KBB Celebrates 2022 Chevy Equinox as one of the Most Comfortable Vehicles under $30,000

The Mid Missouri Powerhouse is your fully-stocked hub of pre-spring activity and premium destination when it comes to locating the perfect vehicle for you for 2022! Amidst the trucks, sedans, and smaller-sized vehicles available, there is one very brightly shining star in the form of the Chevy Equinox, which has just been determined to be one of the most comfortable vehicles under $30,000 by Kelley Blue Book. This research was broken down based on what it feels are the quietest, most smooth, and spacious riding vehicles on lots such as ours here today.

The 2022 Chevy Equinox ranked sixth on this list, just ahead of the competition in the form of the 2022 Honda Accord, and 2022 Subaru Outback. The KBB editors also were very happy with the seat design in this year’s Equinox model, along with the cabin’s abundance of space and great range of available comforts. The RS trim provides the addition of very cool red contrast stitching and ample room for five adults with comfortable headroom and legroom for rear passengers. You can also see a luxurious upgrade in the form of heated seats, a power driver’s seat, and an incredibly sweet-sounding premium audio system.

Most vehicles that made their mark on this list were crossovers, which routinely offer up a softer suspension quality with longer travel than passenger cars, which can assist in swallowing up the pothole’s wrath among other ruts in the road. Our Chevy-loving cohorts over at GM Authority also reported over the last month that the 2022 Equinox model is even more affordable than the 2021 version, as pricing right here at the Powerhouse for the base LS trim level is significantly cheaper than last year.  

This is the best opportunity and time of year for you to drive off the lot with one of the most popular and compelling crossovers there is! A feature-laden infotainment offering layout, perfectly athletic handling, and longstanding bow-tie brand essence are all draws and benefits of this year’s new Equinox. The current year’s makeover adds more distinctive headlights, a brand-new grill design, and completely updated front and rear bumpers. The top-tier Premier also features French stitching and gloss-black trim for the console, and the 1.5-liter engine as the sole powertrain option.

We would absolutely have to recommend the mid-level LT as the sweet spot in the trim level, that comes with an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, high-intensity discharge headlights, SiriusXM satellite radio, and much more. Don’t forget the savvy addition of the Confidence and Convenience package, which now includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power liftgate, rear cross-traffic alert, and remote start. The 7.0-inch touchscreen displays Chevy’s Mylink infotainment interface directly on top of the dash, and on top of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you’ll be enjoying Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, USB connectivity, and standard 4G LTE onboard Wi-Fi. 

This Year or Next Year? 2021 Vs. 2022 Chevy Equinox

As the school bells ring, backpacks are loaded up, and new class schedules are released, a brand-new crossover SUV may be just the thing to help with your busy schedule! You can opt for 2021’s Chevy Equinox or a 2022 model. The knowledgeable staff at Cars.com took note of a few of the differences and similarities between the two lovable SUVs and outlined which may suit you better. 

The current year’s model no longer has the L trim and has seen a complete styling refresh with a new RS trim and an assortment of new tech features. The 2022 Equinox got fresh front and rear styling, a new grille, and updated LED headlights and daytime running lights. The RS outfits the Equinox with perfectly-darkened elements including black exterior trim, 19-inch wheels, a black interior with red stitching, and a unique shift knob. 

A 7-inch touchscreen is now standard on the LS, LT, and RS trims, and stepping up to the Premier trim upgrades the screen to 8 inches. Every 2022 Equinox trim is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features that carry over from last year include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking and lane keep assist, front and rear park assist, and automatic parking assist. The engine is the 170-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and every Equinox model is available with front or all-wheel drive. 

One thing to consider when deciding which Equinox is best for you is the  RS trim. The 2021 model did not offer this option that provides an updated, edgy, and raw appearance. With so many activities to load up the car for in the fall, both the 2021 and 2022 Chevy Equinox models provide much-needed space. On both models, you can choose between 17, 18, or 19-inch tires with your choice of ten exterior color options.

This year’s model provides single-zone manual air conditioning, and staying entertained with the latest news, music, and podcasts will be a snap with Sirius XM Radio now available as standard on every equipment group. The Driver Confidence III Package now includes Automatic Parking Assist, and the Premier trim offers French stitching on the interior, a brand-new 19-inch machined-face wheel, and a logo projection liftgate. We would recommend the year-old model for a teen driver going back to school on a budget. We will lock in the best price available, and you’ll be the owner of one of the nation’s most popular crossover SUVs with stellar safety ratings and class-leading back-to-school swagger!