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.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

From GM News…

GM Finally Gets Some Good News—And It’s About Safety

The GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox received top marks in a new safety test, which must have GM executives smiling even as the company remains under investigation for a faulty ignition defect that went ignored for a decade

General Motors got some much needed good news Tuesday that two of its SUVs received top scores on a new crash test.

The GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox were the only two cars in the SUV category to get the top mark in an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) test, which had cars’ front corners crash into trees and other vehicles at 40 miles an hour. The Honda Pilot received the lowest score.

These positive safety stats offer a brief ray of light for the auto giant, which has been under intense scrutiny over the recall of 2.6 million cars over a faulty ignition switch. The company is under investigation by Congress and the Justice Department after it emerged that it took GM 10 years to issue the recall for a fault which has been linked to more than a dozen deaths.

But the future looks slightly brighter. “When it comes to midsize SUVs, General Motors is showing the way forward,” the IIHS said its safety test summary.

Chevrolet Accelerates to 4G LTE Speeds in 2014

Bowtie brand models in U.S. and Canada to get OnStar 4G LTE by summer

2014-01-05

 LAS VEGAS – Starting this summer, Chevrolet will have some of the fastest vehicles on the roads, and that has nothing to do with horsepower. Chevrolet drivers will be enjoying high-speed data – made possible by a new OnStar 4G LTE connection in the vehicle, running on AT&T’s network, the nation’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network.

Chevrolet today announced at the Consumer Electronics Show that the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette, Impala, Malibu, and Volt would be the first General Motors’ vehicles to come optionally equipped with OnStar 4G LTE. They will be followed by the Equinox, Silverado, Silverado HD, Spark and Spark EV. In the Canadian market, OnStar with 4G LTE will be introduced on the Chevrolet Trax as well. The majority of the 2015 Chevrolet lineup in the U.S and Canada will have a 4G LTE connection built-in at vehicle launch. More models will be announced later this year.

“Chevrolet is expected to implement the broadest deployment of 4G LTE in the automotive industry,” said Alan Batey, senior vice president of Global Chevrolet. “The fact that OnStar with 4G LTE will be available in models that range from the Chevrolet Spark to the Silverado to the Corvette, is indicative of our broad commitment to deliver more value and convenience through smart technology applications. This new, purposeful technology solution will make our consumers lives easier to connect.”

Vehicles Equipped with Built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot

The 4G LTE rollout will bring a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot to most Chevrolet vehicles, which allows passengers to connect their personal devices, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless internet. Each vehicle can accommodate multiple devices at one time.

“We know that our customers rely on being connected on a daily, if not hourly basis, and they expect to be provided with the information and content they desire with no interruptions,” said Mary Chan, president, GM’s Global Connected Consumer. “A 4G LTE hotspot that’s built into a car’s architecture will provide a more consistent and powerful Wi-Fi connection than a smartphone.”

With OnStar’s 4G LTE connection, the vehicle acts as a mobile hub, giving customers easier access to apps and services that require a high-speed cellular or data connection. The vehicle will employ a wireless connection that does not rely on a brought-in mobile device.

In collaboration with AT&T, the data connection in the car will be fast – and flexible. Current AT&T customers will be able to add their vehicle to a shareable bucket of data through AT&T Mobile Share plans. All drivers can also pay for data as a standalone option. Additional pricing and data packages for OnStar 4G LTE will be announced later in 2014.

Chevrolet AppShop Offers Connected Car Personalization

Chevrolet MyLink will offer consumers an enhancement with the built in AppShop, available on select 2015 Chevrolet models in the U.S. and Canada. AppShop will benefit from the embedded 4G LTE connection.

Chevrolet AppShop is accessible through an icon on the MyLink screen that allows owners to view all available apps and download them directly to the vehicle, then organize, update or delete them as needed. Available apps will connect drivers to vehicle data, music, news, weather, travel information and more.

“The built-in 4G LTE connection will allow our vehicles to be updated with the latest software and apps,” said Chan. “This means that the driver’s vehicle infotainment systems can keep getting better after purchase as customers can continue to add on and customize their features.”

An initial list of planned apps announced today includes Vehicle Health, iHeartRadio, Priceline.com, The Weather Channel, NPR, Slacker Radio, TuneIn Radio, Cityseeker, Eventseeker, Glympse and Kaliki.

OnStar’s 10^th Generation to Debut

Chevrolet’s 4G LTE launch coincides with the 10th hardware generation of OnStar, a service that debuted in GM vehicles in 1996. The upgrade will allow for voice and high speed data services.  

“We are focused on constantly improving the OnStar service so that the system continues to remain a trusted value-add for GM drivers,” said Terry Inch, chief operating officer, OnStar. “4G LTE will enable the most powerful OnStar connection ever.”

OnStar Advisors currently respond to approximately 185,000 calls every day or more than two calls every second. OnStar is standard across the 2014 Chevrolet lineup. The OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob Services smartphone app, which allows owners to lock or unlock doors, activate the horn and lights, and remotely start a properly-equipped vehicle, is included for five years for properly equipped Chevrolet vehicles in the U.S.

 

From GM News…

2014 Chevrolet Equinox Review

The second-generation Equinox is a huge sales it for Chevrolet, notching up well over 200,000 sales per year in the United States alone. This five-passenger crossover focuses on technology, value and space, and comes in four-cylinder or V-6 engines with optional AWD for about $30,000.

A leader in the fast-growing small crossover segment, Chevrolet has seen Equinox sales rise of over 14 percent in 2013 even in the face of competition.

In a way, that somewhat reflects the Chevy lineup in general, the Equinox is a tale of two cars. On the base side, this is functional transport with great backseat legroom and a versatile cargo area. The base LS delivers value with a low purchase price and great fuel economy – up to 32 mpg on the highway for the Equinox FWD.

On the other side of the coin are the LT and LTZ trim levels that include dozens of desirable features missing from the LS trim. The FWD V-6 Equinox makes over 300 horsepower and has a deep interior tech list that includes MyLink touchscreen infotainment. These options future-proof the car very nicely and help make the Equinox’s interior as much of a selling point as its fashionable exterior design.

EXTERIOR

The Equinox is a handsome crossover with long-wheelbase proportions and a striking interpretation of the Chevy full-frame grille with central badge bar. The Equinox’s styling themes are modern with a soft, semi-retro surfacing flair that recalls 1950s Chevy trucks,as well as the discontinued HHR wagon model.

The effect of the swooping and curved hood flows nicely into oversized fender flares and handsome, chrome-trimmed window surrounds. The back glass is heavily tinted and features a steeply angled C-pillar that gives the Equinox some of the sporty stance from the BMW X5 .

The raked C-pillar and back glass don’t hurt passenger entry – the Equinox has huge rear doors that extend beyond the glass line to give more access. This is in stark comparison to the Toyota RAV4 and Jeep Patriot, both of which have very narrow rear entry points and high floor edges.

The main style upgrade for the LTZ model comes from standard 18-inch wheels that now come standard in chrome for 2014. There is also additional LTZ brightwork in the front/rear skidplate areas that are grey plastic on less-equipped models.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase (In.)	112.5
Length (In.)	187.8
Width (In.)	72.5
Height (In.)	66.3
Track – Front (In.)	62.9
Track – Rear (In.)	62.1
Weight (Pounds)	3777 LS, 3922 LT
Drag Coefficient	0.36

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Exterior Features:

• 17-inch Aluminum Wheels
• Tire, compact spare with steel wheel
• Luggage rack side rails, roof-mounted, Charcoal (Charcoal with bright chrome insert)
• Headlamps, halogen, uplevel projector style with automatic exterior lamp control; Fog lamps, front halogen
• Mirrors, outside heated power-adjustable, chrome, manual folding and integral spotter mirror
• Liftgate, power programmable rear with fixed glass
• Door handles, bright chrome

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Optional Exterior Features:

• 19-inch chrome wheels and tires (Dealer-installed $3,600)
• Power sunroof ($900)
• Black roof rack cross bars (Dealer-installed $190)

GALLERY:EXTERIOR

 

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INTERIOR

The interior of the Equinox is one of the best from a value-oriented Chevy crossover. It shares some of the Camaro -inspired shapes like the twin squircle gauge shrouds and deep-set air vents dressed in light-colored matte silver. The color accents continue with a fabric-wrapped dashboard on LT models that feels fantastic and looks fresher than even the LTZ’s fancy leather and interior color themes.

Chevy’s well-designed and feature-rich MyLink touchscreen infotainment is standard on all but the lowest LS trims and brings a 7-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth audio streaming.

MyLink also supports navigation and mapping but this is a separate $795 option on all trims. MyLink’s touchscreen is mounted deep in a covered bin to ensure it can be seen even in bright sunlight. The position makes it tricky for some drivers to comfortably reach the controls, but luckily there are button and knob-controlled climate and audio presets.

Overall, the center stack is better resolved than the Ford Escape that also has a bulging console and vertical central air vents. The Equinox’s buttons are nicely sized with a high-quality and high-tech appearance.

In back, space is plentiful in the sliding and split-folding seat. Twin flip-up DVD monitors are available as part of a rear seat entertainment package for $1,300 extra. Backseat passengers will appreciate the four total 12V outlets in the car: one in the dash base, one in the center armrest, one in the rear seat and the last one in the cargo hold.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Interior Dimensions:

Front Seating Capacity	2
Rear Seating Capacity	3
Headroom – Front (In.)	40.9
Headroom – Rear (In.)	39.2
Legroom – Front (In.)	41.2
Legroom – Rear (In.)	39.9
Shoulder Room – Front (In.)	55.8
Shoulder Room – Rear (In.)	55.3
Hip Room – Front (In.)	54.6
Hip Room – Rear (In.)	51.3
EPA Cargo Volume – Rear Seat Up (Cubic-Feet)	31.4
EPA Cargo Volume – Rear Seat Folded (Cubic-Feet)	63.7
EPA Cargo Volume – Rear Seats Down (Cubic-Feet)	141.5

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Interior Features:

• Audio system, Color Touch AM/FM/SiriusXM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback includes 7-inch diagonal color touch-screen display, USB and AUX port and iPod support (standard on LT and above)
• Audio system feature, Pioneer premium 250-watt 8-speaker system includes mid-range speakers in each door, tweeters in A-pillars, a center channel speaker in upper IP and sub-woofer on the rear shelf; Audio system feature, auxiliary input jack; Audio system feature, USB port
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial
• Antenna, roof-mounted
• Seats, heated driver and front passenger
• Memory settings for the driver seat and exterior mirrors
• Steering wheel, leather-wrapped with audio and cruise controls; Steering wheel controls, mounted audio controls; Steering column, tilt and telescopic
• Remote vehicle starter system; Cruise control, electronic with set and resume speed; Universal Home Remote
• Rear Vision Camera
• Air conditioning, automatic climate control
• Defogger, rear-window electric
• Cupholders, 2 front in center console and 2 rear in center armrest with 1 bottle holder in each door
• Power outlets, 4 auxiliary with covers, 12-volt includes 1 front of console, 1 in console, 1 in back of console and 1 in cargo area.
• Mirror, inside rearview self-dimming; Visors, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors; Assist handles, front passenger and rear outboards; Map pocket, front seatback, driver and front passenger
• Lighting, interior with theatre dimming, center-mounted dome, rear cargo area, dual front map lights, ambient lighting on center stack surround, and center console cupholders (Includes ambient lighting on instrument panel, center console, door handle recess, door storage and footwell.)
• Cargo cover, rear security cover; Cargo net, full-across rear

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Optional Interior Features:

• Chevrolet MyLink with Navigation ($795)
• Dual Rear seat entertainment system ($1,295)

Interior

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DRIVETRAIN, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

The most popular Equinox by far is the FWD, four-cylinder configuration that offers a good balance of economy, price and performance. All Equinox models have a standard six-speed automatic and optional AWD, but the on-demand system really sucks the life out of the car’s sprint times.

The four-cylinder makes 182 horsepower for an 8.7-second run to 60 mph, up to 9.6 seconds for the AWD four-banger. The V-6 is much quicker with 301 horsepower and a 7.2-second sprint in FWD and 7.9 seconds for the heavier AWD model.

All have a fully independent suspension and electronic power steering. The FWD four dominates the EPA stats with a 20/32 rating for city/highway driving. This compares especially well with the 16/23 for the AWD V-6.

Towing is an area that needs the V-6. With the larger engine, the tow rating increases to 3,500 pounds versus just 1,500 for the four-cylinder model.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Mechanical Details:

Engine Size And Type	2.4-Liter 16-Valve I-4 With DOHC, Direct Injection And CVVT	3.6-Liter 24-Valve V-6 With DOHC, Direct Injection And CVVT
Peak Power (Horsepower)	182 @ 6700	301 @ 5600
Peak Torque (Pound-Feet)	172 @ 4900	272 @ 4800
Transmission	6-Speed Auto	6-Speed Auto
0-To-60 Mph – FWD	8.7 Seconds	7.2 Seconds
0-To-60 Mph – AWD	9.6 Seconds	7.8 Seconds
Top Speed	117 Mph, Est	130 Mph, Est
Fuel Economy Estimates (City/Combined/Highway)	20/NA/32 FWD, 20/NA/29 AWD	17/NA/24 FWD, 16/NA/23 AWD

SAFETY

The Equinox is a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and with a comprehensive safety equipment list, with six airbags and the full suite of brake assist, ABS and stability controls.

The major new additions are a Safety Package that bundles forward collision alert, lane departure warning and rear parking assistance into one option. These systems will alert you of potential dangers but cannot brake or turn by themselves.

The Equinox safety package is like a half-way point between no active safety tech and the full Cadillac XTS setup with city braking, adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Standard Safety Features:

• Daytime Running Lamps
• Air bags, dual-stage, frontal, driver and right front passenger with passenger sensing system, Thorax side-impact, seat mounted, driver and right front passenger, head curtain, side front and rear outboard seating positions; Air bag Passenger Sensing System
• OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation; OnStar, 6 months of Directions and Connections plan; Automatic Crash Response; Stolen Vehicle Assistance
• Rear Park Assist
• Safety Package includes (UEU) Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning and (UD7) Rear Park Assist
• Door locks, power operated rear child security; LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren), for child safety seats
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (Does not monitor spare.)
• Brakes, brake assist
• Brakes, Hill Start-Assist (HAS)
• Traction control
• StabiliTrak, electronic stability control system

PRICING

Pricing for the 2014 models is expected to rise about $400 over the 2013 pricing shown below.

Chevrolet Equinox	2013 MSRP
Equinox LS FWD	$24,225
Equinox LS AWD	$25,975
Equinox 1LT FWD	$25,870
Equinox 1LT AWD	$27,620
Equinox 2LT FWD	$27,740
Equinox 2LT AWD	$28,620
Equinox LTZ FWD	$30,985
Equinox LTZ AWD	$32,735

 

 

 

 

• CONCLUSION

What shoppers would say “no” to a frugal crossover that’s affordable, offers huge rear legroom and brings the latest must-have interior technology? Add a dash of style, a good view in traffic and the optional AWD V-6… and the Equinox’s rising popularity is easy to understand.

For many buyers, even a low-spec Equinox LS represents a big step up from traditional economy sedans. Compact cars are not popular for many reasons, but a big one is that there just isn’t enough room for passengers in the low and nerdy shapes.

As the low end, the Equinox is a mid-size or compact sedan replacement. The higher trims are actually very competitive with the competition and bring numerous luxury features for the modest loaded prices.

The interior seals the deal. It has some of Chevy’s Transformers techno styling themes but they are subtle and look much more upmarket than those in the Camaro.

Among buyers seeking a value-priced crossover with good technology, big space in all seats and a versatile trunk, the Equinox hits the target.

Category	Rating	Details
Driving	B	Comfortable Ride Quality
Performance	B+	The AWD Models’ Extra Weight Slows 0-To-60
Look	B	Interesting And Unique Design
Value	B+	LT Trim In FWD V-6 Is Best Of Group
Overall	B+	A Chrome-Tastic Crossover With Tons Of Space

 Looks great in white 
 Nice interior style and technology 
 Frugal in FWD Four-cylinder configuration

 

 

….excerpts from Top Speed