Chevrolet introduced its third-generation Equinox at this year's Chicago Auto Show. The new model gets a modest facelift and new technology.
Chevrolet’s new 2016 Equinox builds on five years of increasing sales with a styling revamp, a slew of safety advancements and new entertainment technology.
“Chevrolet Equinox is a pillar of the compact SUV segment, thanks to a value rooted in great style, efficiency, safety and connectivity,” said Alan Batey, president, GM North America.
“The enhancements to the 2016 Equinox make a versatile vehicle an even better choice, and demonstrate Chevrolet’s commitment to delivering the broadest lineup of SUVs in the industry.”
It comes in four trim levels: L, LS, LT and LTZ, which is down two from its predecessor. Chevy gives Equinox more bang for the buck, especially in the lower L and LS trim levels where new, higher-end fabrics are now standard for those trim levels.
Chevy's new Equinox gets a variety of updates include new styling with premium accents, new wheel designs and new available safety features.
The five-passenger SUV gets a little roomier and more comfortable for 2016 courtesy of GM’s exclusive MultiFlex sliding rear seat. It offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.
In addition to more space, everyone gets the option for internet connectivity as well as more entertainment options. Standard is the seven-inch-diagonal Color Touch radio (including Bluetooth phone connectivity) and rear-vision camera on L and LS models
Chevrolet MyLink is standard on LT and LTZ models, while OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotpot is offered on all trim levels and comes with a three-month/3GB data trial.
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Under the hood, Equinox is powered by a standard Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected engine delivers an 32 mpg on the highway. An optional direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 puts out best-in-class 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
In addition to available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features, Equinox also offers Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning as part of comprehensive safety packages and are standard on the LT and LTZ.
The Equinox gets a standard seven-inch-diagonal Color Touch radio (including Bluetooth phone connectivity) and rear-vision camera on L and LS models.
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On the outside, there are several upgrades, including:
- New front fascia and chrome-accented dual-port grille design – including specific chrome trim on LT and LTZ grilles
- New, premium projector-beam headlamps on all models helps make the Equinox more visible at night
- New daytime running lamps on LT and LTZ, with reflector-style lamps on L and LS, and light-emitting diode, (LED) lamps on LT and LTZ that create a distinctive, upscale lighting signature
- New fog lamps on LTZ
- New, Chevy-signature dual-element taillamps, revised license plate applique and revised lower rear fascia on all models, with chrome trim on LTZ lower fascia
- New 17-inch aluminum wheels on LT and new 18-inch aluminum wheels on LTZ
- New available 17-inch wheel optional on LS model
- New chrome exhaust outlets on V-6 models
Since the introduction of the second generation version in 2009, Equinox has proven to be very popular. The midsize SUV saw sales in the U.S. increase to 242,242 in 2014: a fifth consecutive year of record sales.
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It also held more than 9% of the compact SUV market, which surged 17.4% in 2014 and accounted for 15.5% of the total vehicle market – eclipsing midsize cars for the first time to become the auto industry’s largest segment, Chevrolet noted.