Is the Chevy Equinox Good for Camping?

Aug 5, 2021

Chevy’s Equinox is a compact SUV with great versatility. Its roomy interior and strong engine lineup make it a good choice for going camping or taking a road trip. It has a decent towing capacity for hauling a camper, plenty of storage space for your luggage, and a reasonable off-road performance in case your route takes you off the beaten track. Here are some reasons why the 2021 Chevy Equinox is a great choice when going camping.

Can You Sleep in the Chevy Equinox?

Red Chevy Equinox Driving By a Forest | Rydell Chevrolet of Grand Forks, ND

Yes, you can! The Equinox’s second row of seats can also be folded flat, doubling the cargo capacity to 64 cubic feet. it offers you the option of sleeping in your car in case you don’t want to put up a tent or tow a trailer. Additionally, it is ideal if you want to transport larger items for your trip. If you do decide to sleep in your Equinox, it’s a good idea to bring along a sleeping mask to keep the light out of your eyes, and an air mattress or camping cot for some added comfort.

With the second row of seats in use, you still get over 30 cubic feet of cargo storage at the rear. That’s plenty of room for any luggage you’ll need for a weekend camping trip or longer. You’ll be able to carry suitcases, rucksacks, cooking equipment, and many other useful items.

Can the Equinox Tow Travel Trailers?

The 2021 Equinox‘s towing capacity ranges from 1,500 pounds to 3,500 pounds. The amount your Equinox can tow depends mainly on which of the two engine options you have under the hood. The base engine is a 1.5-liter unit with a 1,500-pound towing capacity. Models with the larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Even if your Equinox has the lower 1,500-pound towing capacity, there are still many campers that you’ll be able to tow. Almost all teardrop trailers weigh less than 1,500 pounds, making them suitable options. Teardrop trailers vary in style and size, but they stand out for their compact dimensions. When they’re set up, you typically get one room to use for sleeping, storing your luggage, or enjoying a meal.

With the larger towing capacity, you can also consider bringing along a pop-up trailer or classic camper. These traveling trailers provide you with more space, including a dedicated sleeping area, kitchen, and bathroom.

Remember when you’re working out your towing capacity that the listed weight of your trailer is how much it weighs when it’s empty. When you add luggage and furniture, the weight will increase. You also need to keep in mind that it’s a good idea not to push your Equinox to the limit of its towing capacity for safety reasons. A good rule of thumb is to aim for the total weight you’re pulling to be about 15 percent below the towing capacity.

The Equinox’s Engine is Powerful

Wherever you’re planning on going camping, you’ll need plenty of power under the hood to deal with the extra weight you’re carrying. The Equinox provides just that. Even the base engine puts out 170 horsepower, while the larger 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is capable of 252 horsepower.

Both engine setups can be paired with all-wheel drive, which will give you added stability and control when traveling over rough terrain. All-wheel drive can also help you feel more in control if you’re driving with a trailer at the rear.

The Equinox Has Comfortable Seating for Long Trips

Whether you’re going camping with the family or friends, you’ll want to arrive at your chosen site feeling relaxed and refreshed. The Equinox can help with that thanks to its comfortable front- and rear-row seating. Unlike some other compact SUVs, the Equinox has impressive legroom in its second row, making the back seats suitable for tall adult passengers. If you’re bringing kids along, this Chevy is also equipped with two full sets of LATCH connectors for the outward rear seats.

The cabin features durable materials that will stand up to the added strains of outdoor fun. The cloth upholstery that comes as standard can be easily cleaned if it gets dirty due to shoes, clothes, or camping equipment.

The Equinox’s Technology Lets You Stay Connected

While some people like to go camping to get closer to nature and escape the pressures of day-to-day life, it can still be helpful in some situations to stay connected with the outside world. Chevy’s infotainment system lets you do just that wherever you may be. The base infotainment system includes a wireless hot spot so you can connect to the internet using your phone or other electronic device. There are also four USB ports for keeping your devices charged while you’re on the go.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. These features allow you to pair your phones directly with the Equinox’s infotainment system. For example, when you arrive at your camp site, you may want to play music from your phone through your SUV’s sound system.

Optional infotainment upgrades that may come in handy for campers include Chevy’s navigation system, which can guide you to your chosen destination, and wireless device charging. There’s also the option to add a household power outlet, which is sure to prove useful if you stop somewhere with no access to power nearby.

We hope our rundown of the Chevy Equinox’s features has shown you why it’s a great SUV choice for your next camping trip. If you still have questions about the Equinox or you’d like to arrange a test drive, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly auto sales team. Here at Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC, our auto experts are proud to help customers in Grand Forks and the surrounding area to select the vehicle that perfectly meets their needs. Contact us today to get the buying process started, or drop by our showroom see our inventory in person.