2021 Nightfall Grey Chevy Equinox – Full Guide & Review

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2021 Nightfall Grey Chevy Equinox

2021 Nightfall Grey Chevy Equinox: The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox Nightfall Gray Metallic is a striking variant of Chevy’s popular compact SUV. With its stylish exterior finish, solid performance, and a host of features, it’s become a desirable choice for many buyers. Below are six in-depth sections (H2s) that explore everything you need to know: from specs and styling to practicality, safety, and value.


Design & Exterior Styling in Nightfall Gray

One of the most eye-catching aspects of this model is its Nightfall Gray Metallic paint. It’s a dark, sleek shade that adds a premium, almost stealthy look to the Equinox. Chevrolet offered Nightfall Gray as one of the available exterior color options in 2021.

Exterior Features

  • Depending on the trim, the 2021 Equinox comes with 17- to 19-inch alloy wheels. In the LT trim (which often uses Nightfall Gray), 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard.
  • Bright lower window trim, body-color mirror caps, and deep-tinted rear glass contribute to the upscale appearance. These features pair well with the Nightfall Gray paint, giving a cohesive, modern SUV look
  • Lighting: standard automatic headlamps, optional HID or LED enhancements in higher trims. Fog lights are available in LT trim or as part of optional packages.

The Nightfall Gray color, with its metallic finish, hides dirt and light scratches better than lighter colors, making it a practical choice for those wanting both style and low maintenance.


Engine Performance, Fuel Economy & Drive Options

The powertrain and efficiency are key for any compact SUV, and the 2021 Equinox delivers a balanced package.

Under the hood, the standard engine across trims is a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4, producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Transmission: a 6-speed automatic with overdrive, designed to balance smooth operation and fuel economy.

Fuel Efficiency

On front-wheel drive (FWD) models, the Equinox delivers ≈ 26 MPG city / 31 MPG highway, for a combined rating of about 28 MPG.  All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional on many trims (except perhaps the base), and fuel economy drops slightly with AWD engaged.

Towing & Payload

  • The 2021 Equinox has a maximum towing capacity of roughly 1,500 lbs, adequate for light loads like small trailers, boats, or equipment.
  • Payload capacities vary by trim and equipment, but expect somewhere in the vicinity of ≈1,100-1,200 lbs for front-wheel drive versions.

Interior, Comfort & Space

If you spend time inside your car—commuting, errands, road trips—the interior matters. The Equinox delivers decent comfort, although not luxurious in base trims.

Seating & Cabin

Seating for five people. Roomy front seats with good legroom (≈ 40.9 in) and headroom (≈ 40 in front, 38.5 in rear). Rear legroom is generous at about 39.9 in. Upholstery depends on trim: cloth in lower trims, leather or leatherette options in higher trims. Heated seats may be included via packages (or standard on higher trims). The Nightfall Gray exterior often comes with Jet Black cloth interior on LT base trims.

Cargo & Practicality

Behind the rear seats, you get about 29.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down the rear-seats (60/40 split) and you expand to a maximum of ≈63.9 cubic feet. Interior storage: decent number of cup holders, center console storage, door pockets. Infotainment and climate-control features are generally user-friendly.

Infotainment & Tech

Standard is Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3 system, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Optional 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims, and additional USB ports, and sometimes a 120-volt household-style outlet. Other convenience features in LT with packages: remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats.


Safety, Driver Assistance & Reliability

Safety is a big concern for any SUV. The 2021 Equinox has a strong set of features and generally reasonable ratings.

Safety Features

  • Standard blind-spot warning, lane departure warning / lane keep assist in many trims (especially from LT up).
  • Rear-cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, rear view camera. Some trims include packages for extra driver assist features.

Crash Ratings & Build

While I didn’t find specific crash test numbers in the sources I reviewed (for this color/trim specifically), the Equinox as a model typically performs well in crash safety, with standard airbags, stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes. Features like automatic high beam control, intelli-beam headlamps, and heated power mirrors with good lighting support help visibility in low-light conditions.

Reliability & Ownership Costs

Maintenance is fairly standard for a compact crossover. Fuel, routine maintenance, and parts aren’t excessively expensive. Fuel efficiency helps keep running costs down, especially in city/highway mix. But if you choose AWD, or higher trim, expect somewhat higher maintenance (tires, brakes etc.). Because the 2021 model had no major redesign from 2020, many parts are shared, which helps with replacement availability and cost.


Trim Levels, Options & Pricing

Nightfall Gray is available across multiple trim levels for 2021 Equinox. Let’s look at how trim affects features and pricing.

Trim Tiers

  • L / LS: Base trims with essential features. LS adds more comfort/appearance options.
  • LT: Mid-level, best blend of features and value. Often where desirable packages (comfort, convenience, driver assistance) become available. Nightfall Gray on LT will include many standard plus optional features.
  • Premier: Top trim — upgraded materials, more tech, advanced safety features, sometimes luxury touches like leather upholstery, hands-free liftgate.

Pricing

  • For 2021, MSRP for the Equinox across trims ranges roughly from $23,800 (base L) to $31,400 (Premier), before options.
  • Used prices vary depending on mileage, local demand, condition. For example, a used Nightfall Gray LT FWD with premium cloth and around 60,000-plus miles may list in the mid to high $17,000s to low $20,000s depending on market.
  • Confidence & Convenience Package (e.g. power liftgate, remote start, heated seats, dual-zone climate) is common in LT trims.
  • Driver Confidence II Package adds safety driver-assist features like blind-spot alert, rear-cross traffic.
  • Appearance/Lighting packages, upgraded wheels, LED / Xenon lighting are also common upgrades.

Pros, Cons & Who It’s Best Suited For

No car is perfect. Here’s a balanced view of what makes the Nightfall Gray 2021 Equinox great — and where it might fall short.

Strengths

  • Stylish appearance: Nightfall Gray Metallic gives a premium, modern look. With the right trim, the Equinox can appear upscale.
  • Fuel efficiency: For its class, it delivers solid MPG, especially with FWD. Great for commuting or mixed driving.
  • Good cargo space: Almost 30 cu.ft behind the rear seats, and nearly 64 cu.ft with rear folded, makes it practical for families, road trips, shopping.
  • Feature-rich: Even mid-trim LT offers a strong suite (infotainment, driver assist, comfort). Optional packages add more luxury / safety.
  • Reasonable cost of ownership: Parts and maintenance seem manageable; resale value is decent for a popular model.

Weaknesses

  • Power is modest: The 1.5-L turbo isn’t a powerhouse. With occupants + cargo, or towing/steeper inclines, it may feel underpowered. Car and Driver notes the engine is “sluggish” under load.
  • Ride & handling compromises: Higher trims with larger wheels (19-inch) may deliver harsher ride over rough roads. The base ride is okay but not class-leading.
  • Interior materials in base trims: Hard plastics and less upscale finishes are more visible in LS/L trims. If you want more premium interior, need to pay extra.
  • Infotainment screen tilt / ergonomics: Some reviewers noted the screen tilt/position isn’t perfect; glare or angle can reduce visibility.

Who It’s For

  • Ideal for: Urban/suburban drivers wanting a reliable, efficient, stylish crossover; small families; folks who value tech & safety features; those who want a versatile vehicle for daily life and occasional road trips.
  • Less ideal for: Drivers wanting strong acceleration, towing heavy loads; those expecting luxury in base trims; or seeking off-road capability (Equinox isn’t designed for serious off-road).

Is the 2021 Nightfall Gray Equinox a Good Buy Today?

Putting it all together, here’s a verdict on whether buying a 2021 Equinox in Nightfall Gray makes sense.

  • Used value: With five years of aging, depreciation has impacted price, making the Nightfall Gray LT or LS a more accessible choice. For buyers wanting the pop of the Nightfall Gray color without paying top Premier trim prices, it’s a smart way to get style affordably.
  • Practicality vs cost: Operating costs (fuel, maintenance) are acceptable. As long as maintenance records are good, and the vehicle has not been abused, these SUVs hold up decently.
  • Option-rich trims pay off: If you can get one with driver-assist packages, heated seats, remote start, etc., you’ll get more comfort and safety for modest extra cost.
  • Be mindful of mileage & condition: As with all used cars, rust, wear, transmission/engine health matter. Check history, inspect condition, verify that features (e.g. liftgate, climate control) work correctly.

Conclusion

2021 Nightfall Grey Chevy Equinox: The 2021 Chevy Equinox in Nightfall Gray Metallic is a strong contender in the compact SUV category. It strikes a balance between style, fuel efficiency, and practical features. For those who favor appearance and comfort without breaking the bank, especially with higher trims like LT or Premier, it offers a lot of value. However, if performance or luxury is your priority, you might want to explore rivals. As always, a particular vehicle’s condition and configuration will make a big difference in satisfaction.

If you like, I can also pull up comparisons vs similar SUVs (e.g. Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4) so you can see how the 2021 Nightfall Gray Equinox stacks up.

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