Quick answer: the 2018–2025 Chevy Equinox 1.5L turbo takes 4.2 qt (4.0 L) with FWD and 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with AWD, with a filter change, of SAE 0W-20 dexos1. The 2.0L turbo (2018–2020) takes 5.0 qt (FWD) or 6.0 qt (AWD) of 5W-30.
| Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Oil type | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L turbo, FWD | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 0W-20 | dexos1 |
| 1.5L turbo, AWD | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | 0W-20 | dexos1 |
| 2.0L turbo, FWD (2018–2020) | 5.0 qt (4.7 L) | 5W-30 | dexos1 |
| 2.0L turbo, AWD (2018–2020) | 6.0 qt (5.7 L) | 5W-30 | dexos1 |
| 1.6L diesel (2018–2020 manuals) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | 5W-30 | dexos2 |
FWD and AWD take different amounts. GM lists separate capacities by drive type: the AWD 1.5L takes about one quart more than the FWD. Check which one you have before buying oil. The redesigned 2025 Equinox keeps the same 1.5L figures.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | 1.5L FWD | 1.5L AWD | 2.0L FWD / AWD | 1.6L diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | 5.0 / 6.0 qt | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) |
| 2019 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | 5.0 / 6.0 qt | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) |
| 2020 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | 5.0 / 6.0 qt | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) |
| 2021 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | — | — |
| 2022 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | — | — |
| 2023 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | — | — |
| 2024 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | — | — |
| 2025 | 4.2 qt (4.0 L) | 5.3 qt (5.0 L) | — | — |
GM lists one capacity per engine, including the oil filter. We checked the capacity table in every model-year manual on this page.
Recommended oil type
1.5L turbo: SAE 0W-20 meeting dexos1 (the 2018 manual names ACDelco or Mobil 1 full synthetic 0W-20, or any 0W-20 meeting dexos1 Gen 2). From 2021 GM asks for full synthetic dexos1 oil.
2.0L turbo: SAE 5W-30; 0W-30 may be used below -20°F (-29°C).
1.6L diesel: SAE 5W-30 meeting dexos2; 0W-40 may be used in extreme cold.
GM requires oils that meet its dexos specification (dexos1 for gasoline engines, dexos2 or dexosD for diesels) and carry the dexos approved logo. ACDelco dexos oil is recommended. Do not add anything to the oil.
How to reset the oil life on the 2018–2025 Chevy Equinox
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
- Display REMAINING OIL LIFE in the Driver Information Center (DIC).
- Press and hold the select button for several seconds while the oil life display is active.
- REMAINING OIL LIFE 100% displays when the reset worked.
These steps are from the 2020 manual. Reset only after an oil change.
Oil change tips
- A 5-quart jug covers the FWD 1.5L; AWD and the 2.0L need a 5-quart jug plus a quart.
- Add a little less than the full capacity, check the dipstick, then top up.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Chevrolet’s owner’s manuals, published on GM’s official manuals site (“Capacities and Specifications” and “Selecting the Right Engine Oil”):
- 2018 Equinox owner’s manual
- 2019 Equinox owner’s manual
- 2020 Equinox owner’s manual
- 2021 Equinox owner’s manual
- 2022 Equinox owner’s manual
- 2023 Equinox owner’s manual
- 2024 Equinox owner’s manual
- 2025 Equinox owner’s manual
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 23, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2018–2025 Equinox 1.5 take?
4.2 qt (4.0 L) with FWD and 5.3 qt (5.0 L) with AWD, with a filter change.
What oil does a 1.5 turbo Equinox use?
SAE 0W-20 meeting dexos1 (full synthetic from 2021).
What oil does the 2.0 turbo Equinox use?
SAE 5W-30 dexos1: 5.0 qt (FWD) or 6.0 qt (AWD).
Why does AWD take more oil?
GM’s capacity table lists a larger figure for AWD models; follow the number for your drive type.
How do I reset the oil life on an Equinox?
Show REMAINING OIL LIFE in the DIC and hold the select button until it shows 100%.
Older Equinox? See the 2014–2017 Chevy Equinox oil type and capacity.