Earlier this week, the 2016 Chevy Equinox made an appearance at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. The refresh presented the first-ever refresh to the popular compact crossover since its launch in 2010. And though opinions on the updated CUV differ, it’s hard to argue the importance of the vehicle to Chevrolet. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top ten facts about the Equinox. So, take a deep breath, and read on:
- Chevy was quite late to the compact crossover game: the two segment stalwarts — the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V — were launched in 1994 and 1995, respectively.
- The first-generation Equinox debuted in 2004 as a 2005 model. It enjoyed limited popularity since the general opinion about the vehicle was that it didn’t measure up to direct rivals from Japanese automakers.
- The second-generation Equinox was introduced as a 2010 model; the vehicle was received to much critical acclaim, with many considering the model to be significantly superior to its rivals.
- The Equinox sold 242,242 units in 2014, marking the fifth-consecutive year of record sales for the model since the launch of the second-generation vehicle.
- Sales of the second-generation Equinox totaled more than 1 million through the end of 2014 in the U.S. and Canada.
- In 2014, the Equinox was Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle in North America, right after Silverado.
- Equinox claimed 9.3 percent of the U.S. compact SUV market in 2014.
- Over 1.4 million Equinox vehicles (of both generations) are on the road as of this writing.
- Though Chevy considers the Equinox a compact crossover, the exterior footprint of the model is slightly larger than other compact crossovers in the segment, which will likely change with the next-generation D2XX-based model.
- The first- and second-generation Equinox models are based on GM’s Theta platform shared with the Chevy Captiva, Captiva Sport, GMC Terrain, Saturn Vue, Opel Antara, and others.
By the time the 2016 Equinox launches, it will be on the market for just a year before it’s replaced by an all-new 2017 Equinox that will be based on GM’s new D2XX platform. The second-generation model is expected to remain in production as the Equinox Classic to satisfy fleet and commercial orders for at least a year or two, at which point it will be phased out completely.
What important Equinox facts would you add to our list? Talk to us in the comments below.
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Comments
Truth be told.I’very driven the 2012 Equinox for 2 yes now no gripes about the power band of the 4 cyl. In my fully loaded LTZ, with 5 adults averaging as much as 28 mag @ 70 mph. I’ve owned big block Chevelle’s and know what excessive power is about. This vehicle has been an everyday asset. I would like too see an 6-8spd5980 tranny , possibly turbo 4 with stop start tech. For starters.
I don’t like it. Cramped, visibility poor and it didn’t get better when they made it into a Cadillac version. I guess if you like small and cramped it is OK. I had a friend with one and he hated it. Big and bulky outside and inside cramped.
If the equinox is cramped, then you will find the entire segment cramped.
Frances I will be the first one to say that the present model could have been packaged better but the limitations of the old platform hard points prevent that.
But on the other hand I would call it far from cramped. We can haul 5 people with ease and I have hauled many large and oddly shaped items with no issue.
If you can get a porch swing and complete wood a frame disassembled into the Terrain then I would call it far from cramped. We also haul a 6 food soap box derby car pop up canopy and associated car lift, tools and chairs with no issues too.
It will haul anything that any other model in this class will haul. Now could it have hauled more if the rear strut towers were in more and the dash was not so deep into the cabin Yes but as for craped no way.
Now if you want to talk leg room in the back of a Trax then you can use the term a little cramped but it does have very good cargo room with the rear seat down.
Will Chevy bring the 2.0T in spite of a V6 of approximately the same power, and how about the captiva , the current generation has a 2.2 184 hp less than the Santa Fé. So, how about the possibilities of a 200 hp minimum diesel engine and the 2.0T.
I expect a Turbo engine but not sure If it will be a 2.0 or not. They may go to the newer slightly smaller turbo engine. But we will see a significant reduction in weight that will make it feel like it picked up 100 HP.
That is the greatest sin of the present model is the 4100 pounds.
I have a 2014 model and it is hands-down the best vehicle I’ve ever owned. Smooth, comfortable, quiet and reliable. Plus, I love the XM Radio, rearview camera and the good cargo space. Hope to keep her for many years to come!
The Equinox is the hidden gem in GM’s line of vehicles. I have a 2009 2LT model (first generation), and in six years it had only three problems (two speed sensors and a spark plug), all replaced under factory warranty for free. The sensor seems to be a common problem in the model because the day I picked up my Equinox after the first replacement, a black Pontiac Torrent was arriving with the same problem.
I have carried a ten foot aluminum ladder INSIDE my Equinox, and two 8 ft x 4 ft cardboard panels inside (slightly rolled), too. The rear leg room is the best I have seen in ANY vehicle, domestic or import. I have seen the newer 2010-2015 models, and they seem a bit smaller. I hope that the 2017 MY (third generation) will become an EREV after the Chevy Volt because EV customers need more space.
I would like to see switch like is found in the Nisson Pathfinder, Jeep Cherokee etc where one can switout out of 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel or all wheel drive.
Why not get the fuel economy of the 2 wheel without the resistance’s found in AWD an 4WD This would make the Equinox more attractive to buy than it already is
Cargo room is amazing. I have hauled 8″ diameter PVC pipe, 10′ lengths, INSIDE the 2010 Equinox with the cargo door closed. I can also fit our Soap Box Derby cars INSIDE. All three styles of Soap Box Derby cars will fit inside the Equinox. Super Stock car needs to back into the cargo area, then remove rear wheels and slide axle to near seat backs. Masters car goes in forward, just remove the front axle airfoils and wheels and slide the front axle to near the seat backs. Note that the front seats must be moved forward a bit to make these fit. I’m 6′ 1″ and can still comfortably (somewhat) drive the Equinox with the seats in the required forward position.
I have driven Chevy cars most of my driving age, Chevy S-10 Blazer, Chevy K-5 Blazer, Chevy Venture and now 2012 Chevy Equinox. I raised my family in the S10 and the van, now down sizing. I was surprised by the low height, I’m only 5′ 4″ tall, of the driver’s door opening. But I wanted to down size, so I accept it. Compared to the Venture, the Equinox is cramped. Something else, when I first purchased the SUV, I was not told of an oil sensor. Over $400 later, I was told that this is an issue with these vehicles. So now I have to babysit the oil changes, fun! On top of that , I was not told that these vehicles have to have the expensive synthetic oil. What else? Uhg.