2022 Chevrolet Equinox Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Need a vehicle for the family? Work commutes? Weekend adventures? Recently, small SUVs have become the one-size-fits-all vehicle choice for drivers. With a nice blend of practicality and drivability, they legitimately offer the best of all worlds for many. There is also a lot of variety within the market, making it possible for everyone from those who value fuel economy to those who value off-road-readiness to find their right fit.

Despite the stiff competition, the Chevrolet Equinox has managed to make its mark in the small SUV world. It offers engaging driving dynamics and a smooth ride for its occupants. This SUV is also home to a lot of cutting-edge tech and safety features, making it appealing for the modern driver. That is not to say there are not a few downsides to the vehicle, however. Critics point out that this SUV has less cargo space than many of its competitors.

For the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, there are four trim levels. With the top trim costing approximately $7,000 more than the entry-level option, it is important to carefully consider each one. The base model is quite well-equipped, but each trim level does add more to love.

Take the information from the following guide to determine which 2022 Equinox is the correct choice.

Compare the LS vs. LT Trims. What is the difference?

When it comes to powertrains, there is no variety for the 2022 Equinox. The LS is powered by the same turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder that the rest of the lineup uses. As a result, it creates 170-horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While the handling of the vehicle is widely applauded, it is worth noting that this engine does not feel very lively. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and the Equinox comes equipped with front-wheel drive. The entry-level Equinox LS can be upgraded to an all-wheel drive as well.

The Equinox has an auto-on/off feature to help with fuel economy by shutting down the engine when the SUV comes to a complete stop. This feature can also be turned off completely if desired. With front-wheel drive, the Equinox LS is estimated to get 26mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway. Opting for an all-wheel-drive model instead reduces each of those numbers by one.

There are 17-inch aluminum wheels underneath the LS. Heated power outside mirrors are standard, along with bright LED headlights. The entry-level model sticks with a manually operated liftgate.

Both the driver and front passenger also come with manual adjustment. Sticking with that theme is the single-zone manual climate control. For the upholstery, the Equinox LS has what Chevrolet calls "premium cloth." Helping this base model feel a bit more luxurious are the steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Like the entire lineup, the Equinox LS is somewhat lacking when it comes to cargo space. With just 30 cubic feet behind the back row, it lags behind many of its competitors. Folding down the second row will mean having 64 cubic feet to work with. On the other hand, the Equinox does an excellent job of providing leg and headroom in both rows of seating.

Technology is abundant in even the entry-level 2022 Equinox. The 3.5-inch driver information center is monochromatic, but there is a 7-inch color touchscreen to enjoy. Wireless versions of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included. The infotainment system is also Bluetooth-friendly and can be connected to up to two devices at once. Select smartphone apps will display on the touchscreen, and voice commands will work with compatible devices.

A respectable amount of safety features come standard for the Equinox in 2022. The LS gets a following distance indicator, which displays the gap time between the Equinox and the vehicle it is following. Drivers find this useful for determining if they are following the next car too closely to stop suddenly if needed. A tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire display comes standard, as well as the always popular teen driving system.

Automatic emergency braking is another standard driver aid, along with a forward-collision warning. They work together to help reduce the severity of an accident. It only works when traveling at speeds less than 50 mph, however. The same is also true of the standard pedestrian detection.

The LS has its own available convenience package. It upgrades the driver information center to 4.2-inches and adds color to the screen. Also included are an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, two-way power lumbar support for the driver, and deep-tinted rear glass. The only other package available for the LS is to enhance its practicality. Called the Cargo package, it adds a vertical cargo net and retractable cargo shade to the Equinox.

All of the features in the LS Convenience package are standard on the LT trim level. The same 17-inch wheels are also standard, although going with the LT opens up the option of 18-inch or even 19-inch ones as well. The side mirrors are also the same, but buyers can upgrade to ones that have integrated signals for a little extra.

When it comes to standard features, not many are added by going with the LT over the LS. There are a few exceptions, however. The LT has satellite radio, for example, along with illuminated sun visors and roof-mounted side rails. It also gains an overhead compartment for stashing sunglasses.

What the LT lacks in standard features it makes up for in available packages. The Infotainment package upgrades the touchscreen size to 8-inches. It also adds an integrated navigation system and a 120-volt household-style power outlet. The backup camera gets upgraded to high-definition. For whatever reason, this infotainment-themed package includes a heated steering wheel as well.

Another option for the LT is the Confidence and Convenience package, which adds a wide variety of features to the Equinox. It includes dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a power liftgate. Also found within this package are extra safety features in the form of parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Starting with the LT trim, the 2022 Equinox offers a "Hit the Road" package. It includes molded assist steps and roof-rack cross rails. This package remains optional for the RS and Premier trim levels as well.

Compare the LT vs. RS Trims. What is the difference?

The 2022 Equinox RS is supposed to look and feel more athletic than the other trim options. Truthfully, it is identical when it comes to performance when compared to the rest of the lineup. It does sit on 19-inch wheels, however, and it also gains some sleek black exterior trim pieces. The RS is also the first trim level to gain LED taillamps as a standard feature to go along with the LED headlights. It is also the first on the list to be available with a panoramic power sunroof.

When it comes to features, the RS essentially adds the contents of the Confidence and Convenience package to its standard equipment list. This means it comes with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and more at no extra charge. The RS comes standard with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, which was optional for the LT.

The interior of the RS is unique with its red stitching on the cloth upholstery. This is the only trim to offer the RS Leather package, which combines a premium seven-speaker Bose system and driver seatback pockets. Naturally, it also includes leather upholstery.

Front and rear park assist come standard for the Equinox RS. It searches for obstacles while the SUV is moving at low speeds and alerts the driver to help them avoid incidents when parking in tight spaces. Lane change alert with side blind-zone warning is another standard driver aid. It notifies the driver with signals on the side mirrors when a vehicle is detected approaching on the side quickly so they can avoid changing lanes until they have passed.

Compare the RS vs. Premier Trim. What is the difference?

The top Premier trim of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox goes down to 18-inch wheels. This is the only model that comes standard with fog lamps. The power liftgate gets a pretty significant upgrade as well. Not only can it be opened by swinging a foot underneath the rear bumper, but it can also be programmed to open to a certain height. The Premier is also the only model that comes standard with the upgraded side mirrors featuring turn signal integration.

Inside the Premier, buyers get the option of upgrading to an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The Premier also is the only trim to offer heated rear outboard seats and ventilated front seats. Many of this trim level's available upgrades are bundled together in the Confidence & Convenience II package.

While it gets the 8-inch touchscreen standard, the navigation add-on remains optional even for this top trim level. On the bright side, the Premier does gain extra front USB ports and an SD card reader to give drivers more options for bringing along their favorite media on the road.

Wireless device charging is another standard tech upgrade found here. Choosing this model also means getting leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting. The driver's seat gains memory settings for the convenience of those who share the Equinox. Adding to the luxurious feel of the top trim level is the standard heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

An HD rear vision camera is added to the safety features of the Equinox when buyers choose the Premier. There are several driver aids that remain optional here. They include a surround-view HD camera system and automatic parking assist. The latter can help drivers find an appropriate parking space and then steer the Equinox into it. As for the driver, they are still responsible for shifting gears, hitting the accelerator, and braking.

Final Thoughts

The entry-level LS is lacking too many creature comforts, including power adjustment for the driver's seat. That's why the correct call is to go up to at least the LT model. It also opens up many package options, allowing buyers to find a 2022 Equinox that really fits their driving needs.

As for the RS, it is a good choice for those who like a more aggressive look for their SUV. It does add a few more features, but not enough to justify the jump in price. The Premier is an attractive model, but it costs more than many people are willing to pay for an Equinox. It also leaves several luxury features off the table that one would expect to be included on a top trim of a vehicle.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox LT is a well-rounded choice that remains wallet-friendly while still providing drivers with the most important features.