Although the compact SUV market seemed bloated due to the number of family-friendly midsized vehicles, one issue strongly showed up. Whether it’s the Subaru Forester, the Volkswagen Tiguan, the Toyota RAV4, or the Mazda CX-5, all these automobiles consider gas-guzzling a regular occurrence of their respective mechanical systems.
With this in mind, the Chevy Equinox gas mileage brings up concerns about extensive expenditures in the long run. Prospective owners may shy away from this development should energy consumption go beyond the necessary means.
Still, the noteworthy compact utility unit from Chevrolet instills the experience of driving a car whose performance specifications go beyond the perceived standards to trump off any issues affecting gas management.
Gas Mileage of the Chevy Equinox
The Chevy came out of the assembly lines equipped initially with a 3.4L or a 3.6L V6 machine whose ingestion is about 17MPG. While this engine is known for its increased fuel intake, its propensity actually depends on the displacement. Still, lots of car owners liked the idea of having on-demand proficiency on the road when needed.
The considerably elevated gas absorption prevailed due to the five and six-speed variations of the automobile’s transmissions. Add to that the availability of the hard-working grind of its all-wheel drive system.
On average, the Chevy Equinox fuel economy usually balks under conditions related to its forceful grip on the highways. With the V6 and the inline-4 being utilized, the typical run-of-the-mill torque ranges from 172 to 260 pound-feet. Without the focus on the gas, it certainly is an engine to behold except that financial constraints will always be around to take issue.
In addition, the median strength, which ranges from 137 to 264 horsepower for almost twenty years, upholds a vehicle that can be relied upon to handle challenging thoroughfares. Although Chevrolet continues to emphasize the remarkability of its engine operations, the company seeks to manage machine displacement over the years without totally affecting the functionality of its mechanisms.
GM Corporation committed to instituting energy economy as a vital element among prospective buyers of the Equinox. The truth is the company sought to improve the gas mileage of its premium product in the midsized compact vehicle market through the previous decade.
From 2005 until 2009, the Chevy juggled with the city and highway mileage of 20 to 22 mpg. It seemed manageable considering that the car in question runs on a V6 platform. At least, the margin of the balancing act deviated only within a mere couple of miles.
The introduction of the 2.4L inline-4 engine complicated the motion to trim down fuel consumption. With a Double Over Head Cam (DOHC) platform, the automobile incurred a rampaging 27-MPG mark for the next couple of years. The initial integration of the Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) system did not give enough leeway to save on gas.
From 2012 up to 2015, fuel ingestion improved tremendously as the miles per gallon went down to around 20. This time, the car experts made a new body frame for the Equinox which was patterned from Chevrolet’s European product, the Antara or the Opel Captiva.
Factors Affecting Gas Mileage
A significant part of the scheme dealt with repelling the wind drag. The design employed included a centrally positioned golden bow-tie badge supporting a one-plank grille with chromed trims in the lower bumper and fog light clusters with a forwarded rake C-shaped pillar being attached.
Furthermore, the interior style, wherein the binocular instrument cluster of the dashboard assimilated with sharp angles and curved lines, got utilized in the vents. Supporting the setup promulgated the center console in between the front seats which promoted an armrest with storage slot and cup holders.
Then in 2016, the gas consumption of the Equinox jumped back up to about 27MPG even with the same inline-4 engine at the helm. Given the roller coaster manifestation of fuel utilization for the various models of the Chevy during the past periods, it is clear that far-reaching enhancements need to be made.
Even though the 2.4L machine continued to be patronized, an option made available during this period through the 3.0L V6 came back into circulation. The increased intake was likely attributed to this. At this point also, Chevrolet pondered on a downgraded 2.0L engine with a horsepower breaching around the 200-mark.
With the launching of the 2018 edition, the Chevy’s fuel consumption rocketed to 29MPG. The 1.5L turbo-charged four-cylinder which carries a 203HP becomes the standard heading into the 2020s. Although a smaller powertrain should relegate the gas mileage, the considerably high usage could likely be due to the tuning process.
Fuel-Saving Features of the Chevy Equinox
Amid all the concerns regarding wasteful gas ingestion, the Chevy is equipped with a couple of prominent elements which could trim down the issue. Initially, the eco-mode driving system allows owners to propel their cars by limiting energy use without undermining engine performance. It allows the saving of fuel by locking up options where unnecessary utilization is seen.
Two, putting an E15-labeled gasoline into the tank allows the Equinox to capitalize on the mixture. The concoction introduces an 88-octane fuel wherein the fusion leans on a refined solution. The mix generally comes with 85 percent unleaded gas plus 15 percent ethanol.
Maximizing Gas Mileage
While many car owners ultimately blame the gas-guzzling habits of the Equinox brands on their mechanical systems, a share of the responsibility in keeping fuel economy on the dot should also include the people behind the wheel.
An aggressive approach on the road increases fuel utilization. Anyone who presses the pedal too hard pressures the engine to ingest more gas. Drivers need to understand that a gentle move involving the foot leads to a smoother ride, hence, a controlled energy consumption.
In addition, the immediate pressing of the brakes also stops the momentum of any car. A gradual halt provides extra speed that sustains a vehicle to regain strength when it is necessary to pick up the pace again. Besides, it is also dangerous to brake when coming from a considerably high velocity.
A restrained driving attitude coupled with periodic maintenance helps in limiting fuel. Various parts of the compact vehicle require inspection from time to time. For the Chevy, the standard stretch to get an automobile inspected is within 7,500 miles.
Oil and maintenance
Primarily, the correct engine oil provides proper lubrication. Just like any other automobile, the Equinox loses its efficiency if its old oil is not replaced. For a machine under the hood to function ably, putting a new oil refreshes its components operationally and saves the use of unnecessary energy in the process.
Aside from emphasizing servicing schedules, owners should also be wary about the quality of the oil being used for their vehicles. They must consult trusted mechanics about the details of the lubrication products.
Filters and injectors
Second, fuel efficiency entails the cleaning of fuel injectors and filters. Often, this aspect gets overlooked. Dirty nozzles or valves in the combustion chamber prevent the unimpeded flow of gas. Within this context, a substantial amount of fuel gets wasted.
For the Chevy to function efficiently, its engine needs to steer clear of dirt, grime, and other related matters so that there will be a proper mixture of fuel. Anything that is too lean or too rich would significantly alter a car’s approach.
Furthermore, constant replacement of fuel filters must also be done. Any debris that clogs the pathway leading to the engine becomes detrimental to the supply flow in the long run. Since this results in a low power output, more gas gets utilized.
Sensors and sparks
Third, the Equinox leans largely on the functional efficacy of its sensors and ignition sets. Just like any modern or sophisticated compact utility unit, the Chevy relies on these sensitive devices which control or manage its technical operability.
Among the important instruments that monitor the automobile’s performance points to the oxygen sensor. It measures the correct air and fuel ratio necessary for the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to adjust the injection system which optimizes fuel utilization.
On the other hand, setting the correct tone of the mass air flow of the Equinox also improves gas mileage. By computing the quantity of air, it sends readings to the ECU to further improve the energy use of the utility vehicle.
Finally, changing the spark plugs and to a certain extent, the ignition coils, after a sizable stretch will amend the voltage spark necessary for the air-fuel mixture. Doing this recuperates miscalculations in fuel economy.
Keeping Things in Check
The Chevy Equinox’s gas mileage continues to undergo modifications over the years as newer models emerge. With Chevrolet choosing to install the relegated engine versions, the cautious approach to consumption remains a priority. Still, driving habits would play a significant role in keeping the usage under control.
