2020 Chevrolet Equinox Tire Size, Pressure & Wheel Specs

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly field questions from crossover owners about tire replacement, pressure, and maintenance. The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is a staple in the compact SUV market, known for its comfortable ride and practical utility. To keep your Equinox performing safely and efficiently, using the correct tire specifications is absolutely crucial.

Here is your comprehensive guide to the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox tire sizes, pressures, and wheel specifications.

Quick Answer: 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Tire Specs

Always verify these details against your driver’s side door jamb placard, but here are the standard factory specifications for the 2020 Equinox:

• OEM Tire Size: 225/65R17, 225/60R18, or 235/50R19 (depending on trim)
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure: 35 PSI (Front & Rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x115
• Wheel Size: 17x7.0", 18x7.5", or 19x7.5"
• Wheel Offset: 41mm to 45mm
• Load Index & Speed Rating: 102H (for 17"), 100H (for 18"), or 99H (for 19")
• Spare Tire Size: T135/70R16 (Compact Spare)
• TPMS Sensor Frequency: 433 MHz

Tire Sizes by Trim

Chevrolet offered a few different wheel and tire combinations depending on the trim level and optional packages selected for the 2020 model year.

Trim Level	Standard Tire Size	Standard Wheel Size	Alternate / Optional Size
L / LS	225/65R17	17x7.0"	N/A
LT	225/65R17	17x7.0"	225/60R18 (Optional)
Premier	225/60R18	18x7.5"	235/50R19 (Optional)

Recommended Replacement Tires

When it’s time to replace the tires on your Equinox, you want a tire that complements its quiet ride while offering confident all-season traction. Here are a few top-tier recommendations I routinely install and trust:

• Premium Tier: Michelin Defender2
  • Why: Offers incredible tread life, outstanding wet braking, and a very quiet highway ride. It's the gold standard for daily-driven family SUVs.
• Mid-Range Tier: Continental CrossContact LX25
  • Why: Excellent all-season performance with EcoPlus Technology to help maintain fuel efficiency. It provides great feedback and comfort at a slightly lower price than the Michelin.
• Budget Tier: Cooper Endeavor Plus
  • Why: A solid, dependable tire that won’t break the bank. It provides safe, predictable handling and good treadwear for budget-conscious drivers.

When to Inflate to Max Load PSI

Note: The max load PSI section generally applies to Heavy Duty (HD) trucks used for towing heavy fifth wheels or hauling payload.

Since the 2020 Equinox is a compact crossover, you do not need to inflate your tires to the maximum pressure listed on the tire's sidewall (which is often 44 or 51 PSI). Doing so will cause a harsh ride, premature center tread wear, and potentially compromised braking. Stick strictly to the 35 PSI listed on the door placard for everyday driving, even when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

Lug Nut Torque & Pattern

Whenever you remove a wheel for tire rotation, brake work, or fixing a flat, proper reinstallation is a major safety factor.

• Bolt Pattern: 5x115
• Lug Nut Torque: 100 lb-ft (140 Nm)
• Thread Size: M12 x 1.5

Pro Tip: Always use a calibrated torque wrench and tighten the lug nuts in a "star" or crisscross pattern to ensure the wheel is seated perfectly flush against the hub. Re-check the torque after 50-100 miles of driving.

Common Tire Issues for this Vehicle

While the 2020 Equinox is generally very reliable, there are a few tire-related quirks to watch out for:

1. TPMS Sensor Battery Life: By the 5-to-6 year mark, the internal batteries in the 433 MHz TPMS sensors begin to die. If you are replacing your tires around this time, it is highly recommended to replace the TPMS sensors proactively to avoid a secondary mounting and balancing fee down the road.
2. Cupping from Worn Shocks: While not unique to the Equinox, neglecting tire rotations every 5,000 to 7,500 miles can lead to inner edge wear and tire cupping, especially if the rear shocks start to wear out. You'll hear this as a rhythmic "wub-wub" noise at highway speeds.
3. Alignment Sensitivity: The Equinox can be somewhat sensitive to alignment being knocked out of spec by large potholes, resulting in the steering wheel pulling slightly to the right. Have your alignment checked annually.

Proper tire maintenance keeps your Chevy Equinox safe and maximizes its fuel economy. Keep that pressure at 35 PSI, rotate regularly, and you'll get miles of trouble-free driving.

Need new tires? Find a trusted shop on Repairius.