2020 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Capacity & Filter

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox takes between 4.2 and 5.3 quarts of oil, depending on the engine.

Quick answer

Here’s a quick reference for the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox:

• 2.0L Turbo I4 (LTG) Engine:

  • Oil Capacity: 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters)
  • Recommended Oil Weight: SAE 5W-30
  • Oil Type Specification: Dexos1 Gen2 or Dexos1 Gen3
  • OEM Oil Filter Part Number: 12706595
  • Aftermarket Oil Filter Cross-References:
    • Fram: CH12630
    • Wix: WL10077
    • Mobil 1: M1C-251

• 1.5L Turbo I4 (LFV) Engine:

  • Oil Capacity: 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters)
  • Recommended Oil Weight: SAE 5W-30
  • Oil Type Specification: Dexos1 Gen2 or Dexos1 Gen3
  • OEM Oil Filter Part Number: 12678991
  • Aftermarket Oil Filter Cross-References:
    • Fram: CH11623
    • Wix: WL10059
    • Mobil 1: M1C-258A

Capacity by engine option

The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox was offered with two different engine options, each with a different oil capacity:

Oil change interval

Chevrolet recommends following the Oil Life Monitoring (OLM) system for oil change intervals. This system takes into account various factors like driving style, temperature, and mileage to determine the optimal time for an oil change. As a general guideline:

• Normal Duty: Typically, the OLM will recommend an oil change between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently drive in harsh conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, heavy city traffic, towing, dusty roads), the OLM may recommend an oil change as early as 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Always check your vehicle's dashboard for the oil life percentage and consider a change when it drops below 20%, or as soon as the "Change Engine Oil Soon" message appears.

Drain plug torque

For both the 1.5L and 2.0L engines in the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox, the oil drain plug torque specification is 18 lb-ft (25 Nm). It is highly recommended to replace the drain plug crush washer with a new one every time you change the oil to ensure a proper seal and prevent leaks. The crush washer helps to create a tight seal when the drain plug is tightened.

How to change the oil

1. Gather your supplies: Get the correct amount and type of oil, a new oil filter, a new crush washer, a drain pan, a wrench for the drain plug, an oil filter wrench, and gloves.
2. Warm up the engine: Drive the vehicle for a few minutes to get the oil warm, which helps it drain more easily.
3. Lift and secure: Safely lift the front of the vehicle using a jack and support it with jack stands.
4. Locate drain plug: Place the drain pan underneath the oil pan and locate the drain plug.
5. Drain oil: Carefully remove the drain plug and allow all the old oil to drain completely. Inspect the old crush washer.
6. Replace drain plug: Install a new crush washer on the drain plug and reinstall it, tightening to 18 lb-ft (25 Nm).
7. Remove old filter: Locate the oil filter, place the drain pan underneath it, and remove the old filter using an oil filter wrench. Be prepared for some oil to spill.
8. Install new filter: Apply a thin coat of new oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter. Screw on the new oil filter by hand until snug, then tighten an additional 3/4 to 1 full turn (or follow filter manufacturer instructions).
9. Add new oil: Lower the vehicle. Remove the oil filler cap and carefully add the specified amount of new oil.
10. Check level: Reinsert the dipstick, pull it out, and check the oil level. Add more if necessary. Start the engine and let it run for a minute, then check for leaks. Turn off the engine, wait a few minutes, and recheck the oil level, adding more if needed.
11. Reset oil life monitor: Consult your owner's manual for instructions on how to reset the oil life monitor.

Common issues / tips

• Turbocharged Engines and Oil: Both engines in the 2020 Equinox are turbocharged, which places higher demands on engine oil. Using the correct Dexos1 Gen2 or Gen3 specified oil is critical to prevent premature turbo wear and carbon buildup. These oils are formulated to resist breakdown under high heat.
• LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition): The specified Dexos1 Gen2 and Gen3 oils are designed to help prevent LSPI, a phenomenon that can occur in small displacement, turbocharged engines and cause significant engine damage. Always use an oil that meets these specifications.
• Oil Consumption: Some owners of turbocharged engines, including those in the Equinox, may report minor oil consumption between oil changes. Regularly checking your oil level, especially between scheduled maintenance, is a good practice to ensure it remains at the proper level.
• Oil Filter Housing on 1.5L: The 2020 Equinox with the 1.5L engine uses a cartridge-style oil filter, which is housed in a plastic cap. Be careful not to overtighten the cap, as it can crack, leading to oil leaks.

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