The current Chevrolet Equinox and its platform mate the GMC Terrain have been on sale for the better part of six years, which would normally render them long overdue for a complete model replacement. The Equinox, especially, has been an unforeseen success for Chevrolet though, so instead, the two compact/mid-size crossovers will receive a minor facelift for the 2016 model year, according to Automotive News.
Sales of the Equinox have grown each year for the last five years and are on their way to topping 200,000 units for the third straight year in 2014. The model’s sales performance is especially impressive when you consider that other offerings in the segment, such as the Ford Escape and Nissan Rogue, are significantly newer.
The 2016 refresh will add a deeper, wider grille which will put its styling more in-line with other Chevys. Meanwhile, the third-generation of the crossover is due in 2017. It will be then that the Equinox is moved to GM’s new D2XX architecture, the same platform that underpins the recently-unveiled Buick Envision. AN says moving the Equinox to D2XX will most likely result in a slightly smaller vehicle with less mass and improved fuel economy.
When the Equinox does move to the D2XX platform, engineers will have to be careful to keep the cabin as spacious as possible, as one of the main selling points of the current-generation, Theta-based car is its roominess over competing models. Luckily, the D2XX platform is expected to offer more flexibility when it comes to space efficiency (the practice of utilizing available interior space as effectively as possible), something that the current model could improve on.
Chevrolet Marketing Manager Steve Majoros wouldn’t elaborate much on either the facelifted Equinox nor the all-new 2017 model, but added that there is still demand for the current model.
“I think the market will dictate when the Equinox has had its run,” he said. “I don’t think the market is saying that now.”
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“I think the market will dictate when the Equinox has had its run,” he said. “I don’t think the market is saying that now.”
No doubt the current generation Equinox has been a surprise success, is still (somewhat) competitive, and is still selling well. But three things will change that quickly:
1) Equinox is a highly leased vehicle and early lessees (2010-2011) who stuck with it for a second 3 year term (leaseing a 2013 or 2014) will probably not want the third straight, exactly same vehicle.
2) Owners of 2010 – 2013 vehicles, those in prime time to trade, will see the exact same vehicle they are driving. Which may be good (if they are Chevy loyal), and may be bad if:
3) They are enticed by the very fresh looking competetion from competors like Ford which have updated vehicles, and many of which will do so again BEFORE the 2017 Equinox hits the streets.
Well I see to plays here.
Sales are up and two If GM kicks the new vehicle down the road another year it gives them more time to work on the one they are doing and to use the start up cost on another project till they need to start this on.
Sales can drop fast and I suspect they will make the move at any loss of interest.
This is a very profitable product and is selling almost 300,000 units between Caddy, Chevy and GMC. There will be a slight down turn with a new one till people become familiar with it and it should regain it strength.
here we go again, another last-year-of-the-model update, just like the Cruze. I don’t know why they don’t do these updates 2 or 3 years before the major update, maybe get a little more payback for the investment, as well as give repeat customers something to get a little excited about.