There are many factors to consider when choosing the right oil type for your Chevy Equinox, but in general, you should use synthetic oil.
In this article, we will look at the oil capacities along with the oil types of most Chevy Equinox cars to help you make the right decision.
What Kind of Oil Does Chevy Equinox Use?
The recommended Chevy Equinox oil type is a 5W30 synthetic blend. This type of oil has the longest life and does not break down as easily as other oils like a full-synthetic or semi-synthetic.
That said, many different types of engine oils can be used in a Chevy Equinox—but there are some that are better than others.
What Oil Does a 2012 Chevy Equinox take?
The recommended oil type for the 2012 Chevy Equinox is SAE 5W-30 fully synthetic motor oil. The 2012 Chevy Equinox has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that provides 273 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet recommends changing the oil for the crossover SUV every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.
What type of oil does a 2013 Chevy Equinox take?
The 2013 Chevy Equinox takes the Dexos 1 specification or the equivalent to 5W-30, as recommended by the car brand.
It has a 2.4L I4 engine that has an Oil capacity of 6.5L and specification of 5W-30 The engine is capable of producing 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque with the help of its direct-injection technology.
The car’s fuel economy comes in at an EPA estimated rating of 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is pretty good for a mid-size SUV.
What kind of oil does a 2014 Equinox take?
The 2014 Chevy Equinox has a 2.4L V6 engine that is capable of producing 184 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. The engine features a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system, which optimizes power and fuel efficiency.
The car has an oil capacity of 4.7 liters or 5 quarts, and the recommended oil change interval is 7500 miles or 12000 kilometers with conventional oil type, 5w-30, or 10000 miles or 16000 kilometers with synthetic blend motor oil type, 5w-20.
What oil does a 2018 Chevy Equinox take?
Most 2018 Equinox models with the 1.5L turbo (LYX) use SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic meeting dexos1. If you have the optional 2.0L turbo (LTG), the spec is SAE 5W-30 dexos1. The short-run 1.6L diesel (LH7) requires SAE 5W-30 that meets dexos2.
For capacity guidance, TechLink lists around 4.2 qt (FWD) and 5.3 qt (AWD) for the 1.5L with filter—always confirm on the dipstick after filling and follow the Oil Life Monitoring System.
What oil does a 2019 Chevy Equinox take?
The 2019 lineup carries the same specs: 0W-20 dexos1 for the 1.5L, 5W-30 dexos1 for the 2.0L, and 5W-30 dexos2 for the 1.6L diesel.
Expect similar capacities to 2018 (about 4.2 qt FWD / 5.3 qt AWD for the 1.5L with filter). Verify on the dipstick and default to the owner’s manual for cold-weather viscosity notes.
What oil does a 2020 Chevy Equinox take?
For 2020, the 1.5L turbo uses SAE 0W-20 dexos1, while the 2.0L turbo (last model year offered) uses SAE 5W-30 dexos1. The diesel was discontinued by this point.
Capacities remain in the same ballpark as prior years; check the dipstick after adding oil and follow the Oil Life Monitoring System prompts in the cluster.
What oil does a 2021 Chevy Equinox take?
With the 1.5L as the primary engine, the recommended 2021 Chevy Equinox oil type is the SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic meeting dexos1 as specified in the owner’s manual.
Plan for roughly 4.2 qt (FWD) or 5.3 qt (AWD) with filter on the 1.5L, then verify on the dipstick. Stick to the Oil Life Monitoring System for change intervals.
What oil does a 2022 Chevy Equinox take?
Chevrolet specifies SAE 0W-20 dexos1 full-synthetic for the 1.5L turbo in 2022. If you’re shopping, look for the dexos1™logo on the bottle.
Capacity is similar to earlier years; always confirm level after filling and refer to the manual for climate-based viscosity guidance.
What oil does a 2023 Chevy Equinox take?
Use SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic meeting dexos1 for the 1.5L turbo. That’s the current GM spec across recent gas Equinox models.
Typical fills land near 4.2 qt FWD / 5.3 qt AWD with filter. Check the dipstick and follow the Oil Life Monitoring System rather than fixed mileage.
What oil does a 2024 Chevy Equinox take?
The 2024 owner’s manual continues to call for SAE 0W-20 dexos1 full-synthetic in the 1.5L turbo.
As always, confirm your engine and drivetrain, fill, then re-check level on the dipstick. Extreme-cold notes (if any) will be in the manual.
What oil does a 2025 Chevy Equinox take?
For 2025 gas models with the 1.5L turbo, use SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic meeting dexos1 per the newest GM documentation.
Parts catalog lookups also show ~4.2 qt (FWD) and ~5.3 qt (AWD) with filter.
Does a Chevy Equinox really need synthetic oil?
Yes. In fact, the main benefit of using synthetic oil in a car model like the Chevy Equinox is its ability to provide more lubrication than other oils.
Synthetic oils have a better viscosity index, which means they will remain liquid at lower temperatures and provide better lubrication to the engine parts at all times.
How much oil does a 2.4L Chevy Equinox take?
The amount of oil you need to put in your car depends on the type of car you have, so make sure to follow the instructions on your owner’s manual before you start pouring any oils into your engine.
The 2.4 liter engine of the Chevy Equinox takes up to 5 quarts of oil. The Chevy Equinox comes with a 2.4L inline-four engine that is capable of producing 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque.
How Much Oil Does a 1.5 L Equinox Take?
Chevy Equinox 1.5L is a small SUV with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. It takes up to 4.2quarts for FWD and 5.3qts for AWD with a 1.5L engine.
How Often Should You Change the Oil in a Chevy Equinox?
The frequency of oil changes in a chevy equinox is determined by the owner’s driving habits. If you are a driver who drives short distances and does not drive often, then you should change the oil in your car every 10,000 miles. If you drive long distances and drive often, then it is best to change the oil in your car every 5,000 miles.
In other words, Chevy Equinox owners should change their oil at least once every 5,000 miles or once every 10,000 miles depending on their driving habits Meanwhile, a general rule of thumb is that if you are going to be driving in an area with extreme temperatures, you should change your oil every 6 months or 5,000 miles.
Conclusion
Chevrolet recommends using a 5W-30 weight oil in your Equinox (2.4 L, 3.6 L) . This is an oil that will work well with all driving conditions, including colder climates. However, the Chevy Equinox 1.5L turbocharged I4 engine and the 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine require 0w-20 oil.
Tomas is a retired Chevy Auto Technician that brings decades of hands-on experience and expertise to the table. He’s also a father to two incredible daughters. He enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help you solve and find reliable information on Chevrolet vehicles. Whether it’s troubleshooting engine problems or providing tips for maintenance, Thomas is committed to helping Chevy owners keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.
