What is the best year for a Chevrolet Equinox?

The 2023 Equinox is one of the strongest used buys — it landed on the mature end of the third generation with a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, just 82 complaints, and only 5 severe issues on record. The 2021–2024 range is generally solid, with complaint counts dropping sharply from the turbulent 2014–2018 period. Avoid the early 2010–2013 model years if reliability is a priority.

How much does Chevrolet Equinox insurance cost?

The Equinox averages around $2,140/year to insure, or roughly $178/month. That's on the lower end for compact SUVs, partly because it doesn't carry the theft-risk premium of more desirable crossovers. Your actual rate will vary based on trim, model year, location, and driving history — but the Equinox tends to quote well for budget-conscious buyers.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox or Honda CR-V cheaper to maintain?

The CR-V is cheaper to maintain by about $130/year — $407 versus $537 for the Equinox. Over five years that's roughly $650 in savings, and the CR-V also carries a higher reliability score (9 vs 7) and a lower major repair probability (10% vs 18%). If long-term ownership cost is the deciding factor, the CR-V has a clear edge.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Chevrolet Equinox?

It's worth considering. The Equinox's 18% major repair probability is well above the compact segment average of 11%, and its reliability score of 7 trails the class norm. If you're buying a used Equinox outside factory warranty coverage — especially a 2014–2018 model year — a powertrain warranty provides real protection against the repair exposure this model carries. For newer 2022+ models, self-insuring is more defensible.

Is the Chevrolet Suburban expensive to maintain?

The Suburban costs $944/year to maintain — $160 above the fullsize segment average of $784. Repair frequency of 51% is above the class average of 40%. Reliability score of 6 and major repair probability of 15% both sit at segment averages. It's the most expensive model in the fullsize segment to maintain.

What is the best year for a Chevrolet Suburban?

Meaningful complaint data only exists from 2021 onward in our records. The 2024 Suburban (35 complaints, 8/10 safety, 0 severe) is the cleanest year on record. The 2021 new-generation launch had 173 complaints, improving steadily through 2022-2024. For used buying, 2024 is the strongest pick.

How much does Chevrolet Suburban insurance cost?

Suburban insurance averages around $2,542/year — roughly $212/month.

Is the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Expedition cheaper to maintain?

The Expedition is cheaper to maintain by $83/year — $861 versus $944 for the Suburban. The Expedition also has significantly lower repair frequency (25% vs. 51%). Both carry the same reliability score and major repair probability. On total maintenance value, the Expedition holds a clear edge.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Chevrolet Suburban?

Repair frequency of 51% above the class average, combined with a $944 annual maintenance cost, makes extended warranty worth considering — particularly for used models. Containing the cost of more frequent unscheduled visits is where coverage earns its value here.

Chevrolet Equinox vs Chevrolet Suburban

Two compact SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Chevrolet Equinox — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

Buy the Chevrolet Suburban if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Chevrolet Equinox	Chevrolet Suburban
Annual maintenance	$537winner	$944
5-year total cost	$2,685winner	$4,720
Reliability score	7 / 10winner	6 / 10
Major repair risk (5yr)	18%	15%winner
Cargo space	63.5 cu ft	144.5 cu ftwinner
Starting price (new)	$31,000winner	$66,000
Best years to buy	2021, 2023, 2024	—

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Chevrolet Equinox	Chevrolet Suburban
RepairPal score	7 / 10winner	6 / 10
NHTSA complaints / 100k	162.1	0winner
Years to avoid	2010, 2011, 2013	2021, 2022, 2023
Value retained · 3 yr	76.1%	—
Value retained · 5 yr	54.3%winner	49.6%
Value retained · 7 yr	43.2%	—

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Chevrolet Equinox	Chevrolet Suburban
Engine	40.0%winner	48.9%
Electrical	5.9%	5.7%winner
ADAS	5.2%winner	5.9%
Brakes	4.9%	2.8%winner
Steering	2.5%	—winner
Fuel system	4.5%winner	6.1%
Tires/Wheels	1.7%winner	1.9%
Glass/Windows	16.7%	1.4%winner
Airbags	4.4%	2.8%winner
Lighting	—winner	1.9%
Seatbelt	0.6%winner	2.4%

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Chevrolet Equinox	Chevrolet Suburban
Avg annual premium	$2,140winner	$2,542

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Chevrolet Equinox

$537/yr maint · 7 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Chevrolet Suburban

$944/yr maint · 6 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Equinox costs around $537/year to maintain — $16 above the compact segment average of $521. Repair frequency of 31% is essentially at the class average of 30%, but its 18% major repair probability runs well above the segment average of 11%, meaning there's a meaningfully higher chance of facing a costly unscheduled repair in any given year than with class leaders like the CR-V or RAV4.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →