2010 Chevrolet Equinox Preview

Equinox Photos

The Equinox has done very well for General Motors’ core brand Chevrolet, selling well and helping it maintain its customer base while so many consumers are switching from minivans and cars to crossovers. It’s a trend, for sure, although if you don’t stay on top of trends in the car business, you won’t be keeping the doors open very long.

Just what made and still makes the Equinox attractive when compared to others in its class is a question GM made sure was studied and answered before redesigning the new model, soon to be shown at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. Fortunately for us, the Detroit-based automaker has pre-released photos and most of the details about the updated crossover, and from an initial glance it at least looks as good as the current model did when it was introduced.

Pulling design cues from the new Traverse, a good thing, the new Equinox adds a slightly more rugged appearance with taller, rounder headlight clusters, beefier fender swells and taller more truck-like taillight assemblies. The lower front valance incorporates nice large fog lights in the LTZ example shown, while aluminum-like mock skid plates add a visual toughness front and rear. Chevy has also improved aerodynamic performance by moving the base of the windshield forward 75 mm (about three inches), which adds to the sporty look.

“The new Equinox blends function and style into a very sporty, yet upscale compact crossover,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “Both the exterior and interior surprise and delight with careful attention to detail.”

Inside, Chevy has given the reveal car a two-tone motif in a milk chocolate hue complemented by dark gray tones. The look, along with tastefully applied aluminum brightwork, is very upscale, giving the Equinox the kind of premium appearance that comes from good, simple, clean design. From a more functional perspective, the crossover is filled with storage bins including an oversized glove box, a lidded compartment atop the dash just above the centre stack, and the  usual bin under the armrest, this one large enough for a laptop computer.

Pulling a term we first saw put into production by Volvo, the Equinox features a “floating” centre stack, and it looks pretty sweet with the aforementioned aluminum trim and ice-blue ambient lighting. Additional ice-blue lighting surround the door pull indentations and the cupholders so you won’t accidentally spill while trying to find them at night. Front and rear seats come standard in a high-quality fabric but can alternatively be covered in perforated leather. More importantly, Chevy feels bold enough to tell us they’ll “deliver best-in-class comfort,” so we’ll have to report back on this after we have driven the car.

The rear seats continue with their MultiFlex designation, which means that they can be moved back and forth a total of 8.0 inches for the best rear legroom in the segment. Also critical in this class, the Equinox’s 60/40 split rear seatback folds flat into the floor to reveal 63.7 cubic feet of usable cargo space; 31.4 cubic feet is available when the rear seat is upright.

From what Chevy says, the Equinox should be quiet, with multiple noise-absorbing elements built into the chassis, engine compartment and interior. This should make for a more enjoyable audio/video experience, the former, if optioned out, being a 250-watt, eight-speaker system that should rock the house. It gets USB connectivity and an internal memory hard drive for storing audio, plus Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is integrated into the system. It’s all available via a large seven-inch touch-screen monitor that also incorporates a navigation system and backup camera, the latter visible in the rearview mirror too. A DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system can be had as well, with twin screens so that one child can watch a movie while the others play video games, or vice versa.

Once again the base Equinox will get the LS designation, while an LT will offer more luxury and convenience features and the top-line LTZ will feel almost premium-grade. A great feature that is especially appreciated in colder or warmer than average climes is a new “smart” remote starter that now works the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and optional heated seats so that your Equinox is the right temperature when stepping inside. Also, an optional powered and programmable rear liftgate can be had, increasing convenience in inclement weather.

“With the 2010 Equinox, we focused on appealing to the senses – from the overall design to the feel of the interior,” commented Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet.

Like GM does with all of its crossovers, the new Equinox comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes, ABS and StabiliTrak electronic traction and stability control for optimizing safety in slippery conditions, while six standard airbags protect from the front, thorax area and head via dual frontal airbags, seat-mounted side airbags and curtain-type side airbags from front to back. OnStar is also standard, for safety or getting turn-by-turn directions, as is XM satellite radio.

The current Equinox has been lauded by some and criticized by others for not fitting into the compact mold it is priced to compete in. The fact is that it’s a fairly large crossover, even when compared to midsize rivals. When it debuted we were all shocked that it measured longer than the eight-occupant Honda Pilot and many others in the class, although after living with it for numerous weeks at a time it certainly never felt cumbersome or unwieldy like some large SUVs get. For parking and dawdling along in slow city traffic the new model should feel much like the old in that it’s wheelbase is identical at 112.5 inches long, while just under an inch shorter from end to end for an overall length of 187.8 inches. The new Equinox is wider though, by just over  an inch, which may help a bit in handling and high-speed stability, plus add a little more hip, shoulder and elbow room. Overall height has been reduced by three quarters of an inch too, for a sportier profile and a lower center of gravity to benefit handling and ingress/egress. Due to its similarity in size the new model doesn’t weigh significantly more than the outgoing one either, now tipping the scales at 3,770 lbs in base trim compared to 3,741 lbs for the old one. So, all-round the 2010 Equinox won’t be a radical departure from the current model. That is, until you put your foot into the throttle.

A new 2.4-liter Ecotec four will make up to 182-horsepower while returning an EPA (certification pending) estimated 21 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. It’s the first four-cylinder offered in the Equinox, and effectively replaces the 185-horsepower 3.4-liter OHV V6. The old base engine certainly offered more torque at 210 lb-ft compared to the new four-cylinder’s 174 lb-ft, but truly this is a fuel efficiency choice. Those wanting more power will be able to move up to a totally new V6. Gone is the rather expensive 3.6-liter V6 that started life off in the Cadillac CTS, replaced by a direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 that makes a seriously motivating 255-horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque while maintaining an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. Yes, the larger displacement engine was a touch more powerful and offered 36 lb-ft of additional torque, but the efficiency gains made by the new V6 make it the better choice for  today’s market.

As you may have heard, the only negative to direct injection engines is noise, vibration and harshness levels that are often higher than their convention counterparts. GM has worked to counter such inherent problems by adding rubber isolators to minimize fuel rail noise, while variable valve timing improves greater power and fuel efficiency throughout a wider rev range. Adding to the efficiency, both the four- and the six-cylinder engines will be enhanced by GM’s state-of-the-art six-speed transmission, maximizing performance and fuel economy for a range of more than 500 miles) with either engine.

“At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers,” added Peper. “It offers the roominess and capability of a crossover with great fuel economy. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement, comfort and great value.”

The old Equinox is still a pretty good driver, but I’m sure most owners wouldn’t mind a few upgrades to the body and suspension. First off, the body gets stiffened with single-piece side stampings plus high-strength steel used in critical areas. Solidity benefits rigidity, for improved handling, quietness inside and safety, so strengthening the body structure is always one of the best ways to improve a vehicle overall. According to GM, the stiffer structure has helped them tune the four-wheel independent suspension for better control and more engaging feedback.

The steering system on the four-cylinder model is rack-mounted but electrically power assisted, helping with fuel efficiency. No really, according to Chevy it makes a difference of about 11 miles per tank of fuel, or approximately 572 miles per year if you were to fill up once per week. A conventional hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering system comes with the V6. It’ll make a difference to fuel economy if you opt for the optional all-wheel drive system no matter the engine, of course, although wheel size shouldn’t be an issue; the Equinox comes with standard 17-inch aluminum rims while optional 18- and 19-inch alloys can be had.

“With the outstanding interior execution and comfort, the stunning exterior design, numerous chassis improvements, and the connectivity to the outside world, the new Equinox is the favorite ride among our engineers,” offered Tim Herrick, chief engineer. “I have to pull the keys out of their hands in order to take it for a spin myself.”

It looks like Chevy has once again hit the bulls eye with the completely revised 2010 Equinox, and I expect it to sell very well despite today’s challenging business climate. Let’s not forget that while sales are down significantly right now, family haulers like the Equinox, which in this case not only offers tremendous interior roominess and refinement, but also a lineup of fuel efficient yet powerful engines, will continue to be popular. And furthermore, Chevrolet is GM’s core brand and the one that will become even more central to its success in future years, both here at home and globally, so the choice of this  particular model from GM’s massive lineup appears to make a lot of sense.

The 2010 Chevy Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009 and should be priced similarly to the outgoing model.

Specifications (2010 Chevrolet Equinox):

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2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Atlanta, GA	Price: $7,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Liberty Lake, WA	Price: $12,965
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Union City, GA	Price: $11,988
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Albany, NY	Price: $16,996
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Lebanon, PA	Price: $14,490
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Bridgeview, IL	Price: $10,890
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Mesa, AZ	Price: $14,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		National City, CA	Price: $12,872
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Vienna, VA	Price: $10,988
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Alexandria, VA	Price: $13,880
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Grand Rapids, MI	Price: $10,488
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Smyrna, DE	Price: $13,900
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Smyrna, DE	Price: $16,753
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Milford, CT	Price: $12,590
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Victor, NY	Price: $12,608
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Victor, NY	Price: $12,988
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Easton, PA	Price: $12,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Abington, MA	Price: $12,831
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Signal Hill, CA	Price: $16,556
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Alexandria, VA	Price: $13,996
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Torrington, CT	Price: $13,389
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Colville, WA	Price: $14,988
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Warrenton, VA	Price: $15,999
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Charlotte, MI	Price: $14,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Lynn, MA	Price: $12,990
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Denver, CO	Price: $15,999
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Jenkintown, PA	Price: $13,950
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Aurora, CO	Price: $14,997
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Madison, WI	Price: $14,436
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Red Lion, PA	Price: $9,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Roseville, CA	Price: $15,991
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Westlake, OH	Price: $15,000
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Spring, TX	Price: $11,991
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Columbia, CT	Price: $10,981
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Hollywood, FL	Price: $12,994
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Hollywood, FL	Price: $10,993
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Colorado Springs, CO	Price: $14,977
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Fort Lauderdale, FL	Price: $11,994
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Orange, CA	Price: $14,960
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Golden, CO	Price: $14,990
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Mesa, AZ	Price: $12,992
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Fayetteville, AR	Price: $11,749
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Germantown, TN	Price: $8,999
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Amesbury, MA	Price: $14,955
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Charleston, IL	Price: $14,985
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Sterling, IL	Price: $10,991
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Fort Myers, FL	Price: $12,310
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Daytona Beach, FL	Price: $8,998
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Framingham, MA	Price: $13,797
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Westborough, MA	Price: Contact Seller
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Bronx, NY	Price: $8,495
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Lawrenceville, GA	Price: $9,975
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Lithia Springs, GA	Price: $12,590
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Buffalo, NY	Price: $13,264
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Raleigh, NC	Price: $10,988
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Raleigh, NC	Price: $11,488
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Raleigh, NC	Price: $11,388
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Little Neck, NY	Price: $14,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Little Neck, NY	Price: $11,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Memphis, TN	Price: Contact Seller
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Bay Shore, NY	Price: $13,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Bay Shore, NY	Price: $10,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Bay Shore, NY	Price: Contact Seller
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Pittsburgh, PA	Price: $13,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Coeur D Alene, ID	Price: $12,996
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Grand Rapids, MI	Price: $9,430
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Downingtown, PA	Price: $13,980
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Buena Park, CA	Price: $14,993
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Buena Park, CA	Price: $12,991
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Mckinney, TX	Price: $9,882
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Pensacola, FL	Price: $11,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Burlington, NJ	Price: $11,864
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Cleveland, TN	Price: $11,695
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Montross, VA	Price: $11,450
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Montross, VA	Price: $10,495
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Georgetown, TX	Price: $11,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Paramus, NJ	Price: $12,850
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Paramus, NJ	Price: $9,750
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Frisco, TX	Price: $9,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Irving, TX	Price: $12,950
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Vineland, NJ	Price: $14,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Cerritos, CA	Price: $10,993
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Milford, CT	Price: $13,816
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Mc Donald, TN	Price: $13,550
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Johnsburg, NY	Price: $14,495
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Charleston, SC	Price: $13,990
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Cerritos, CA	Price: $10,998
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Burlington, NJ	Price: $11,994
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Johnston, RI	Price: $15,998
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Jacksonville, FL	Price: $12,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Jamaica, NY	Price: $10,699
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Englewood, CO	Price: $17,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Ramsey, NJ	Price: $12,395
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Cockeysville, MD	Price: $13,850
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Owings Mills, MD	Price: $13,999
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		White Marsh, MD	Price: $12,990
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		West Bend, WI	Price: $10,523
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Waukesha, WI	Price: $11,995
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS		Medford, NY	Price: $12,770
2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT		Medford, NY	Price: $12,500