The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that can be found from $8,134 to $11,690. It is a safe SUV, but it ranks near the bottom of its class due to mechanical issues.
2011 Chevrolet Equinox: Quick Overview
- The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox scores below average in reliability.
- Two engines are available. The base four-cylinder is more efficient while the V6 has better performance.
- Equinox ranks 4th in its class for fuel efficiency with 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. The cabin is more spacious than competitors
- A safe SUV, it gets a four-star crash rating in government crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards it a Top Safety Pick.
- The 2011 Equinox is near the bottom of the compact SUV class. It will not last as long as competitors, has below-average infotainment, and bad driver visibility. This is an SUV to skip.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Problems Does the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Have?
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox problems include excessive oil use and steering failure. The most common problem with Equinox is excessive oil consumption in the engine. It can lead to low oil pressure which permanently damages the engine. Owners report they have to replace entire engine blocks with this problem. It is a good idea to always check oil levels on the Equinox.
There are three recalls affecting the 2011 Equinox. They include seat belt buckle anchors, seat height adjuster bolts, and the key may be removed from the vehicle when it is not in park, leading to a rollaway situation.
What are the Prices, Models & Specs?
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox can be found used from $8,134 to $11,690 depending on the model and mileage. When it was new it had a retail price of $22,995 to $30,320. It has a sharp initial depreciation rate, losing 50% of its value in just five years
- The base Equinox model is the LS. It has cloth seats, keyless entry, a six-speaker stereo system with a CD player, and OnStar.
- A step up is the LT w/1LT model. Adding heated mirrors, upgraded cloth seating, USB connectivity, and Bluetooth.
- Above that comes the LT w/2LT. It includes heated front seats, an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat, a backup camera, remote engine start, and an upgraded eight-speaker stereo system.
- The flagship model is the LTZ with leather seating, automatic climate control, and upgraded 18-inch wheels.
How Long Will the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Last?
A 2011 Equinox will last 150,000 miles when properly cared for. Repair Pal estimates it will cost $630 per year in maintenance to keep the SUV running. Making it more expensive to own than other compact SUVs.
It is very reliable. I have had zero problems with my Chevy equinox. It drives smoothly. It has a better turn radius than older model equinox.
Yes, it is reliable. I have not had any major problems, no engine or transmission issues. It is an older model and needs to warmed up but I've made several trips to Vegas from California with no problems.
I believe so. It problem was my transmission around 60,000 miles, but was replaced under extended warranty.
Haven't had any major issues outside of regular maintenance schedule. Any issues were related to manufacturers required maintenance schedule.
Yes my 2011 equinox is reliable I usually do a lot of travelling with my family and I have never had an issue with my truck.
As mentioned before, the car shuts down in cold temperatures, and the oil needs to be changed more than normal. The mechanic said this is an issue most of Chevy have. The oil burns too fast and it will be 2 months in between every change. If you do not find yourself purchasing more oil and adding it to the tank. It is not a reliable auto.
I have had no problems with mine. Regular maintenance helps. There was a recall on the electrical system and the dealer replaced that. I am very satisfied with my equinox and when I purchase a new car, I am getting the newer version.
Yes! My Equinox is my daily driver and I've put several thousand miles on it and I have yet to have a single issue!
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
- Base technology includes a CD player with six-speakers and OnStar communication technology
- Technology upgrades include a touch-screen navigation system, an upgraded Pioneer stereo system, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with eight-inch screens.
- For safety there is emergency brake assist, traction and stability control, and a vehicle Collision notification system. There is also an optional backup camera available.
What Engine Options are Available?
The 2011 Chevy Equinox is not a high-performance compact SUV. It will get from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 9.3 seconds. The Equinox is not engaging to drive since the steering feels light and disconnected from the road.
- The base engine is a 2.4L four-cylinder with 182 horsepower
- An upgraded 3L V6 is available producing 264 horsepower.
What Colors Options are Available?
How Big is the Equinox?
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV, so it is relatively small. It has a roomier cabin than its competitors, which makes it more comfortable to drive. With the rear seats up, it has 31.4 cu. ft. of cargo space. It increases to 63.7 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded flat. This is average for its class, and it can hold four to five full-size suitcases for a road trip.
How Does the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox Compare to Other SUVs?
In the compact SUV market, the 2011 Equinox ranks 19th, near the bottom of the list. The Toyota RAV4 has better reliability than the Chevrolet, but is less comfortable to drive. The Chevy has more room for passengers and cargo as well. Overall, though, the Toyota is a better vehicle lasting longer and cheaper to own.
Another competitor is the Ford Escape. The Equinox is safer than the Ford, scoring higher in crash tests. It also is more fuel-efficient than the Ford on average. Where it loses out is in reliability. The Ford is the better overall package.
Final Verdict: Is the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox a Good SUV?
No, the Chevy Equinox is not a good SUV. They have good safety ratings, and a spacious cabin, but aside from that, they miss the mark. The Equinox is one of the least reliable vehicles in its class with major mechanical problems. It also lacks equipment found on rivals. If you are looking for a small SUV, there are better choices on the market.