It's easy to see why the Chevrolet Equinox is the right SUV for you. This crossover SUV delivers the goods - including family-friendly infotainment features, spacious seating arrangements, and a smooth, quiet ride. What you might still be wondering about, however, is whether you should buy new or used. We're here to help. Below, we lay out some of the most important differences between the 2012 and the 2016 Equinox models.

On-Road Power and Performance

When it comes to power, the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox beats the 2012, hands down. If you want the quickest possible ride, test-drive the 3.6-liter V6 engine. It delivers 301 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque for a swift, smooth performance. With all-wheel drive, the 2016 Equinox feels super sporty, especially on winding roads. You'll also get plenty of bang for your buck, because this powerful engine earns up to 17 city/24 highway mpg.

The used 2012 Chevrolet Equinox wrings its best performance out of a 3.0-liter V6 engine. It's good for 264 horses and 222 pound-feet of torque. As you can see, the modern V6 engine gives you much more output. You might expect a weaker engine to give you better fuel economy, but it doesn't really work out that way. The 2012 V6 engine earns the exact same fuel economy numbers, even though the 2016 engine delivers a stronger performance.

Family-friendly Technology

We know that it can be hard to keep the little ones entertained, especially during long road trips or commutes. But when it comes to infotainment options, the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has you covered. Use the MyLink infotainment system's 7-inch touchscreen to access apps. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to use. Menus are intuitive, so it shouldn't take long at all to find your way around the entire system. MyLink also offers voice-activated technology, so you can talk to the system without looking away from traffic. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect devices to the system wirelessly. Once you do, you have the power to stream your kids' favorite music playlists or chat with friends, hands-free.

The MyLink system wasn't available in 2012, so you have to upgrade to the new model to enjoy these sweet perks. That's not to say that the 2012 model doesn't have tech features of its own, but you'll certainly notice the difference between the two crossovers.

Conclusion

Four years may not seem like much, but, when it comes to on-road technology, they can make a big difference. With the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, you get world-class power and performance. Best of all, your smooth, swift ride saves you plenty of money at the pump. Inside, you can keep passengers endlessly infotained with a long list of tech features. Come take the Equinox for a test drive today!