The Chevy Equinox is nothing short of a runaway success. Through April of this year, the Bow Tie brand’s smallest crossover has been responsible for 60,297 sales in the United States — a 42.3 percent increase compared to the same time period a year ago. Not only is the new Equinox selling more units, but it is also responsible for higher average transaction prices versus the first-generation model.
Yet even though the Equinox is seeing great sales success, it doesn’t mean that it can’t be improved. So, what would you change, tweak, redesign, or otherwise modify on the Theta-based Chevy CUV?
Sound off in the comments!
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Comments
The rear view is odd. The tailgate could use a little tweaking.
Yeah, the rear is the weakest area of the ‘nox. I would ask for the following:
– 3rd row option — it is a midsize crossover after all (not a compact)
– 3.6 liter LLT should replace the optional 3.0 LF1
L99 with auto trans LS3 with manual trans.
Lol that’s gonna fit (TWSS?)
I like the Equinox. However, I feel it’s way too big for the SUV’s it’s supposed to compete against. Make it smaller, use the space wisely with many hidden cubby holes, change the 3.0L V6 to a 2.8L with an optional 2.8L Turbo for a Sport package (instead of an SS. The Sport packages would also contain AWD, a lowered stance, black housing headlamps, tinted tail lamps, and suspension tuned more for handling than comfort). And last but not least, A manual transmission option. On EVERY TRIM LEVEL!
I’m right there with you on everything, especially the fact that the Equinox is bigger than its rivals (or what Chevy is comparing it to). Everything the size of the Equinox (Kia Sorento, Toyota Highlander, next gen Santa-Fe) offers 3 rows of seating, while the ‘nox has only 2.
So if I needed a third row for kids, I could get a Sorento (starts around $22,000) or even a RAV4 (starts at $19,000). But if I want a Chevy, I have to pony up $29,000 or more for the gargantuan Traverse! That’s a competitive disadvantage!
I think the Equinox should gain a third row and grow in size a bit — and Chevy should introduce a compact CUV, maybe even based on the Theta — or better yet, the Delta — to compete with RAV, Sportage, Tucson, Tiguan, etc.
I would give the compact ute (below the Equinox) a naturally aspirated 2.4 and a turbo 2.0. And give the Equinox the 2.0 turbo as the up-level engine. I don’t think the 2.8 turbo or the 3.0 LF1 are long for this world. And as much as I would love to see a stick in the nox, but doubt it will happen: there simply isn’t enough demand in the mommy mobile market for manual trannies. Heck, they don’t even offer a stick with the 1.4 Turbo in the Cruze (unless its the ECO)!
And I love the Sport idea. Similar to the EDGE from Ford. Hmmm
I would replace the 3.0L by a 2.0L turbo from the Malibu and perhaps also add a 2.0 or a 2.2L turbodiesel from Opel that could serve into an ECO version
Yeap. And considering that the 2.0 liter turbo ECOTEC (such as the one in the Regal/Insignia) is not direct-injected… they could probably squeeze even more out of a 2.0 when the next-gen DI powerplants are ready!
better rearword visibilty, more recline in the rear seats, a four seat version with lowered suspension and two-tone or monotone paint. Door locks on the front doors, more power on the base engine with start stop and a diesel option, and upgraded dash, not the layout just the old electronics, Give it a little meaner look up front like the future colorado front end. also have a LWB version for the 7-8 passenger crowd, And as I see on mine better door /glass sealing more robust materials.
The Equinox is a great little crossover. However, the 3.0L V-6 is harsh. It needs some refinement. Also, I am not pleased with GM’s architecture strategy. To be more efficient, GM should build the next generation Equinox/Terrain/Buick off the Epsilon II and give it a third row seat with the 3.6L V-6 as the top option and keep the 2.4L I-4 as the base engine.
With the Equinox/Terrain/Buick on Epsilon II, GM should develop a compact crossover on Delta II. . and the Lambda should go away with larger crossovers being on the Zeta II platform. This would reduce the number of platforms by 2 and improve cost efficiency for the company.
GM also needs to hire engineers who are masters with packaging. The largest complaint I have about our SUV’s are that they are not space efficient. I would also up the content of vehicles as people like luxury features in mainstream vehicles. . especially families.
Having just drove a 3.0 version a few weeks ago, I can tell you that there’s not enough torque for this CUV. They need either a 3.6 or a turbo 4. But instead of a 2.0T I would go for a 2.4 or 2.5. Torque rules, especially when all your products are heavier than the comp, you need all the torque you can get to put up comparable numbers. A turbo 4 would get better EPA numbers than the V6 so I would favor that choice, but a 3.6 would make for a better product because or power delivery and smoothness.
Same as everybody elce, smaller,lighter,more efficient in city cycle,availabillity of a manual box W/AWD this could coincide with a AWD Cruze SS maybee Malibu SS or Z spec or somthing, the turbo 2 liter, with AWD, but on the Equinox it would be tuned more off roadie.
Styling is really nice on the currant one,as an every Joe and Jane fammaly car but I could imagine a more boxy masculine trucklike one in line with the outgoing Escape, maybee some Escape buyers will “swap their rides” to Chevy once they see the swoopy airodynamic new Escape that’s coming, maybee do 2 versions, a smooth famally sedan as currant, and a square rigged trail rated BLAZER for the active young single types.
Make it slightly bigger, give it third row, make it compete with the Edge and company, and then offer a retail version of the Captiva to compete with the Escape and company. Or, wait until the next Captiva comes out before you offer retail sales. Oh and the new V6 please. If this is a midsize offering it should pack that wonderful 280+ hp rating and the excellent mpg numbers.
-iluvamcars
First, a softer ride. Ride is to choppy. Second, more comfortable seats. Seats are TOO HARD.
1 – Shorten the wheelbase to 106 in.
2 – Increase the height to 67 in.
3 – Make cruise-control, USB port, and Bluetooth all standard.
Easy as 1,2,3.
I’d love to see the 7 passenger 2011 Chevrolet Captiva sold here in the states. Rebadge it as an Equinox for the US market if need be. Chevy needs to offer a product with 3 rows of seats in this market segment very badly. The exterior styling and dash/cockpit in this refreshed Captiva are nice. Give it the 2.4T with e-assist for the ultimate match in power and fuel economy.
The KIA Sorento is an extremely compelling option for my growing family at this point. The current Equinox just doesn’t cut it and the Traverse is way too big. We will be needing to replace our ’05 Envoy soon. Get with it GM!
AC vents for the rear passenger area, i live in NM, and if my equinox is parked all dayit takes a while for my kids, who are enjoying their movie, to get cool.
put a v8 in it ,and make it a 4 wheel drive.
A V8 in a FWD-based crossover? I’d rather have the 3.6 LFX or the 3.0 twin-turbo LF3 instead. And AWD is an option already!
Love me 2011 1LT in general but the small things are what bug me with it.
1. Agree with above with door seals. Whenever I open a door/hatch after rain I see quite a bit of water dripping out of the bottom. While nothing gets in the cabin, something is definitely off with the outer seals and could lead to problems in the future.
2. Interior materials. I have the Black Premium Cloth interior, and don’t like how practically every surface (except the inner mesh on the seats and center stack) is a hard, cheap feeling, easily scuffable black plastic. If there isn’t going to be leather or wood accents on the lower trims at least improve/vary the plastics slightly.
3. Backup camera standard. It is on the Terrain so why not on the Equinox? The rear visibility is atrocious at best, non-existent at worst so it is really needed. Rear parking assist should also be standard on 2LT and optional somehow for 1LT.
4. Rear adjustable headrests. I find it somewhat humorous how the Owner’s Manual makes the point that you are safest when the headrest is at the same position as your head, yet then say that the rear headrests are not adjustable! What??
5. Third row seating option. Shorten the wheelbase for the 2-row configuration and increase it slightly for a 3-row config so that a third row is possible *without* it being cramped to the point of almost being unusable except for small children.
6. Ditch the spare and just give the sealant kit. In combination with adding a 3rd row, this would open up a large cargo area below the floor when the 3rd row is up ((thereby counteracting some of the lost space by having the extra row), and allowing it to fold completely flat. With Chevrolet Roadside Assistance/OnStar help is always going to be just a call away, so why waste that highly coveted space with a spare that most will never use anyway.
7. Rear air vents. In fact, all the air vents need to be redesigned/positioned. They take forever to cool the rear seats, and the bad positioning means I can never get the air (from the drivers position) to actually blow on my face where I want it.
8. Changes (computer-wise) to the transmission. At least on the 4-cylinder model, mine seems to be a little over the place with regards to upshifts and downshifts when not in Eco mode. I shouldn’t need to constantly place the transmission into M to keep it in check.
9. Improve the noise cancellation. If some of the sounds I get from my 4-cyl under hard acceleration are *with* ANC smoothing them out, I don’t want to know how they sound from outside the vehicle. ANC seems to work great under light acceleration and for blocking general road/outside noise, but it needs some work for heavy acceleration (which happens frequently when starting from a complete stop since the engine is a little underpowered)
10. Power windows. Probably the biggest minor thing that bugs me on a daily basis. Why on EARTH would you make every window open automatically but have to be manually closed? Either fully automatic or nothing please. I would much prefer to have a proper automatic drivers window and the rest manual than the odd half-assed system the car currently has.
Vincent — really good points all around.
I most strongly agree with #2 (interior materials), 3 (rearward visibility/backup camera), 5/6 (3rd row/better use of trunk space), and 7 (air vent positioning). Let’s hope we see a strong midcycle refresh incorporating these updates… and while we’re at it, can they please dump that silly 2.4 in favor of a 2.0 turbo (base) and 3.6 LFX (optional)?
Honestly I test drove a 2011 and a 2012. The 2012 new color screen with back up camera is VAST improvement over that terrible rearview mirror camera which when the sun hits it, you can’t even see it!
Why no garage door opener buttons? Malibu a cheaper vehicle gives you THREE garage door opener buttons.
Why door open/lock buttons on doors and the console? That’s dumb. One or the other, not sure why they’d be on the center console.
The center console box does not have a sliding forward option like the 2011 did. I would want that returned.
Can see too much under the driver’s seat if it’s too far forward, looks CHEAP to see all the electrical under the seat.
Not enough sunroofs are available on ANY 1 LT’s. I like bare bones but sun roof is a feature a TON of people want. Guess I would have to do that after buying it. : (
I hope head restraints are removeable on back seat because I don’t have passengers generally there and without I would have better visibility. Ford escapes do that much!
On the color screen for 2012, why no DVD option for CD aux? On Chrysler 200 less money, they can play DVD in park, you have the screen for it, make it accessible.
I plugged in my ipod and found no HARD DRIVE cability on the color screen either. Again, Chyrsler has option to save a lot to a hard drive, PLUS you can download photos if you wish too to save as a screen saver on the screen. makes sense to me. This 200 Chrysler is about $24000 and so loaded with elegant features so it’s within the cost of your vehicle to do this at some level.
The seats in either 11 or 12 are pretty darn hard. I hear that time and time again all over the internet. I get backaches from both models on 2 occasions. However, the interior is beautiful, please never go to too much what Buick calls PIANO interior surfaces, shiny black, they are so full of fingerprints and will scratch and scratches don’t go away, stay with this interior! And NO fake wood accents, I can’t believe that grandpa feature from the 70’s has made it to 2012, and why is it still popular anywhere in this country or on Japanese Lexus?? It’s tacky!
Regarding the other comments, I have to say to those who want third row, have you heard of the TRAVERSE?? The Equinox is not a third row vehicle, in fact Chev. should have made a smaller SUV because the Traverse is way too similar. It’s like the 3 cars, you have the Baby Malibu (Cruze) the Malibu and the Papa Malibu (the Impala). Make cars more unique. They look to similar. You no longer have Pontiac, Olds, or saturn and you need different looking vehicles to give everyone a choice of something different. Those who want 3 rows, Upgrade and get a bigger vehicle for three rows. I want a BACK area because where are you going to put stuff with all three rows in the vehicle? dumbest request yet. You go to 3 rows, you lose a TON of customers immediately!
Chevrolet has one of the WORST car websites. Right now there are a ton of 2012 Equinoxes in the area however your website still shows I can order 2011’s when you don’t even make them now. According to the customer service # you can no longer do because you are done with those. DUH. So, why in the world would you not have the 2012 build an Equinox up and running??? UGH. So frustrating. I went to the dealer, it’s mid-august and 2012’s are on the lot and you have NO brochures!! I still don’t have a clue what color is available.
After all that, I still want to buy an Equinox because even bare bones it has nice feature and is attractive. Am upset that RED is not available. How long does Japan have before it’s able to supply. Can’t America make a maroon red color?
I have been told by some dealers that RED is back on for 2012 but not quite yet. If not now, WHEN???????????????????? Nothing can I find on it googling the topic. You have limited communication with your customer service reps who answer the phones and who’s standard comment on things has been, “I DON’T KNOW.” I want to buy a GM but you make it difficult at best. I worked in Marketing for a high level hospitality chain and this would NEVER fly on their watch. That’s why you guys are still not as good as your competition with information for customers.
Lee — good thought-out comment… however, we’re not GM — we’re GM Authority (as it states at the very top of this very website) and are not related to GM in any capacity. But you probably knew that already 🙂
I’m taking issue with two of your points:
3rd row option: it’s not the “dumbest request yet.” If you worked in marketing, you’d know that price is a determining factor in most purchase decisions (if not all). As such, you must realize that Chevrolet is at a competitive disadvantage because its least expensive vehicle with a 3rd row is the Traverse, which starts at $30,000 (rounded). Comparatively, Kia offers the Sorento which starts at $23,000 and Toyota has the RAV4, which starts at an even lower $22,400. Both vehicles offer 3rd rows as options.
As such, buyers looking for a 3rd row will not even consider Chevy, but will most most definitely go for a Kia or Toyota (those specific models). What’s more, the next-gen Hyundai Santa-Fe will offer a 3rd row and so will the Ford Edge. Chevy has effectively priced themselves out of the market for those looking for a new vehicle with three rows of seating for under $25,000.
So for what it is, the Equinox should be available in two variants:
1. A long-wheel-base version that offers a 3rd row, and
2. A short-wheel base version that doesn’t
I’m not sure how you “… lose a TON of customers immediately…” by offering a 3rd row. Offering, in this case, is not the same as making one standard equipment. If anything, this will cause an increase in sales due to appealing to a broader target market.
Secondly, I’m not sure how you expect the “hard drive” feature to work… but it will not pull songs from your iPod and copy them to the vehicle’s hard drive. The Chrysler won’t do it… a BMW won’t do it… and neither will any other vehicle’s infotainment system. Doing so is against Apple’s policy and was never available on ANY vehicle. And as long as the record labels are around, it never will be.
What do you think?
Alex
I just got a 2010 equinox ltz.. loaded to the gills with a v6 and everything else but the nav screen.
I am a male college student.. so for me the dual exhausts and chrome package have really helped make it not seem like such a mom car. I absolutely love it so far, but like many others, it’s the little things that bug me:
1. Door lock button on the center stack?? dumb! but I’m sure they will fix this eventually like they did on the 2012 camaro.
2. I absolutely love the whole swooping effect of the dash, but it seems like the black material on the door is cheap because it shows every little scratch or smudge on it, as well as the glove box
3. I was extremely dissappointed when I realized that I just dropped 30+ grand on a car with no homelink (or whatever they call it now) garage door openers
4. I love the sunroof, but it seems like they could have easily made it into some sort of “ultra view” sunroof like in the acadia or cts, especially since they don’t even off a dvd player or anything in the roof in the back. Heck, even a normal-shaped but gargantuan sunroof like in the hummer h3 would have been boss. I also think it’s kind of dumb how the sunroof has to have a whole separate button for the tilting feature.
5. It would have been nice if they offered the 3.6L v6 instead of the 3.0, because the people who fork over the extra dough (me) for a bigger engine obviously don’t care AS MUCH about fuel economy as those who opt for the 4 banger. My 3.0 is pretty peppy and i love the way it sounds, but there could always be more power, especially when it is the “upper level” engine
6. I love the bluetooth feature, but it would be nice if you could do something with texing too, and streaming bluetooth audio from your phone like you can with sync.
Besides these minor little complaints, I absolutely love my equinox, and I hope it will lasts me for years to come. The best thing I can see happening for the equinox is when GM comes out with an actual compact CUV (which is on the way right?) then the equinox can become bigger and offer things such as a 3rd row seat and more cargo room. Also they will only have to worry about competing with the Edge and highlander, etc. as far as fuel efficiency is concerned, that way they could offer an engine such as the 3.6L v6 as an option. Also that would give them the ability to make it taller and sportier, so it wouldn’t be looked at as such a mom car. But since GM has no actual compact CUV yet, the equinox right now is a pretty good fit I think, and it is definitely lightyears ahead of the previous version
one thing I forgot to gripe about was the turning radius. I think this has to deal with the fact that the vehicle is sort of low and the wheels are so tightly designed inside the rest of the vehicle.
What I think Chevy is really missing in their segment is a sporty SUV that is smaller than the tahoe but bigger than a compact. Similar to the toyota 4runner, fj cruiser (bleh!), or the jeep grand cherokee. Sort of like a replacement for the hummer h3. I really think they could make the equinox a perfect fit for this category, especially once they come out with a compact cuv to compete with the ford escape and toyota rav4
Agreed here as well. Not sure the Theta architecture that underpins the Equinox would be able to handle what the Grand Cherokee or 4Runner can do… but it’s definitely an opportunity.
Nice write-up, Zach. I agree with you on all points.
As far as #6 is concerned, MyLink is coming for the 2012 model year and should do what SYNC does… but better.
PS: I actually like having the lock/unlock button in the center of the vehicle rather than on the doors — like in my Cruze. Decreases complexity and — once you get used to it — delivers the same effect.
Zach, I agree on the garage door opener, hello why did they miss that. It’s on a cheap cruze and the Malibu too. I think if you want a bigger Equinox, you are exactly describing a Traverse, for a college student why would you want an almost mini van like vehicle like a Traverse? I’m assuming you are looking for an Equinox that can compete with an Explorer right? Then Chevy must get a smaller SUV. I call the Traverse a FAT Equinox, nobody’s buying ’em in the midwest, not popular up here. Chevy needs a Chevy Tracker size SUV to compete and get a different size Equinox. They don’t have Saturn (the Vue was GREAT!) and no more Pontiac or Olds. So, why not offer more vehicle selections for Chevy. GMC is too much like Chevy, they should have dumped GMC trucks/suvs, but to have both? Don’t get it. Sorry. I love variety…not same old same old. We need to kick Japan’s butt in vehicle options!
Heard directly from a higher up at GM that RED IS RETURNING in March/April 2012. Thank God. The colors are becoming a joke for Equinox. The 2010 Blue was o.k. but 2011 baby blue? just odd color, not really shiny for a metallic. Where’s the metallic? really? I bought a silver which was the nicest color I could pick, but wish silver had a little more KICK in glossy metallic color, kind of flat. It’s pretty at night and on cloudy days but in the sun, needs added chrome for a kick, but the Mocha is the best color, but in the shade or at night, the Mocha looks like chocolate milk…not good color except in color.
The white makes the Equinox just look like a fat vehicle, not a slick nice vehicle. As one salesman told me when I looked at the Buick Enclave in a brownish mocha (so much better than mocha steel), he said Buicks get the better colors. Sorry but GM should make better colors for everyone. I’m dumping mid 20’s on a vehicle I want to like the color a lot. 2 Blacks? Did they need two? Better to have another color than 2 blacks which are always dirty on the car lots. If they can’t keep it nice and clean looking, nice color but not worth the effort. The Gold is truly a ‘mist’ because there is no real shine, lets call it beige o.k. so sad because it had hope, but didn’t make it. Oh I heard a seafoam green is coming out too soon, WHAT? What are they thinking?? Who are they asking about colors? Are they trying to compete with the Ford Fiesta crowds and their techno colors? Oh by the way the RED will be Crystal Red. Not a great red because it’s already on the traverse. A Maroon red is the way to go, like the Cardinal Red but then again, Chevy wants it too much to be like a Traverse. No variations with Chevy. Getting old to be on the lots looking at these same colors. Chrysler has awesome GREYS as does some Japanese models. The Tsunami killed two great colors the Cyber Grey and the Cardinal Red. What about a hunter green? polo green?
Well, yes, the colors do need some tweaking. But when it comes to size, the Equinox is actually a midsize CUV like the Highlander and Pilot. Yet it only offers two rows.
As I said earlier, this puts Chevy at a disadvantage: those who need three rows only have the $30,000 Traverse to look to in the Chevy lineup. However, Toyota and Kia, for instance, offer CUVs with 3 rows for under $23,000. Can you say competitive disadvantage?
Not having a 3rd row as an OPTION is definitely a disadvantage no matter how you look at it. Both compact cuvs like the rav4 and midsize cuvs like the highlander offer 3rd row seating as an option.
Now I don’t think that this means the Equinox necessarily needs to become bigger, I just think that right now gm is trying to make it fill 2 roles, of both a midsized and a compact suv. Once they come out with an actual compact suv to accurately compete with the rav4 and escapes, they could make the Equinox compete with the edge and highlander and not have to worry about aerodynamics and achieving 32mpg as much.. which means they could make it sportier and also “bigger” by offering a 3rd row. What would keep it from being just like the traverse is that it wouldn’t be such a minivan-looking vehicle and not quite that huge… something for those who need the practically but don’t want to completely give up style and sportiness
I know the current Equinox is more family-focused, but the reason I got it is because I need awd for the harsher northern climate I live in and I wasn’t able to afford a silverado or tahoe let alone the cost of gas for either of those. And they currently don’t have any Chevy cars that come in awd!!
I hope once they come out with this compact suv they can use that and the traverse to compete with all the other family haulers and then they can reevaluate what demographic they want the equinox to appeal to. Personally I would love to see gm come out with a midsize suv that is completely badass and not so focused on achieving mpgs or cargo room, but that’s my personal opinion as a college student who wants a fun, yet practical vehicle.
Also, another thing I’ve noticed is that toyota seems to be offering a hybrid varient of almost every type of vehicle they have, short of their trucks and large suvs. I don’t get it, gm has the hybrid technology, as well as the new e-assist they have coming out in a few vehicles, why aren’t they trying to put this in every possible vehicle as an option at least??? I know the silverado-tahoe family have hybrid options and the volt is great too but what about everything in between? It seems like they are heading in this direction with the lacrosse e-assist and the cruze eco but they need to do something with their cuvs too, especially the acadia/traverse/enclave