2017 Chevrolet Equinox Transmission & Axle Gear Ratios

Understanding the powertrain configuration of your 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is vital for maximizing its performance, whether you are daily driving, planning a road trip, or tackling light towing duties. The 2017 Equinox was offered with two engine options—a standard 2.4L Ecotec 4-cylinder and an optional 3.6L V6—each paired to specific 6-speed automatic transmissions and final drive ratios designed to balance fuel economy and power delivery.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the transmission gear ratios, final drive/axle ratios, and driveline specifications for the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox.

Transmission gear ratios

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox utilizes two different six-speed automatic transmissions depending on the engine. The 2.4L 4-cylinder engine is mated to the GM 6T45 transmission, while the more powerful 3.6L V6 engine utilizes the heavy-duty GM 6T70 transmission.

Below are the internal gear ratios for each transmission option.

6T45 6-Speed Automatic (Standard with 2.4L I-4)

6T70 6-Speed Automatic (Standard with 3.6L V-6)

Available axle ratios

Because the Equinox is a crossover SUV with a transverse engine layout, it uses a transaxle rather than a traditional separate rear axle. The "axle ratio" is referred to as the final drive ratio. Depending on your engine and whether your Equinox is Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD), the factory final drive ratio varies.

How to identify your axle ratio

If you are unsure which engine and final drive combination your 2017 Equinox was built with, there are a few easy ways to confirm it:

1. Check the Door-Jamb RPO Sticker: General Motors vehicles use Regular Production Option (RPO) codes to identify exactly how a vehicle was configured at the factory. Open your glove box or check the driver's side door jamb for a silver sticker filled with three-digit alphanumeric codes. Look for final drive RPO codes (such as FX3 or GW5) to identify your ratio.
2. VIN Decoder: The simplest way to determine your powertrain setup is to run your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through a free online VIN decoder or call a local Chevrolet dealership's parts department. Your VIN contains the exact specifications of your engine (2.4L vs 3.6L), which dictates your factory final drive ratio.
3. Underhood Emissions Sticker: Sometimes, the emissions sticker under the hood will clearly state the engine size, immediately letting you know which transmission and final drive ratio your Equinox has based on the factory powertrain pairs.

Towing vs MPG impact

The relationship between your final drive ratio, fuel economy, and towing capacity is an important factor to consider.

Numerically Lower Ratios (e.g., 3.39): A numerically lower gear ratio is often referred to as a "taller" gear. In the Equinox V6, this taller 3.39 ratio allows the engine to run at lower RPMs at highway speeds. This reduces engine wear and improves highway fuel economy (MPG). However, because the V6 produces significantly more horsepower and torque (301 hp and 272 lb-ft), it can easily pull this taller gear while still achieving a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs.

Numerically Higher Ratios (e.g., 3.53): A numerically higher gear ratio is a "shorter" gear. The 2.4L 4-cylinder Equinox uses the 3.53 ratio to provide better mechanical torque multiplication off the line. This helps the smaller engine accelerate the heavy crossover up to speed without straining. The trade-off is slightly higher engine RPMs on the highway, and due to the engine's lower power output, towing is limited to just 1,500 lbs.

Common issues

While the 2017 Chevy Equinox drivetrain is generally reliable, as these vehicles age and accumulate mileage, a few common transaxle and driveline issues can arise:

• Transfer Case Fluid Degradation (AWD Models): The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on All-Wheel Drive models holds a very small amount of gear oil. Because it sits close to the hot exhaust, the fluid can degrade quickly. If ignored, this can lead to bearing failure or gear whine. Regular fluid changes are highly recommended.
• Torque Converter Shudder: Some drivers report a shudder or vibration during light acceleration, particularly in the 6T45 transmission. This can sometimes be resolved with a complete transmission fluid flush, but in severe cases, the torque converter may need replacement.
• Carrier Bearing Noise: The driveshaft on AWD models features a center support bearing. Over time, the rubber insulator can degrade, or the bearing can fail, leading to a noticeable thumping or whining noise from beneath the center console.

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