The Chevrolet Equinox first arrived for the 2005 model year, with the latest third-generation model dropping for the 2018 model year. Now, GM is prepping a model refresh (midcycle enhancement) for 2021, and we just spied a 2021 Chevrolet Equinox prototype undergoing testing, giving us our best look yet at the updated crossover.
Despite the vast amounts of camo at the front, the updated Equinox will sport the latest evolution of Chevrolet’s current crossover design language, which was initially introduced by the new Chevrolet Blazer. But unlike the Blazer, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox will be a bit more subtle with regard to the overall aesthetic.
Up front, this prototype features a new two-tiered headlight design, including a high-tech-looking upper LED lighting signature and daytime running lights. The lower projector-style lamps will provide the majority of forward illumination, and they may be replaced with LED reflectors on higher-end trim levels.
Clearly, these prototype headlights are placeholder units, given that they are missing inner graphics and lens covers. That said, we expect the overarching look to be carried over to the production model.
Also, notice that the two-tiered lighting setup seen here is not as extreme as on the Blazer. Instead, the vertical space between the thin DRL strip and the primary headlight is very small, so we’re calling this implementation “two-tiered lite.”
Further front fascia changes will include a reshaped nose, with a redesigned grille and a wider center bar. The lower grille insert also looks new, with new dividing lines. That flap in the grille cover indicates the presence of a forward-facing camera to deliver the advanced 360-degree surround vision.
The side profile of the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox is expected to continue untouched, as the changes will be applied to the front and the rear.
Moving around back, the refreshed ‘Nox will come with new tail lamps to match the refurbished front end. This prototype isn’t giving away too many secrets thanks to all the black-and-white camo, but it seems clear that redesigned tail lamp housings and a new rear fascia design are a given.
This particular 2021 Chevrolet Equinox prototype is believed to be the the Premier trim level, as evidenced by the dual trapezoidal exhaust tips.
The wheels, meanwhile, appear to be the optional 19-inch units with a Bright machined finish and Sparkle Silver pockets (RPO code PJT).
Beyond the lighting, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox should also offer some updates to the interior, and potentially the powertrain as well. We’ll cover it all, so subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet Equinox news, Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Uh oh. I can’t imagine a scenario when a two tier headlight design in that shape looks good.
This Equinox is going to get beaten with an ugly stick. You read it here first.
I think you’re going to be pleasantly surprised.
You read THAT here first. 🙂
I hope you are right. This is Chevrolet’s best seller behind the Silverado.
The 3rd gen seems to be resonating with the right market….I would hate to see it held back by a bad styling update.
Maybe they will add the “start stop” defeat switch like they did in the Malibu. The Equinox is arguably more important to Chevrolet than the Malibu.
S/S defeat switch is standard on 2020 Nox. Good!
I hope so Alex. I am seeing a smidge of Aztec in those lights.
They’ll look nothing like those of the Aztek. This refresh will look quite good… less tame than the pre-facelift model. Obviously, opinions may differ here, since we’re talking about stuff as subjective as styling.
Henry didn’t say they look a little like Aztec to YOU… he said they look a little like Aztec to HIM. Alex seems to be a control freak and has to push his opinion on everyone else.
Very nice to see the General keeping their vehicles as fresh as possible. I do hope that they add better interior materials in the Nox though. Biggest week point of the car.
I would agree. The CR-V has some cheap interior touches too – but Honda does a better job of masking it.
In my area, the Equinox, CR-V, RAV4, and Forester seem to all appeal to a very wide range of buyers (young/old, suburb/city, rich/poor). They are basically what the mid sized/full sized sedan buyers have migrated to. The CR-V in particular may be the best value in the segment and appears to be the long running favorite on the Bogglehead forums.
Maybe Chevrolet can bring the Malibu hybrid powertrain to the Equinox while we wait for an EV version?
I agree. This phrase “potentially the powertrain as well” should include a new hybrid or EV powertrain. I wish for both, since the Volt hybrid system is the best in the world, but GM missed the opportunity to use in in 2010 for the second generation Equinox.
Now, shove the 3.6L TT in there and make us an Equinox SS – likewise with the Blazer, and Traverse.
I’m sure Ford will have an Escape ST coming out this time, and they already have the Edge ST and the new Explorer ST, so…
GM will not make a sportier Equinox. They tried with the first generation, which had the 3.6L V6 engine and a improved suspension, but how many were sold? Almost all Equinox units sold are basic models which is what the main buyers want. I have a 2009 model with the 3.4 L V6 and it is quite “sporty” as it came. My brother owns a Mercedes-Benz but when he visits me, he borrows my Equinox. At this date he still has it!
It is obvious that you are not and never will be an Equinox owner!
The 3.6L was replaced with the 2.0L. Basically the same power output. Your argument falls flat.
But to 2.0 Turbo requires 93 octane so operating costs defeat the logic of this new engine.
The market has changed in a major way since the first generation Equinox was released. If they did it right, an affordable performance crossover would be fairly popular.
The Equinox should get the RCR treatment :D. I cant wait for him to talk about the interior, which is typical GM “HOT BROWN”. The power train and occupant space is pretty good though.
The first thing that pops to mind is whether the Chevrolet engineers will take the approach of the guys designing the Camaro and stay conservative or are these guys the Blazer group which essentially bet the farm; from this small picture, the new Equinox appears to have adopted a LED brow over the main headlight grouping.. one has to wonder will the grill be changed to something like the Blazer or remain about the same.
They really need to go back to the drawing board with the exterior design. 2nd gen was getting there. Then they messed it up with the 2017 model refresh and the new gen Nox is plain ugly. Glad my 2011 is still going strong cuz it’ll be my last unless they make it more appealing like the new blazer. I’d opt for the Blazer but GM is smoking meth if they think they’re midsize SUVs are worth 50 grand