2022 Chevy Equinox Premier: Review, Features & More

Nov 14, 2025 by Alex Braham 52 views

2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier: A Detailed Review

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier. If you're in the market for a compact SUV that blends comfort, technology, and a touch of luxury, this could be the ride for you. The Equinox has been a reliable choice for years, and the Premier trim takes it up a notch. Let's break down what makes this vehicle stand out, covering everything from its performance and interior features to its technology and safety aspects. Get ready for a comprehensive look at whether the 2022 Chevy Equinox Premier is the right fit for your needs.

Exterior Design and Features

The exterior of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier makes a solid first impression. The Premier trim distinguishes itself with several upscale touches that enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. One of the most noticeable features is the chrome accents, which can be found on the grille, window surrounds, and roof rails. These shiny details add a touch of elegance and sophistication. The Equinox Premier also rides on larger, machine-faced aluminum wheels, typically 18 or 19 inches, depending on the configuration, contributing to a more planted and confident stance on the road.

Headlights and taillights are fully LED, providing better visibility and a modern look. The LED daytime running lights also add to the vehicle's contemporary design. The Equinox Premier also comes standard with a hands-free power liftgate, which is super convenient when you're loading cargo with your hands full. Just wave your foot under the rear bumper, and the liftgate opens automatically. The available panoramic sunroof is a fantastic feature that lets tons of natural light into the cabin, making it feel more open and airy. Overall, the Equinox Premier's exterior design balances practicality with a touch of luxury, making it an attractive option in the crowded compact SUV segment.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2022 Chevy Equinox Premier, you'll immediately notice the upgraded interior. The Premier trim focuses on providing a more comfortable and convenient experience for both the driver and passengers. Leather upholstery is standard, giving the seats a premium feel. The front seats are heated, and many models also include ventilated front seats, which are a lifesaver during hot summer months. The driver's seat usually has power adjustments, including lumbar support, making it easy to find the perfect driving position.

The rear seats offer plenty of legroom for adults, and the bench can be split-folded to create more cargo space when needed. The interior trim includes soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels, enhancing the overall sense of quality. In terms of technology, the Equinox Premier comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration. You can easily access your favorite apps, music, and navigation through the touchscreen. A premium Bose audio system is also available, delivering excellent sound quality throughout the cabin. Additional tech features include wireless charging for your smartphone, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports for charging devices. The dual-zone automatic climate control ensures everyone stays comfortable, no matter where they're sitting. The interior of the Equinox Premier is designed to be both functional and luxurious, making every drive a pleasure.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier typically features a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for daily driving. It produces around 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, which is adequate for most driving situations. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and efficiently. The Equinox Premier is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The all-wheel-drive system provides added traction and stability, especially in inclement weather conditions.

In terms of handling, the Equinox Premier offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and road imperfections, providing a smooth experience for passengers. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic and parking lots. While it's not a sporty SUV, the Equinox Premier delivers confident handling and a predictable driving experience. Fuel economy is another strong point, with the front-wheel-drive models achieving respectable mpg figures in both city and highway driving. The all-wheel-drive models have slightly lower fuel economy, but still competitive within the compact SUV class. Overall, the Equinox Premier's performance is well-suited for everyday driving needs, offering a blend of efficiency and comfort.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier is well-equipped with a range of advanced safety features. Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, which can help prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time. Lane keep assist with lane departure warning is also standard, helping you stay within your lane on the highway and alerting you if you start to drift unintentionally. Forward collision alert warns you if you're approaching a vehicle too quickly, giving you time to react.

Other standard safety features include a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you when backing up, and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. Blind-spot monitoring is also included, alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots. The Equinox Premier also offers available safety features such as adaptive cruise control, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and a surround-view camera system, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings. The Equinox has performed well in crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), earning high safety ratings. With its comprehensive suite of safety features, the Equinox Premier provides peace of mind for you and your passengers.

Trim-Specific Features of the Premier

The Premier trim of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox stands out with several unique features that enhance its luxury and convenience. One of the most distinctive features is the chrome exterior trim, which adds a touch of elegance to the vehicle's appearance. The Premier also comes standard with LED headlights and taillights, providing better visibility and a more modern look. The hands-free power liftgate is another exclusive feature, allowing you to easily open the liftgate with a simple wave of your foot.

Inside, the Premier trim boasts leather upholstery, heated front seats, and available ventilated front seats, providing a comfortable and premium driving experience. The driver's seat includes power adjustments and lumbar support, making it easy to find the perfect driving position. The Premier also comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Bose audio system. Additional features include wireless charging, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Premier trim also offers available features such as adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and a panoramic sunroof. These trim-specific features make the Equinox Premier a top-of-the-line choice for those seeking a compact SUV with a touch of luxury.

Pros and Cons of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier

Like any vehicle, the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

Comfortable Ride: The Equinox Premier offers a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. This makes it ideal for daily commuting and long road trips.
Upscale Interior: The Premier trim features leather upholstery, heated front seats, and available ventilated front seats, providing a luxurious and comfortable cabin.
User-Friendly Technology: The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration.
Comprehensive Safety Features: The Equinox Premier comes standard with a range of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert.
Good Fuel Economy: The Equinox Premier achieves respectable fuel economy, making it an efficient choice for daily driving.

Cons:

Engine Performance: The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine provides adequate power, but it may feel underpowered when accelerating or climbing hills.
Limited Cargo Space: While the Equinox offers decent cargo space, some competitors offer more room for luggage and gear.
Base Price: The Premier trim is more expensive than the lower trims, which may be a barrier for some buyers.
Some Features are Optional: Some desirable features, such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system, are only available as options.

Final Verdict: Is the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier Right for You?

So, is the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox Premier the right choice for you? If you're looking for a compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, upscale interior, and a range of advanced safety features, the Equinox Premier is definitely worth considering. It's a well-rounded vehicle that excels in many areas, making it a strong contender in the competitive compact SUV segment. However, if you prioritize engine performance or need maximum cargo space, you may want to explore other options. Overall, the Equinox Premier is a solid choice for those seeking a balance of comfort, technology, and safety in a stylish package. Thanks for reading, and happy car shopping!