Chevrolet Equinox

Importing a used Chevrolet Equinox from the USA

The Equinox is Chevrolet's compact crossover SUV and one of the brand's highest-volume models in North America. It sits below the Blazer and Traverse, competing with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and it appeals to import buyers who want a practical, family-sized American SUV with a familiar, manageable footprint rather than a full-size truck. USCar Trader is an independent broker for used US vehicles: we locate and vet a specific Equinox to your requirements. Because it sells in such numbers, the US used market offers plenty of choice in trim, drivetrain and condition. Here is what the Equinox actually is and how importing one works.

Model history: years and generations

The first-generation Equinox (2005–2009) was a mid-size crossover built on GM's Theta platform, followed by a larger second generation (2010–2017) that became a big seller with a 2.4-litre four and an optional 3.6-litre V6. The third generation (2018–2024) moved to a smaller, lighter footprint and a fully turbocharged four-cylinder line-up, with a mid-cycle refresh in 2021. A new-generation Equinox arrived for 2025 with fresh styling and technology, and there is now a separate battery-electric Equinox EV. For a used import, the 2018–2024 turbo cars are the mainstream choice, with the roomier 2010–2017 models still plentiful.

Engines, transmissions and drive

Third-generation Equinox models use the 1.5-litre turbocharged four (around 170 hp) as the volume engine, with a 2.0-litre turbo (around 252 hp) offered earlier in the run and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel available on some 2018–2019 US cars. The second generation ran the 2.4-litre Ecotec four and the 3.6-litre LFX V6 (around 301 hp), the latter giving genuinely strong performance and towing. Transmissions are six-speed automatics on earlier cars and a six- or nine-speed on the third generation. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional and worth seeking for German winters.

Equipment lines and body styles

The Equinox is a five-seat, five-door crossover. US trims typically run L, LS, LT, the sporty RS and the top Premier, with option packages adding leather, sunroof, heated seats and driver assistance. An LT or Premier with AWD is the configuration most European buyers prefer for equipment and traction.

The US used market

The Equinox is everywhere on the American used market. Lease returns and rental fleet cars appear at two to five years old with moderate mileage, and dry southern and western states offer the cleanest bodies and interiors. Rental-history cars can be cost-effective but deserve a careful history check. The profile to target is a clean-title LT or Premier with full service records and, ideally, AWD.

Is an import right for you?

An Equinox suits a buyer who wants an American SUV that fits normal European roads and parking, seats a family and is cheap to run compared with a V8 truck. It is not a performance vehicle in turbo-four form, but it is comfortable, spacious and easy to live with. Importing a used Equinox from the USA makes sense when you want US specification and value in a right-sized package.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

The Equinox is broadly dependable, with a few known weak points. The second-generation 2.4-litre Ecotec engine is notorious for excessive oil consumption, often traced to piston-ring and PCV issues; a car of that era needs oil-level and consumption history checked carefully. The 1.5-litre turbo has drawn some complaints about carbon build-up and, in a subset of cars, coolant or head-gasket concerns, so service history matters. Timing chains on some GM fours can stretch if oil changes were neglected. Otherwise, watch for infotainment glitches, HVAC actuator noise and normal suspension wear. None of this is unusual for the class, and parts availability in Europe through GM channels is reasonable.

Differences from the European version

US Equinox models use amber or red rear indicators, frequently lack a rear fog lamp, and read in miles per hour. Some driver-assistance features and infotainment functions are set up for the US market. These are ordinary import points that a specialist resolves for German approval.

Import step by step

Select a specific car and agree terms; verify the VIN, plant of build and a Carfax or AutoCheck report; place funds in escrow; arrange ocean freight (container or RoRo); clear EU customs on arrival; complete the TÜV inspection and, where required, individual approval (Einzelabnahme) with lighting and documentation changes; then register. We coordinate each stage as your intermediary.

Customs and taxes: what applies

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

Import duty depends on provable origin. Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461, in force since 1 July 2026 for direct transport until 31 December 2029, allow 0% EU import duty for genuinely US-built vehicles. This point matters especially for the Equinox: many are assembled in Canada or Mexico rather than the United States, so the VIN and plant code must be checked before anyone discusses 0% — we never assume it. The 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies, calculated on customs value plus freight, and is shown separately. We take no margin on the vehicle.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical work includes adding a rear fog lamp, adapting rear lighting where amber indicators are needed, confirming the speedometer, and documenting emissions data. Once complete, the car goes through TÜV and any individual approval before registration.

What to verify before buying

Decode the VIN to confirm the assembly plant; obtain a full Carfax or AutoCheck for accidents, title and odometer; on 2.4-litre cars, verify oil-consumption history closely; review service records for timing-chain and turbo care; confirm a clean title rather than salvage; check AWD system operation; and cross-check photographed mileage against interior wear.

Common questions

Will my Equinox qualify for 0% duty?

Only if the VIN proves US assembly and transport is direct under current EU rules. Many Equinox models are built in Canada or Mexico, so we check first.

Does the 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes. The Einfuhrumsatzsteuer is due on every import, separate from any customs duty.

Which engine should I look for?

The 1.5 turbo is efficient for daily use; the 3.6 V6 (older cars) is stronger; avoid neglected 2.4-litre engines with heavy oil use.

Is the oil-consumption problem serious?

On the 2.4-litre it can be, if maintenance was poor. Check documented consumption and top-up history.

Should I insist on AWD?

For German winters, AWD adds traction and resale appeal, though FWD cars are lighter and cheaper.

How is it shipped?

Container for maximum protection, or RoRo for a lower-cost option.

Will it pass TÜV?

Yes, after standard lighting and documentation adjustments handled before the appointment.

See the full range in the Chevrolet in the Carhub, compare the larger Traverse and the electric Equinox EV, or browse current Equinox listings.