers 39.8 inches of rear legroom (versus 35.4 in the Trailblazer), 63.9 cubic feet of maximum cargo (versus 54.4), and more available safety and comfort technology. The Trailblazer wins on maneuverability, sportiness, and purchase price. If your passenger and cargo needs are primarily adult occupants with typical luggage, the Trailblazer is competitive; if you have children in car seats and regular cargo hauling, the Equinox’s larger dimensions matter.
What incentives are available on the Equinox EV in New Jersey? The federal EV tax credit (up to $7,500, income-limited) is the primary incentive; verify the Equinox EV’s current qualification status with Paramus Chevrolet as requirements change. New Jersey’s Charge Up NJ program may offer additional rebates for qualifying purchasers. New Jersey also has no state sales tax on EVs, which reduces the effective purchase price relative to gas vehicles. Combined, the available incentives can be substantial — ask Paramus Chevrolet for a current incentive summary at the time of your visit.
Visit Paramus Chevrolet
Ready to find your Equinox? Browse new gas and EV inventory or explore certified pre-owned options at Paramus Chevrolet — and ask about VIP+ membership benefits when you visit.