SUVs are a popular car option for both off-road enthusiasts and families. One of the primary things people shopping for SUVs want to know is the seating capacity. So, does the Chevy Equinox have a 3rd row? We've done the research to give you the answer you need before purchasing this particular car.
No, the Chevy Equinox does not have a 3rd row seat. It is classified as a small SUV crossover, or a compact SUV, and therefore does not come with a 3rd row. There are no models of the Equinox with a 3rd row seat.
Although there is no 3rd row in the Equinox, our research has given us more information about the vehicle. We've also learned what Chevy vehicles do have a 3rd row. Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.
Is The Equinox A 7 Seater?
The Equinox does not have a 3rd row, so how many passengers fit in the car? The latest, 2020 model seats up to 5 people. The same is true for all models sold since 2005. Though it has some excellent features, the Equinox does not include seating capacity for 7 because it lacks 3rd row seating.
Why Doesn't The Equinox Have A 3rd Row?
The Equinox does not have a 3rd row because it is considered a small, or compact, SUV. This vehicle is designed to be more affordable and for smaller families. A 3rd row and 7 seats increases costs and there are fewer families who need this much seating capacity. As a result, families of up to 5 people can have their seating needs met in the Chevy Equinox.
How Much Can You Fit In A Chevy Equinox?
To best answer this question, it's important to understand exactly how space inside a vehicle is calculated. When you see the phrases, "total cargo" or "max cargo," there are multiple meanings. The amount of space in the car varies depending on the configuration of the seats.
Chevy lists the max cargo space for the 2020 Equinox at 63.9 cubic feet. This figure includes the amount of space when the rear seat is down to increase capacity. If you plan to pick up a large item, or need plenty of extra space, get the maximum amount of capacity by folding the rear seats down. Putting the down the seats in the Equinox is quick and easy, as you'll see in the video below:
When passengers ride in the back seat, the Equinox still has 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space. That gives you plenty of room for groceries, suitcases, and the essentials that you needed the SUV when traveling with the seats occupied.
What you cannot fit inside the car, you can pack into a trailer to haul. Thanks to the Equinox's 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. So, whether you are moving across the country on your own, or have a family with you, you'll be able to fit most of what you need inside the vehicle and a trailer.
What Chevy Vehicles Have A 3rd Row?
For larger families, or people needing extra cargo space, a 3rd row SUV fits your requirements. Chevrolet has been making 3rd row SUVs designed to seat at least 7 people for decades. Perhaps the most well-known of these is the Suburban.
The Suburban was actually first sold in 1937. Since the late 1960s, it has been capable of carrying more than 5 passengers. As one of the largest SUVs on the market, Suburban seats 9 people, and has plenty of room to carry luggage and additional equipment. It has been a staple of Chevy's production, and is one of the most well-known vehicles that the company makes. In production for almost one hundred years, the Suburban is a proven, trusted choice for families, individuals, or companies looking for maximum capacity with 3rd row seating.
A slightly smaller alternative to the Suburban, Chevy's Tahoe also features a 3rd row seat and can hold up to 9 people. The Tahoe was first produced in 1995 and has always featured a 3rd row seat. The biggest difference between the Tahoe and the Suburban, besides the fact that the Tahoe is shorter, is the storage space. The Suburban, thanks to that added length, has more cargo space. Keep in mind, the Tahoe and Suburban are both considerably more expensive than the Equinox.
Chevy's third vehicle with 3rd row seating is the Traverse. The Chevy Traverse seats as many as 8 people. It also has better gas mileage than both the Tahoe and the Suburban. And, although it is smaller than these other vehicles, it can still tow up to 5,000-pounds. Chevy's Traverse is a more affordable option than the Tahoe or Suburban. Additionally, it has more total storage room than the Tahoe. So, if a 3rd row is something that you definitely need, but your budget is a concern, the Traverse may be an excellent option.
Summary
The Chevy Equinox is a considered a compact SUV. It is designed to hold no more than 5 people while providing an affordable option for people who need an SUV, but not something in the mid-size or large SUV classification. Though compact, the Equinox is not the smallest SUV that Chevy makes. Equinox has proven over the years to handle most anything that its owners can throw at it.
Now you know more about the Chevy Equinox's seating and storage capacity. Before you purchase a vehicle, it's always best to have as much information as possible about it. If you are interested in buying a Chevy Equinox, check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about them.