The standard oil in a Chevy Equinox is full‑synthetic oil meeting GM’s Dexos1 specification, SAE 0W‑20 for the 1.5L turbo gas engine and SAE 5W‑30 for the 2.0L turbo, while earlier/later Equinox model years use primarily 5W‑30 (0W‑20 on new small‑turbo models). The rule for all model years and engines: follow the SAE viscosity and Dexos/API spec exactly as listed in the owner’s manual and fill the engine to the correct capacity in quarts, not just “close enough”.
Key oil specs by year and engine
Chevrolet Equinox models since 2010 have used naturally aspirated and turbo gasoline engines (2.4L, 3.0L, 3.6L, 1.5L turbo, 2.0L turbo) and 1.6L diesel, each with a different viscosity recommendation. Typically, older port‑injected engines use SAE 5W‑30 oil. In contrast, newer, smaller turbo engines transitioned to lower‑viscosity 0W‑20 or optimised (balanced wear and low‑temperature cold‑start efficiency) 5W‑30 for US/Canadian cold starts.
Modern Equinox engines also require an oil that meets GM Dexos1 (gasoline) or Dexos2 (some diesels) requirements. These are GM’s proprietary requirements, in addition to API SN+/SP, to control LSPI, deposits, and oxidation. An oil that only meets generic API requirements (but not Dexos) can affect warranty coverage and long‑term turbo durability, especially with extended oil‑life‑monitor intervals.
2021 Chevrolet Equinox Maintenance Schedule
All-year SAE and capacity snapshot
The table below is a quick reference for a North American Equinox owner who wants to know the typical oil grade and capacity by generation before purchasing oil. Actual capacities may vary slightly by drivetrain (FWD vs AWD) and filter design. Your owner’s manual or GM service data is the final authority.
| Model years (USA/Canada) | Engine code / type | Typical SAE viscosity | Spec (dexos / GM) | Approx. capacity with filter* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024–2020 | 1.5L LYX turbo gas | 0W‑20 full synthetic | dexos1 Gen 2+ (gasoline) | 4.2 qt FWD / 5.3 qt AWD |
| 2024–2020 | 2.0L turbo gas (where offered) | 5W‑30 full synthetic | dexos1 Gen 2+ | ~5.3 qt |
| 2020–2018 | 1.6L LH7 diesel | 5W‑30 synthetic | dexos2 / GM diesel spec | ~5.3 qt |
| 2017–2010 | 2.4L I4 gas | 5W‑30 (synthetic) | GM spec / dexos1 where stated | ~4.5–5.0 qt |
| 2017–2010 | 3.0L / 3.6L V6 gas | 5W‑30 (synthetic) | GM spec / dexos1 | ~6.0 qt (V6) |
*Capacities are typical with the filter; always verify and then adjust using the dipstick and oil‑life monitor.
Finding Chevy Equinox Engine Code/Type
VIN of your vehicle: This will be on the dashboard of the driver’s side, on a sticker on the driver’s door jamb, or on the engine block. The 8th digit represents the engine code, and 4-8 will contain other information about the vehicle, including engine model.
Decode the VIN for free using a search engine to find sites such as the government’s own NHTSA vPIC VIN decoder, stat. Vin, vindecoderz.com, or other Chevrolet VIN decoders by entering the VIN number for complete instant engine code information, year of the car, and other specifications.
Look at the oil filler cap, the emissions label on the hood, under the hood, or the glovebox, and the RPO codes, which are prefixed with the engine-identifying letters (e.g., LYX, LTG, LT1, LT9), for immediate confirmation without using any tools.
SAE viscosity and climate for Equinox
SAE 0W‑20 used on the newer 1.5L turbo Equinox is a low‑viscosity multigrade oil that flows quickly at very low temperatures (the “0W”), while maintaining a 20‑weight viscosity at operating temperatures to improve fuel economy and cold-start performance. SAE 5W‑30 used on many 2.0L turbos, 2.4L, 3.0L and 3.6L engines is slightly thicker at low temperatures, but still suitable for most US and Canadian climates, providing a good balance between protection and efficiency.
SAE J300 defines the test ranges for “0W”, “5W”, “20” and “30”, but the Equinox owner doesn’t have to memorise those numbers—only match the label to the manual. In extreme northern climates (very cold Canadian winters), 0W‑20 or 0W‑30 grades that still carry the correct dexos approval can help with cranking. At the same time, summer towing or hot desert use makes staying within the recommended 5W‑30 or 0W‑20 spec even more important to avoid shear and oxidation.
GM Dexos and API standards
GM’s Dexos1 gasoline specification (now Gen 2 and Gen 3) is stricter than API SN+/SP, including tighter limits on sludge, piston deposits, turbocharger protection, and LSPI (low‑speed pre‑ignition) control in small-turbo engines such as the Equinox’s 1.5L and 2.0L. Oils with Dexos1 licensing must pass specific engine tests. They may display a trademarked logo on the bottle, making them easy to spot on parts‑store shelves in the US and Canada.
API SP or SN+ by itself does not necessarily mean the oil is dexos1 compliant; an Equinox owner should specifically look for “dexos1 Gen 2/Gen 3 approved” on the label. The 1.6L diesel version will use either GM’s dexos2 or another GM diesel specification, and gasoline‑only dexos1 oil would be the wrong type for it, despite the similar naming.
Full Synthetic vs Conventional Oil
Full synthetic oil provides better protection, life, and performance than conventional oil because its molecular structure is engineered rather than naturally occurring. Conventional oil is derived from crude petroleum, which is more prone to oxidation, breakdown, and sludge formation, leading to shorter oil life and more frequent oil changes. Most manufacturers, such as Chevy Equinox, often require the use of full synthetic oil for better fuel efficiency and to maintain warranty standards.
Key Advantages of Full Synthetic Oil
Better Heat Tolerance: Flows more easily at cold starts and remains more stable at high temperatures, helping prevent engine wear in turbocharged engines or under hot weather conditions.
Longer Drain Intervals: Lasts between 7,500-15,000 miles rather than 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil, meaning less frequent oil changes in the long run.
Improved Engine Protection: Has fewer contaminants that can cause friction and fuel loss, and may also help prevent deposits/sludge.
When You Can Get Away With Conventional Oil
Older cars that don’t have high mileage and have simpler engines, where saving money is more important than optimal performance.
Less expensive at the time of purchase, but you will pay more in the long term for oil changes because you have to change it more frequently.
Oil change interval and OLM system
All late‑model Equinox models sold in North America use GM’s Oil Life Monitor (OLM) system, instead of a fixed mileage number. This OLM system uses a proprietary algorithm that monitors engine temperature, engine load, and time in operation to calculate when the oil additive package is expended. Under light, steady highway driving conditions, intervals may reach 7,500–10,000 miles. In contrast, short‑trip city driving, towing, or severe temperatures may cause much shorter intervals.
Recommended oil changes by dealers and many independent shops suggest changing the oil when the OLM gauge shows approximately 15–20% life remaining, and not to let the OLM gauge drop below about 5% life remaining to avoid accelerated wear. For low‑mileage owners who do not accumulate enough mileage for an oil change, a single annual oil change is recommended for time‑based degradation (moisture, fuel dilution, and oxidation) regardless of remaining life on the OLM.
Chevrolet Official Engine Oil Consumption Standards
Accepted Oil Consumption Rate for GM Vehicles Under 8500 GVW – Official Acceptable Consumption: 1 quart (0.946 liters) per 2,000 miles
GM Service Bulletin Guidelines
Normal Driving
If you drive your vehicle under normal conditions, consuming 1 quart every 2,000 miles is normal and acceptable according to GM Official Service Bulletins (SSBs). It is not excessive and is not a defect.
Aggressive Driving or High-Performance
If your vehicle is driven aggressively or under high-performance driving conditions, consuming 1 quart per 500 miles is normal and acceptable according to GM Official Service Bulletins (SSBs). It is not excessive and is in no way a defect. This is because, under more severe operating conditions, the engine is typically under higher stress and at higher temperatures, which can lead to additional oil consumption.
Vehicle Consumes Excessively Over 1 Quart Per 2000 Miles
If your vehicle consumes more than 1 quart per 2,000 miles during normal driving conditions, it could indicate a problem, such as a leak, or that the vehicle needs engine service.
Chevrolet Owner Recommendations
How Often To Check Engine Oil
Chevrolet recommends checking the engine oil every 400 miles. Regular checks of the engine oil will help you avoid running the engine on low oil.
Oil Warning Light
Engine Oil Level Warning – The newest Chevrolet models will show the “Engine Oil Low – Add Oil” warning message when engine oil is low.
Powertrain Warranty
Continued oil level at zero may result in General Motors denying powertrain warranty coverage.
Mini DIY: how to change Equinox oil
The process for a typical DIY oil change for a current Equinox would be: to acquire the proper Dexos-approved oil (viscosity and quantity) and a quality filter, safely elevate the vehicle, and drain all of the old oil into a pan. Once the drain plug and filter are removed, the system is allowed to drain completely, the plug is torqued to specification, and a new filter is installed lightly oiled on the seal (to eliminate leakage).
Fresh oil is added in increments to just below the listed capacity. The engine is briefly run, then shut off and allowed to sit for a few minutes. Afterwards, the dipstick is checked and topped off to the upper mark, taking care not to overfill. The final step is to check for leaks and reset the oil‑life monitor by pressing the steering‑wheel/menu buttons. Hence, the OLM accurately tracks the next interval.
Cost perspective and maintenance positioning
With the price of conventional and full‑synthetic dexos‑approved oil now relatively close in North America, even older Equinox models that are generally not filled with full synthetics due to the dealer’s guide allowing semi‑synthetic are often treated to full synthetics to improve high‑temperature stability and maximise OLM intervals. Oil and filter at retail are usually less than a basic dealership service, so DIY is a good option for owners who are not averse to working under the hood of the Equinox.
However, Equinox owners still benefit from periodic professional inspections, and some prefer dealer- or independent-shop oil changes for the included multi‑point checks and digital service history.
FAQ
Chevy Equinox engines usually require full synthetic oil to GM dexos1 standards. Viscosity depends on the engine and year model (most require SAE 5W-30, except turbocharged and 1.5L engine models, which require 0W-20). Check your owner’s manual for the exact specifications for your model, as failure to follow the recommended oil type and/or viscosity can affect the warranty and vehicle performance. Full synthetic helps protect against cold-temperature damage and wear during the warm-up cycle, as well as heat-related damage and wear. It is suitable for 7,500-10,000 miles.
5W-20 might be ok for newer turbo engines, such as the 1.5L turbo. Still, it’s not the recommended viscosity for most Equinox models, as 5W-30 is required for proper lubrication and good engine performance. 5W-20 is fine for your engine, but it is not recommended for the best long-term performance in the Canadian climate conditions, as it may not hold up as well as 5W-30 under those conditions. This is one reason it’s best to stick with the viscosity specified in your engine manual, as using the wrong viscosity can lead to increased engine wear or poorer fuel economy over the long run. Best to check with a dealer and have them verify based on your VIN.
The 2013 Chevy Equinox, usually 2.4L, requires Dexos-approved 5W-30 full synthetic oil, approximately 5 quarts with filter. Older models like this one recommend 5W-30 for good cold-start flow and high-heat protection. Avoid conventional oil, which can cause sludge buildup in today’s tight-tolerance engines.
Yes, 0W-20 full synthetic can be used in some newer Equinox models, particularly those with the 1.5L turbo engine, for better fuel economy and cold-weather performance. However, it should not be used in older models or larger engines like the 2.0L turbo, which require 5W-30. Check the oil cap or manual to be safe, as using the wrong oil can void the warranty.
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