2019 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Capacity, Filter, & Specs

The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox takes between 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) and 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) of oil depending on your specific engine option. As one of Chevy's most popular compact SUVs, the third-generation Equinox was offered with three different turbocharged engines for the 2019 model year: a 1.5L gas, a 2.0L gas, and a 1.6L turbo-diesel. Getting the right fluid capacity, viscosity, and specification is critical to keeping the turbocharger and engine internals healthy.

Below is your comprehensive master-tech guide to servicing the oil on your 2019 Chevy Equinox.

Quick answer

For the most common engine, the 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, here are the essential specs you need before heading to the parts store:

• Oil Capacity: 4.2 quarts (4.0 L) with filter change.
• Recommended Weight / Viscosity: 0W-20 (for the 1.5L engine).
• Oil Specification: General Motors dexos1 Gen 3 (API SP). Using dexos-approved oil is required to maintain your warranty and prevent Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI).
• OEM Oil Filter: ACDelco PF64 (Gas engines)
• Popular Aftermarket Filters:
  • Fram Extra Guard PH10575 / XG10575
  • Mobil 1 M1-113A
  • Wix 57060 / 57060XP

(Note: If you have the 2.0L gas or 1.6L diesel, refer to the table below for your specific capacities and weights).

Capacity by engine option

The 2019 Equinox has three distinct engine options, each with its own specific oil requirements.

Oil change interval

Your Equinox is equipped with GM’s Oil Life System (OLS), which calculates oil degradation based on driving conditions. However, as an ASE-certified technician, I highly recommend using the following mileage guidelines to protect your turbocharger:

• Normal Driving Duty: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, or when the Oil Life Monitor indicates.
• Severe Driving Duty: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Severe duty includes frequent short trips under 5 miles, heavy stop-and-go traffic, extreme cold or hot weather, and driving in dusty conditions.

Never exceed 10,000 miles or one year between oil changes, regardless of what the dashboard monitor says.

Drain plug torque

• Torque Spec: 18 lb-ft (25 Nm) for the 1.5L and 2.0L gas engines.
• Crush Washer Note: The drain plug is equipped with a rubber or soft metal sealing washer. Inspect the seal every time you remove the plug. If it is flattened, cracked, or missing, replace the drain plug or the gasket (if available separately) to prevent annoying driveway drips.

How to change the oil

Changing the oil on a 2019 Equinox is very straightforward for a home DIYer.

1. Prepare the vehicle: Warm up the engine for a few minutes, then park on a level surface. Set the parking brake and safely raise and support the front of the vehicle using jack stands or ramps.
2. Drain the oil: Locate the 15mm drain plug on the bottom of the oil pan. Place your catch pan underneath and remove the plug. Let the oil drain completely.
3. Replace the filter: While the oil drains, locate the oil filter. On the gas engines, it is easily accessible underneath the vehicle near the oil pan. Use a filter wrench to remove it. Lubricate the new filter's rubber O-ring with fresh oil and spin it on hand-tight (usually 3/4 to 1 full turn after the gasket makes contact).
4. Reinstall drain plug: Clean the drain plug, check the seal, and thread it back into the pan. Torque it to 18 lb-ft.
5. Refill: Lower the vehicle. Remove the oil filler cap under the hood and add the specified amount of oil (e.g., 4.2 quarts of 0W-20 for the 1.5L).
6. Verify and Reset: Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds. Check underneath for leaks. Turn off the engine, wait 3 minutes, and check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct. Finally, navigate your dashboard menu to reset the Oil Life Monitor to 100%.

Common issues / tips

• Turbocharger Oil Feed Lines: Both the 1.5L and 2.0L engines are turbocharged. The turbo relies on clean engine oil to cool and lubricate its bearings. Stretching oil change intervals can lead to sludge buildup in the narrow oil feed lines, starving the turbo of oil and causing premature failure.
• Always use dexos1 Gen 3 (or API SP): Modern small-displacement turbocharged direct-injection (TGDI) engines are prone to Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), which can crack pistons. The newest dexos1 Gen 3 and API SP oil specifications have specific additive packages designed to prevent LSPI.
• Oil Consumption: While not as notorious as the previous generation's 2.4L engine, the 1.5L can still consume a small amount of oil between changes. Check your dipstick every 1,000 miles to ensure you never run low.

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