2018–2024 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Capacity & Fluid Specs
Quick answer
Equinox oil capacity depends on engine AND drivetrain, per GM's manuals: the 1.5L Turbo takes 4.2 quarts (FWD) or 5.3 quarts (AWD) of 0W-20 dexos1; the 2.0L Turbo takes 5.0 (FWD) or 6.0 quarts (AWD) of 5W-30; the 1.6L diesel takes 4.7 quarts of dexos2 5W-30.
Specs verified against GM's own owner's manuals (2018, 2021 and 2023 editions). Two traps the manuals settle: AWD versions hold roughly a quart MORE oil than FWD (a 4.2-quart default under-fills an AWD 1.5T), and GM cut the wheel-nut torque spec from 140 to 100 lb-ft for 2021+. Compiled from GM owner's manuals for the third-generation (2018–2024) Equinox. The 1.5 Turbo dominates this generation and has one ownership rule above all: watch the oil level between changes — these engines are known consumers (details below), and a turbo run low on oil writes big checks. Use only dexos-licensed oil to keep warranty conversations simple.
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1.5L Turbo (LYX/LSD)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil — with filter | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) FWD · 5.3 qt (5.0 L) AWD — the manual splits by drivetrain |
| Oil viscosity | 0W-20 dexos1 (the 2018 manual already specs 0W-20 for the LYX 1.5T) |
| Oil filter | ACDelco PF64 (cartridge on some years — verify) |
| Automatic, 6-speed (6T45/GF6) — drain & refill | ≈4.5 qt (4.3 L) — Dexron VI |
| Coolant (engine) | 7.0 qt (6.6 L) — DEX-COOL |
| Rear drive unit (AWD) | 0.85 qt (2018) · 0.53 qt (2021+) per the manuals — GM spec axle fluid (75W-90 syn) |
2.0L Turbo (LTG, 2018–2020)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil — with filter | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) FWD · 6.0 qt (5.7 L) AWD |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 dexos1 |
| Oil filter | ACDelco PF64 |
| Automatic, 9-speed (9T50) — drain & refill | ≈5.0 qt (4.7 L) — Dexron VI |
| Coolant (engine) | 8.2 qt (7.8 L) — DEX-COOL |
1.6L Turbo-Diesel (LH7, 2018–2019)
| Specification | Capacity / type |
|---|---|
| Engine oil — with filter | 4.7 qt (4.5 L) |
| Oil viscosity | 5W-30 dexos2 |
| Oil filter | ACDelco cartridge (verify) |
| Coolant (engine) | 7.9 qt (7.5 L) — DEX-COOL |
Oil drain plug torque: ≈18 lb-ft (24 N·m) — verify per year
Capacities compiled from the owner’s manual. Always confirm with your own manual before servicing.
Quick reference
| Battery group size | 47 (H5) — verify per build |
| Wiper blades (driver / passenger / rear) | 24" / 18" / 11" |
| Common factory tire sizes | 225/65R17 · 235/50R19 (per trim) |
| Lug nut torque | 140 lb-ft (2018–2020) · 100 lb-ft (2021+) — GM reduced the spec; use your year |
| Spark plugs / gap | ACDelco iridium · gap 0.028" (1.5T — verify) |
Maintenance schedule highlights
| Item | Interval |
|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | Per oil-life monitor, max 7,500 mi / 1 yr |
| Tire rotation | Every 7,500 mi |
| Engine air filter | Every 45,000 mi |
| Spark plugs | Every 60,000 mi (1.5T — turbo plugs work hard) |
| Transmission fluid | 45,000 mi severe service |
| Coolant (Dex-Cool) | 150,000 mi / 5 yr |
Exact products for this vehicle
- 5W-30 full synthetic dexos1, 5-qt ↗
- ACDelco PF64 oil filter ↗
- Drain plug washer (per year) ↗
- 15mm socket / drain tool ↗
- Funnel + 6-qt drain pan ↗
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DIY oil change — quick steps
-
1 Set up
Warm engine, level ground; the Equinox usually clears without ramps.
-
2 Drain
15mm plug; check the washer and replace as needed. Let it finish — small sump, every half-quart matters.
-
3 Filter and refill
PF64 filter, gasket oiled, hand-tight + 3/4. Refill 4.2 quarts (1.5T) or 5.0 (2.0T); verify on the dipstick after settling.
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4 Verify and reset
Run, leak-check, recheck level. Reset the Oil Life System through the driver information center (Info → Oil Life → hold reset) or the throttle-3x ritual on supported years.
Common problems on this vehicle
1.5T oil consumption
The defining complaint: piston/ring issues led GM to TSBs and, on many engines, ring replacement under warranty. Symptoms: quart-per-1,500-miles habits with no leaks or smoke. Document consumption with dated dipstick photos — that record is what wins goodwill repairs.
Related code: P0300
Turbo PCV-related lean codes
A failed check valve / PCV path on these turbos sets P0171 and rough running; on the 1.5T the intake manifold incorporates the valve. A lean code plus whistle is this pattern.
Related code: P0171
9T50 shift quality (2.0T)
Early 9-speeds gathered clunk/flare complaints; software updates and fluid services resolve most. Insist on current calibration before any hardware conversation.
Codes this vehicle is known for
Recall results below are shown for 2024 models — check your exact year with the free VIN tool.
Open recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Service bulletins (TSBs)
Manufacturer communications and technical service bulletins for this vehicle are available on NHTSA’s site:
View TSBs on NHTSA.gov ↗Frequently asked questions
- How much oil does an Equinox 1.5T take?
- FWD: 4.2 quarts. AWD: 5.3 quarts — GM's manual splits the 1.5T by drivetrain, with 0W-20 dexos1 for all years. The 2.0L Turbo takes 5.0 (FWD) or 6.0 (AWD) quarts of 5W-30.
- Why is my Equinox burning oil?
- The 1.5T's known ring issue. Check the level every fuel fill-up, keep dated records, and ask the dealer about the consumption TSB — many engines received new rings under warranty when documented.
- What transmission fluid does it take?
- Dexron VI for both the 6-speed and 9-speed. A drain-and-refill runs 4.5–5 quarts depending on the unit.
- Is the 2.0T's premium fuel required?
- Recommended for full power, not required — it runs fine on regular with reduced output. The 1.5T is happy on regular.
- What's the lug nut torque?
- 2018–2020: 140 lb-ft. 2021+: 100 lb-ft — GM reduced the spec, so check your year's manual. Recheck after 100 miles whenever wheels come off.