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  • William Maley
    William Maley

    By William Maley •

    Chicago Auto Show: 2016 Chevrolet Equinox

      The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox - ITS A CROSSOVER

    The current Chevrolet Equinox has been on sale for around 5 to 6 years. Usually, an automaker would give a model this old a redesign. But General Motors is going with the 'if ain't broke, why fix it' mantra with the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox.

    The only real note of change for 2016 Equinox is the exterior. The front end features a larger lower grille and a slim body-color bar. New headlights, reshaped taillights, and new 17- and 18-inch wheels. As for the interior, all Equinox models get a 7-inch touchscreen as standard.

    Powertrains carry over from last year. The base is the 2.4L four-cylinder with 182 horsepower, while a 3.6L V6 with 301 horsepower is optional.

    The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox arrives at dealers later this fall.

    Source: Chevrolet

    Press Release is on Page 2

    Fresh Face: Chevrolet Introduces Restyled 2016 Equinox

    • Premium cues, new safety features enhance Chevy’s record-selling compact SUV

    CHICAGO – Chevrolet today introduced the 2016 Equinox – a contemporized version of the popular compact SUV. Updates include new styling with premium accents, new wheel designs and new available safety features, as well as a larger color touchscreen radio and a standard rear-vision camera for entry-level models.

    The enhanced Equinox goes on sale this fall, building on five years of record sales in the highly competitive compact SUV segment and strengthening Chevrolet’s broad sport utility lineup, which includes the Traverse, the all-new Trax small SUV and the redesigned 2015 Tahoe and Suburban full-size SUVs.

    “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.”

    Equinox sales in the U.S. increased to 242,242 in 2014 – the fifth consecutive year of record sales since the second-generation launched as a 2010 model.

    It also held more than 9 percent of the compact SUV market, which surged 17.4 percent in 2014 and accounted for 15.5 percent of the total vehicle market – eclipsing midsize cars for the first time to become the auto industry’s largest segment.

    The roster of new and updated features available on the 2016 Equinox includes:

    • New trim lineup: L, LS, LT and LTZ, a streamlining of the model lineup that eliminates the 1LT and 2LT trims.
    • 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
    • Available Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features on LT and LTZ
    • Standard seven-inch-diagonal Color Touch radio (including Bluetooth phone connectivity) and rear-vision camera on L and LS models
    • Revised instrument panel “center stack” with new storage shelf and updated control graphics
    • New, chrome-trimmed transmission shifter with Electronic Range Selector mode buttons relocated to the top of the shifter handle
    • Enhanced interior fabrics in L and LS designed for a premium look and feel
    • New Saddle Up interior color
    • New universal tablet holders available through dealers from Chevrolet Accessories. They mount on the rear of the front seats to provide convenient access for rear-seat passengers.

    “The new face of the Equinox is highlighted by a more expressive execution of chrome accents and premium lighting,” said John Cafaro, executive director of design, global Chevrolet cars. “The result is a modern exterior that’s matched inside with premium features on all trim levels, complementing the Equinox’s enhanced technology and functionality.”

    A compact SUV with big features

    The 2016 Equinox seats five, with all-wheel drive offered on LS, LT and LTZ models. Its roomy interior – with the GM-exclusive MultiFlex sliding rear seat – offers 31.4 cubic feet (889 liters) of cargo space behind the rear seat and 63.7 cubic feet (1,803 liters) with the rear seat folded.

    The standard Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected engine delivers an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway (FWD models). A direct-injected 3.6L V-6 is available with LT and LTZ models and delivers best-in-class 301 horsepower (225 kW) and 272 lb-ft of torque (369 Nm). The V-6 engine also enables a trailering capacity of up to 3,500 pounds (1,588 kg) – capability unmatched by four-cylinder-only competitors.

    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. Equinox was the first in the segment to offer 4G LTE and it provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the car is on and comes with a three-month/3GB data trial (whichever comes first).

    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.

    Equinox fast facts

    • Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle in North America, after Silverado
    • Equinox claimed 9.3 percent of the U.S. compact SUV market in 2014
    • First generation debuted as a 2005 model
    • Second generation introduced as a 2010 model
    • Second generation sales in the U.S. and Canada totaled more than 1 million through the end of 2014
    • More than 1.4 million Equinox vehicles of both generations are on the road.

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    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    GMTruckGuy74

    I was hoping that the MCE'ed GMC Terrain was going to show up with the Equinox reveal, but I guess I need to wait another ~50 days until the NYIAS starts.  I can't say I'm overly impressed with the Equinox update in the front, reminds me of a Traverse Lite model.  But then I'm not a big fan of the current Equinox anyway (Terrain, yes).

    • Agree 1
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    Z-06

    Looks like tweaks that could have been done 2-3 years ago, with a new model arriving at dealers this year.

     

    This is the re-visitation of typical complacency mentality of GM of the past. It is working, it is selling - let us churn some more oil from it by giving some more band aids. If Drew is correct, it will be an 8-9 year old design by the time it has a full redesign.

     

    I am not a fan of these minor tweaks both physically and principally.

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    regfootball

    let's keep perspective on this.  first, the new cruze is about a year away.  Even if just for one year to refresh the beak (which is basically brand advertising) is worth it sometimes.  People see LED's on other cars and so now the Cruze has them so its in the mix as far as fashion.  Let the 2016 wow them.

     

    Second, the Equinox.  I wonder if people really get how much of a success this vehicle and the Terrain are for GM.  

     

    For the second Equinox to be such a success after the first one was so horrible and cheap is amazing.  GM put a great interior in a vehicle for once, gave the vehicle nice styling, and a roomy package for its size (which GM seldom does) and clearly this vehicle is worthy of the being in the bigger sellers in what is emerging as one of the premier car segments in the US.

     

    Crossovers this size may be overtaking midsize sedans as the main market in the US.  For Chevy to be a player with a 5 year old model is amazing.  The bigger deal is they do not eff up the next one.  Keep it roomy, keep it attractive, keep the nice interior.  

     

    I've never thought the recent Equinox was much of a drive, but that goes to show so many other things matter in crossovers.  In family sedans the drive maybe means more.

     

    We really should be more concerned Chevy does not screw up the next one rather than how long they keep this out there.

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    Paolino

    They still sell very well, Chevy is just buying time to spend more on the next one.  This will be a 2 year only model. 

     

    After checking it out up close, there is only one word I can use to describe this refresh: Insufficient

     

    I didn't need to see it up close to say that.  The interior could have been tweaked easily.  Oooh, a new color!  C'mon, throw in a little accent lighting, a new center stack and maybe a tiny bit more tech, and voila, a worthy two more years on an aging vehicle.  The exterior I would have hoped would have gotten treated the same... a little more done to it would have been nice.  I will say though that the new headlights/taillights give the car a slightly manlier/slightly more muscular look.

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    Drew Dowdell

     

    They still sell very well, Chevy is just buying time to spend more on the next one.  This will be a 2 year only model. 

     

    After checking it out up close, there is only one word I can use to describe this refresh: Insufficient

     

    I didn't need to see it up close to say that.  The interior could have been tweaked easily.  Oooh, a new color!  C'mon, throw in a little accent lighting, a new center stack and maybe a tiny bit more tech, and voila, a worthy two more years on an aging vehicle.  The exterior I would have hoped would have gotten treated the same... a little more done to it would have been nice.  I will say though that the new headlights/taillights give the car a slightly manlier/slightly more muscular look.

     

     

    I hadn't seen any of the press photography or story.  The first I saw the new 'Nox was when they took the sheet off, so I had no idea what the interior looked like until I got up to it.

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    bobo

    Not bad for an update, but it should have happened in year 4 of the current Equinox, or model year 2013.  I'll give GM the benefit of the doubt for getting their house in order after the bankruptcy, but this update couldn't have cost much.

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    ponchoman49

    What a shame. I don't want to wait for the all new smaller one for several more years. I want one now. But GM's idiotic move on keeping the noisy underpowered 2.4 that doesn't get it's rated MPG is keeping me from buying one. And I have heard many folks with timing chain issues, oil consumption and spark knock problems with this motor. Making the 200 HP 2.5 from the Colorado/Canyon would have solved most of those issues and even improved mileage some which is what GM should be doing to help get closer to that 35.5 figure as there average.

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    Drew Dowdell

    What a shame. I don't want to wait for the all new smaller one for several more years. I want one now. But GM's idiotic move on keeping the noisy underpowered 2.4 that doesn't get it's rated MPG is keeping me from buying one. And I have heard many folks with timing chain issues, oil consumption and spark knock problems with this motor. Making the 200 HP 2.5 from the Colorado/Canyon would have solved most of those issues and even improved mileage some which is what GM should be doing to help get closer to that 35.5 figure as there average.

     

    I'd rather the 2.0T, but otherwise mimic your sentiments. 

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