Does the Chevrolet Equinox Have a Third Row Seating

The Chevrolet Equinox is a popular compact SUV, but it does not come with a third row seating option. This SUV is designed for five passengers across all trims. If you need a three-row SUV, you may want to look at larger Chevrolet models or competitors.

The Chevrolet Equinox is one of the most popular SUVs on the road today. It sells well because it looks great, drives smoothly, and comes packed with features. Many families look at this SUV and wonder about seating. Specifically, they ask whether the Chevrolet Equinox has a third row seating option.

The short answer is no. The Equinox is a five-passenger SUV. It does not offer a third row in any trim level. But that does not mean it is not a great family vehicle. There is a lot to know about how this SUV handles seating and space.

In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about the Equinox seating capacity. We will look at each trim level, compare it to other SUVs, and help you decide if this is the right car for your family. Let us dive in.

Key Takeaways

• No Third Row: The Chevrolet Equinox only seats five passengers. There is no third row seating in any trim.
• Spacious Second Row: The second row offers generous legroom and comfort for adults.
• Multiple Trims Available: The Equinox comes in L, LS, LT, and Premier trims, all with five-seat configurations.
• Great Cargo Space: Even without a third row, the Equinox offers solid cargo capacity behind the second row.
• Family-Friendly Option: The Equinox is ideal for small to mid-sized families who do not need extra seating rows.
• Compare Before Buying: If you need more seating, consider the Chevrolet Traverse or other three-row SUVs.

Understanding the Chevrolet Equinox Seating Layout

When you walk into a Chevrolet Equinox, the first thing you will notice is the cabin design. The interior feels modern and well put together. The seats are comfortable, and the materials feel upscale for the price range.

The Equinox seating configuration is straightforward. There are two rows of seats. The front row has a driver seat and a passenger seat. The second row has a bench seat or split bench that can fold down to expand the cargo space. That is it. No third row exists on this model.

Why Does the Equinox Not Have a Third Row?

The Equinox is classified as a compact SUV. Its wheelbase and overall dimensions are designed for a two-row layout. Adding a third row would require a longer body and more interior space. Chevrolet chose to keep the Equinox compact and efficient.

This design decision has its benefits. A two-row SUV like the Chevrolet Equinox tends to have more cargo room behind the second row. It also tends to be more fuel efficient than larger three-row SUVs. The tradeoff is clear. You get less seating but more utility for daily driving.

Who Is the Equinox Designed For?

The Equinox is perfect for couples, small families, and individuals. If you have two or three children, this SUV works well. The second row can comfortably seat three adults, though it is tighter for full-grown passengers on long trips.

If you need to seat more than five people regularly, you should look at other options. The Equinox is not built for that purpose. But for most daily needs, the five-seat layout handles the job with ease.

Seating Across All Equinox Trims

One of the best things about the Chevrolet Equinox is that every trim level offers the same seating layout. Whether you buy the base L or the top-tier Premier, you get five seats. There is no upgrade path to a third row.

L Trim

The base L trim comes standard with a five-seat layout. The front seats are cloth-trimmed in the base model. The second row folds down to create a flat cargo floor. This is a solid starting point for families on a budget.

LS Trim

The LS trim adds a few comfort features. The seating capacity remains the same at five passengers. You get upgraded materials and a few extra convenience features, but the seating configuration does not change.

LT Trim

The LT trim is the most popular choice. It offers more technology and comfort features. The second row still seats three passengers. The rear seats can fold down to expand the cargo space significantly.

Premier Trim

The top-tier Premier trim gives you leather seats, advanced tech, and premium finishes. Even here, the answer to whether the Equinox has a third row is still no. The Premier trim seats five passengers and offers the most refined interior experience.

Cargo Space Without a Third Row

One advantage of not having a third row is the cargo space. The Chevrolet Equinox offers a generous cargo area behind the second row. With the rear seats up, you get around 63 cubic feet of space. Fold the second row down, and you get roughly 76 cubic feet.

This is plenty of room for groceries, luggage, sports equipment, and more. Families who do not need a third row often find the Equinox cargo area more than sufficient. The flat floor when seats are folded makes loading and unloading easy.

If you do need to carry more passengers occasionally, the second row folds down completely. This lets you transport longer items like furniture or large equipment. The versatility of the Equinox interior is one of its strongest selling points.

How the Equinox Compares to Three-Row SUVs

There are many SUVs on the market that do offer a third row. The Chevrolet Equinox competes in a crowded segment. Let us look at how it stacks up against popular rivals.

Equinox vs. Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is a direct competitor to the Equinox. Like the Equinox, the Tucson offers a five-seat layout in most trims. Both SUVs focus on comfort, technology, and fuel efficiency. Neither is a true three-row SUV.

Equinox vs. Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento is different. It comes standard with a third row. If you need to seat seven passengers, the Sorento is the better choice. The Equinox cannot match this. However, the Equinox often offers better fuel economy and a lower price point.

Equinox vs. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is another popular compact SUV. The standard RAV4 seats five passengers. However, Toyota offers the RAV4 Hybrid and the RAV4 Prime with similar five-seat layouts. Neither the RAV4 nor the Equinox offers a third row in their standard configurations.

Equinox vs. Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is yet another compact SUV rival. Like the Equinox, the Escape focuses on a five-passenger layout. Both SUVs offer strong fuel economy, modern tech, and comfortable interiors. The choice between them comes down to personal preference.

Towing and Utility with the Equinox

Even though the Equinox does not have a third row, it still offers solid utility. The Chevrolet Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped. This is enough for a small trailer, a boat, or camping gear.

If you plan to tow regularly, you should also know that you can a car pull a trailer with proper equipment and weight ratings. The Equinox makes a capable little hauler for weekend adventures.

The Equinox also comes with a available hybrid powertrain. This improves fuel economy and makes the SUV even more practical for daily driving. If you are interested in hybrid options, you may also want to look into whether you can put a hitch on a hybrid car for added utility.

Features That Make Up for the Missing Third Row

You might be wondering what makes the Equinox worth buying without a third row. The answer lies in the features and overall package.

Advanced Technology

The Equinox comes with a large touchscreen infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on most trims. The available remote start feature is also available on higher trims, letting you warm up or cool down the SUV before you get in.

Safety Features

Chevrolet equips the Equinox with a suite of driver assistance features. These include forward collision alert, lane keep assist, and a surround view camera. The SUV earned strong safety ratings from crash testing organizations.

Fuel Economy

The Equinox gets excellent fuel economy for a compact SUV. The base engine returns around 26 miles per gallon in the city and 31 on the highway. The hybrid variant does even better. This makes the Equinox a great choice for long commutes and road trips.

Ride Comfort

The Equinox rides smoothly on highways and city streets alike. The suspension is well tuned for comfort. The cabin is quiet, which makes long drives more enjoyable for everyone on board.

Should You Buy the Chevrolet Equinox?

The decision to buy the Equinox depends on your needs. If you have a small family or do not regularly carry more than five people, this SUV is an excellent choice. The Equinox seating capacity of five is plenty for most households.

If you need to seat more than five people regularly, you should look at larger SUVs. The Chevrolet Traverse is a great option. It is a full-size SUV with three rows and seating for up to eight passengers. You can also explore other brands and models if you are open to different manufacturers.

Before making a final decision, consider your lifestyle. Do you need a third row for carpooling? Do you need extra cargo space? The Equinox answers most daily needs very well, even without a third row.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make

Many buyers assume all SUVs have a third row. This is not true. The Equinox is a compact SUV designed for five passengers. Make sure you understand the seating layout before you visit the dealership.

Another common mistake is not test driving the vehicle. The Equinox feels different from larger SUVs. The driving experience is more car-like, which many people enjoy. Visit your local dealer and take one for a spin.

Also, do not overlook the importance of warranty coverage. The Equinox comes with a strong factory warranty. If you are comparing options, check how Kia warranty coverage compares for similar models. Different brands offer different warranty benefits.

The Bottom Line

The Chevrolet Equinox does not have a third row. It is a five-passenger compact SUV through and through. But it makes up for this with strong fuel economy, a comfortable interior, modern technology, and a competitive price.

If you do not need to seat more than five people, the Equinox is one of the best choices in its class. It is practical, efficient, and enjoyable to drive. The lack of a third row is a tradeoff, but for many buyers, it is a tradeoff worth making.

Before you buy, sit in the second row and check the space. Bring your family along for a test drive. Make sure the Equinox seating works for your lifestyle. With its strong feature set and solid reputation, the Equinox remains a top pick in the compact SUV segment.

The bottom line is simple. The Chevrolet Equinox is a five-seat SUV done right. It may not have a third row, but it delivers where it counts most. Comfort, efficiency, and value all come standard in this popular Chevrolet SUV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Chevrolet Equinox have a third row?

No, the Chevrolet Equinox does not have a third row seating option. All trims of the Equinox are designed to seat five passengers across two rows. There is no factory option for a third row on this model.

How many people can the Chevrolet Equinox seat?

The Chevrolet Equinox seats five passengers. The front row has two seats, and the second row has three seats. This five-passenger layout is consistent across all trim levels, from the base L to the top Premier trim.

Is the Chevrolet Equinox a good family SUV?

Yes, the Equinox is a great family SUV for small to mid-sized families. It offers comfortable seating, modern technology, and strong safety features. The five-seat layout works well for families with two to three children.

What SUV should I buy if I need a third row?

If you need a third row, consider the Chevrolet Traverse. It seats up to eight passengers and offers three rows of seating. You can also look at competitors like the Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander, which both offer three-row configurations.

Does the Chevrolet Equinox have good cargo space?

Yes, the Equinox offers impressive cargo space for a compact SUV. With the rear seats up, you get about 63 cubic feet of cargo room. Fold the second row down, and the space expands to roughly 76 cubic feet. This makes the Equinox very practical for everyday use.

Can the Chevrolet Equinox tow a trailer?

Yes, the Equinox can tow up to 1,500 pounds when equipped with the proper towing package. This makes it capable of pulling small trailers, boats, or camping gear. Always check your specific trim and equipment for exact towing specifications.