The 2022 Chevy Equinox introduces a model refresh, otherwise known as a mid-cycle enhancement or MCE, with a broad range of changes for the compact crossover nameplate. Now, GM Authority has learned that the 2022 Chevy Equinox also includes the Cold Air Grille Shutter as standard in more locations than before.
The Cold Air Grille Shutter for the 2022 Chevy Equinox is tagged with RPO code VRI, and is now included as standard on all 2022 Chevy Equinox units sold in the following U.S. states:
- Alaska
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Wisconsin
Previously, the Cold Air Grille Shutter for the 2022 Chevy Equinox was included on units shipped to Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In all other U.S. states, the grille shutter feature is bundled with the engine block heater (RPO code K05).
North of the border in Canada, the Cold Air Grille Shutter was previously included on all orders shipped to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and Yukon. Now, however, the feature is standard on all orders across all Canadian provinces.
For those readers who may be unaware, the Cold Air Grille Shutter helps to limit ice and moisture accumulation in freezing conditions. The shutter is controlled by shape memory alloy springs that react to the outside air temperature and close when needed to keep the Chevy Equinox running at peak performance.
To note, the Cold Air Grille Shutter differs from Active Aero Shutters, the latter of which are designed for improved aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy, rather than freezing temperatures and cold operating conditions.
As a reminder, the Chevy Equinox was originally slated to receive a model refresh for the 2021 model year, but due to complications stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, the refresh was instead delayed to the 2022 model year.
Under the hood, the 2022 Chevy Equinox features the turbocharged 1.5L I4 LYX gasoline engine, which produces 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Under the body panels is the GM D2 platform, while production for the North American market takes place at GM CAMI plant in Canada and GM Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico.
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Comments
This. Is super exciting! Thanks GMA for this important update! I was going to wait to order until they start offering 2.0 turbo again, But I am now on my way to my Chevy dealer to put my money down for my cold air shutters. Awesome!
This is a great feature to have on a car in cold climates it beats putting cardboard in front of your radiator and risking causing a fire… The redneck way lol! My only gripe is this should be a standard feature in NY, NJ, PA, OH, and all states that get cold weather and snow ❄️! Now Chevy add a more powerful engine and I will at least check out a purchase of an Equinox.