RPO Central: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox With Desirable Changes
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For the 2012 model year, the Chevy Equinox will lose two colors (Cyber Gray Metallic and Cardinal Red Metallic), get a new set of optional 18″ chrome-clad wheels, and add the Chevy MyLink infotainment system. More importantly, the Equinox will make certain previously-optional features standard, such as Bluetooth phone connectivity (standard on all trim levels, even 1LS) and the rear vision camera (standard on 1LT). Also of importance is the addition of the forward collision alert and lane departure warning systems.
But not all changes are for the better in the ever-popular Equinox. For instance, the trailering package will no longer be offered — and neither will the rear infotainment package (which seems to have disappeared in favor of the new MyLink infotainment system). Unfortunately, a rear screen for the back-seat passengers isn’t yet part of the MyLink package.
And speaking of unfortunate events — the 2012 Equinox doesn’t get any upgrades in the powertrain department… which is a shame, given that the 2012 Ford Edge will offer a 2.0 liter turbo-charged (EcoBoost) engine that will make more torque and almost as much horsepower as the optional 3.0 liter LF1 V6 in the Equinox (and GMC Terrain) while delivering the same (impressive) 30 MPG on the highway. At the very least, let’s just hope GM can keep up with demand for the Theta-based compact/midsize CUV — given that demand stays at the same insanely-high level as during 2010 and 2011.
Here are the official RPO changes:
Deletions
- (GBV) Cyber Gray Metallic
- (GIS) Cardinal Red Metallic
- (PCN) Audio system with Rear Entertainment
- (PCJ) Audio system with Navigation/Infotainment
- (PDB) Audio system with Navigation/Infotainment and Rear Entertainment
- (PFF) Wheels, 17″ (43.2 cm) aluminum
- (Q6D) Wheels, 18″ (45.7 cm) machined aluminum
- (R3P) Wheels, 19″ (48.3 cm) chrome-clad aluminum
- (V92) Trailering equipment, includes Class II 1 – 1/4″ receiver hitch and 4-wire connection
New Features
- (LEA) 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) with VVT (Variable Valve Timing) E85 capable when ordered with (FE9) Federal emissions (182 hp [135.7 kW @ 6700 rpm, 172 lb-ft [232.2 N-m] @ 4900 rpm)
- (RSB) Wheels, 17″ (43.2 cm) aluminum (New RPO only was PFF)
- (RSX) Wheels, 18″ (45.7 cm) chrome-clad aluminum
- (RT6) Wheels, 19″ (48.3 cm) chrome aluminum (New RPO only was R3P)
- (UFU) Audio system, AM/FM/XM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback capability, 7″ color touch-screen display, Radio Data System (RDS), speed-compensated volume, auxiliary input jack and outside temperature display
- (UEW) Audio system with navigation, AM/FM/XM stereo, CD player with MP3/WMA playback capability, 7″ color touch-screen display and GPS navigation system with SD card memory
- (UEU) Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning
Changes
- (PDM) Cargo Management Package no longer available on 1LT/2LT (content available through GM Accessories)
- (PCP) Bluetooth Package is no longer available on 1LS (content excluding leather-wrapped steering wheel is now standard on 1LS)
- (R13) Chrome Appearance Package no longer available on 2LT
- (DD8) Self-dimming inside rearview mirror or (UVC) Rear Vision Camera no longer part of the available (PDD) Driver Convenience Package on 1LT
- (UVC) Rear Vision Camera standard on 1LT
- (AKO) Glass, deep-tinted (all windows, except light-tinted glass on windshield and driver- and front passenger-side glass) replaces (AJ1) Glass, Solar-Ray deep-tinted (all windows, except light-tinted glass on windshield and driver- and front passenger-side glass)
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wait so how come equinox get the forward collisioning and Terrain doesnt?
The Terrain actually does get the Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning system for 2012. We just haven’t published our RPO Central segment yet. Coming soon 🙂
the terrain gets the forward collision system don’t worry.
Also, terrain comes standard now for 2012 with bluetooth and steering wheel controls, plus the 7″ Mylink screen.
Are you sure about the standard Bluetooth for the 2012 Terrain? The Order Sheet doesn’t show it.
PS: The GMC version of Chevy MyLink is IntelliLink
Terrain does come with bluetooth standard on all trim levels, the exception is that it is not included if OnStar is deleted from the base SLE1 on Fleet orders.
Oh yes, that’s totally right. I forgot that was the case for the 2011 Terrain.
well the Terrain page for the RPO codes it didn’t show up either on the GM site too. But then again the Edge doesn’t really compete with the Equinox since the Nox is more of the CRV competitor with a size of Ford Edge though… Because I though the Terrain was more of towards Edge, Murano, etc competitor?? And another point I thought of is that GM can maybe fit the 2.0L turbo on the Regal CXL but wouldn’t the fuel economy drop since turbo regal are only 18/29??
To be honest, the Equinox and Terrain are midsizers; so is the Edge. The Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape are compacts. So the Equinox (and the Terrain — they’re the same size) compete with the Edge and Murano more directly… especially now that the Edge has a four-cylinder option for the 2012 model year (the Murano is 3.5 V6 only).
The takeaway for me here is that GM does not play in the compact CUV space — which is rather unfortunate given the growth in that segment. And their smallest CUVs — the Equinox/Terrain — don’t offer a third row. The next-gen Edge, current Kia Sorento, and next-gen Hyundai Santa-Fe will all offer a 3rd row!
or they’re trying to do the Sonic-based crossover to go head to head with the CRV but then it’s kinda too small since it’s sorta Juke-sized car…. but I thought the Santa-Fe already offer the third row?? But then again (just curious) would you think that putting a third row and a 2.0 liter from the regal a good idea??
Yeah, a crossover based on the Sonic (Gamma II architecture) would be more in line with something like the Juke… here’s my dream Chevy crossover lineup:
1) Compact crossover based on the Cruze (Delta platform) — 2 rows, youthful and sporty.
– top competitors: Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Ford Escape, VW Tiguan, Nissan Rogue, etc.
2) Midsize crossover based on the Malibu (Epsilon platform) — 2 rows with an optional 3rd row. Family-oriented.
– top competitors: Kia Sorento, next-gen Hyundai Santa-Fe, Toyota Highlander, next-gen Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Honda Pilot
3) Full-size crossover (based on Super Epsilon or on Lambda) — 3 rows standard. Family-oriented.
– Basically, this is the current Traverse.
I think a 2.0 turbo would work well in the compact and midsize CUVs outlined above… especially considering that the 2.0 ECOTEC turbo in the Regal GS makes a whopping 270 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque — which is almost as much as the 3.6L LLT V6 in the 2008-2010 Chevy Traverse!
but then isn’t it the 2.0 liter on Regal about 18/29?
Sure is. But if Ford can eek out 30 MPG out of its 2.0 EcoBoost in the Edge, so can GM. Especially given the fact that the Edge is kind of a fatty 🙂
isn’t it the Theta platform based on the Epsilon??
Not really. The Lambda is closer to the Epsilon than the Theta, which is kind of its own thing. We spoke about this with Sam Abuelsamid of AutoBlog fame on an earlier episode of GM Authority Weekly. I think it was this episode.
equinox 2010 if your back window is down it make a loud noise…same problem whit the 2006,,,maybe gm no this problem….maybe the roof rack make this noise..
because I saw somewhere that it says the Theta platform is based on the epsilon platform though
Yeah, I don’t think that’s accurate…
The Nox seems to compete in a much larger arena than mentioned, a fully loaded Nox is a serious chunk of change nearly 40 grand. It is by far one of t he best designed vehicles holisticaly in GM line up… I dare say an upscale buyer would be willing to check out a well apointed Nox…
Guess again, the Red Cardinal color will be back for 2012 just no date yet when it will be released. Wish they had more information on it because the colors for ’12 are dismal. Why 2 blacks? Another color would have been better than 2 blacks. JMHO>
Lee, the RPO changes are what is being supplied by GM to dealers. There’s not “guess” work involved. In any event, the colors may be changed, deleted, or added any time throughout the manufacturing process… so I hope you’re right!
I’m just not sure on the platform because the last time I compared is that the Lambda’s length are about the same size as a Buick Lucerne just to let you guys to understand how long the Lambdas are and like the Theta compare to my G6 is about the same length I thought.
The length is irrelevant in this case. The Lucerne rides on an old-school W/H body platform; it’s practically a modified body-on-frame. The Lambda is closer to the Epsilon, although it has many unique characteristics of its own. Theta is its own thing and is not related to anything currently produced by The General; if anything, it’s not even close to an Epsilon architecture (such as a G6/Malibu).
Are the new 2012 Equinox’ shipping right now to dealerships equipped with the MyLink? (Phase 1)
They are as far as I know. Should be on the lots within weeks at the most.
and it would be the same with sonic right as far as if it’s already on the lots?
Maybe, maybe not. They’re made at different facilities and some dealers will only get one or two Sonics as part of the first shipment…
oh darn
Alex,
I have ’12 Equinox LTZ ordered and cannot find any answer to this question, perhaps you will know.
Has Chevorlet (Equinox LTZ in particular) adopted LED lighting in the taillights, brake lights, etc …
Thank you … ND
Hey Nick, I’m with Vic — don’t think the LEDs are part of the Equinox this tike around. Although maybe we’ll see it in a mid cycle refresh…
I don’t think they have adopted the LEDs but might can put it as a aftermarket though not sure…
I just think it didn’t make sense of why GMC didn’t put LEDs on Terrain where they put it on Acadia
For 2012, I noted that the chrome appearance package will no longer be available on the 2LT. I believe that the rear bumper warning sensors were part of that package in 2011. For 2012, will it be possible to order rear bumper warning sensors as a separate option on the 2LT?
Will the 2012 Equinox have rear climate controls?
Nope.
I think that’s the main concern for me about both the Equinox and Terrain is that they both don’t have the rear climate controls because it gets really hot in hot summer days.
No kiddin’! That’s the problem when you have one crossover trying to fill the shoes of a compact CUV (which usually don’t have these vents) in price and fuel eco and a midsize CUV in comfort.