How much oil does an Equinox 1.5T take?

4.2 quarts with a filter change. Viscosity: match your oil filler cap/manual — GM listed 5W-30 dexos1 (some years 0W-20). The dexos license matters more than the brand.

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?

140 lb-ft — higher than most crossovers, don't guess it.

2018–2024 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Capacity & Fluid Specs

Quick answer

The Equinox 1.5L Turbo takes 4.2 quarts of dexos1 synthetic with a filter change (5W-30 — match your oil cap, some years list 0W-20); the 2.0L Turbo takes 5.0 quarts of 5W-30; the 1.6L diesel takes 5.3 quarts of dexos2 5W-30.

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.

1.5L Turbo (LYX/LSD)

Specification	Capacity / type
Engine oil — with filter	4.2 qt (4.0 L)
Oil viscosity	5W-30 dexos1 (0W-20 on some years — match your oil cap)
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)	≈7.4 qt (7.0 L) — Dex-Cool
Rear drive unit (AWD)	≈0.9 qt (0.85 L) — 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)
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)	≈8.0 qt (7.6 L) — Dex-Cool

1.6L Turbo-Diesel (LH7, 2018–2019)

Specification	Capacity / type
Engine oil — with filter	5.3 qt (5.0 L)
Oil viscosity	5W-30 dexos2
Oil filter	ACDelco cartridge (verify)
Coolant (engine)	≈7.7 qt (7.3 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 (190 N·m)
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

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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.
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?: 4.2 quarts with a filter change. Viscosity: match your oil filler cap/manual — GM listed 5W-30 dexos1 (some years 0W-20). The dexos license matters more than the brand.
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?: 140 lb-ft — higher than most crossovers, don't guess it.