Chevy to Make a Ridgeline Out of Next Equinox?

As the product cycle comes to a close for the Chevrolet Equinox and its sister vehicle the Pontiac Torrent, much has arisen about what General Motors will do with the popular models. The Equinox, based off of Theta architecture, shared a lot in common with the previous-generation Saturn Vue, but was significantly bigger and roomier. Because of this, and its well-proportioned body, people view it as more of a compact-sized utility vehicle than a true midsize crossover; in reality, it is longer than a Honda Pilot. Nevertheless, these vehicles have proven to be a fair success for the brand to the point where GM introduced the feistier Equinox Sport and Torrent GXP models with the powerful 264-hp 3.6-liter VVT V6 engine and six-speed automatic.

The original Theta architecture, however, has been enhanced significantly. We’ve been given a taste of it with the new Saturn Vue and needless to say, we’re convinced. For the 2010 Equinox, look for the vehicle to grow in size slightly, and gain third row seating to expand its capacity to seven occupants. This change should primarily answer the needs of more consumers who feel it necessary to have the convenience of third row seating in a relatively compact vehicle. This new Equinox will be joined by a large crossover dubbed “Traverse”, which will be Chevrolet’s version of the highly successful GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave.

Traverse aside, what’s different about the upcoming Equinox is that several sources, including suppliers, are reporting that Chevrolet might be chasing down Honda in an attempt to make a crossover-style pickup truck alongside the regular SUV-style crossover, a vehicle that would compete directly with the Ridgeline. This might initially seem like something odd and out of character for GM to do, considering it’s been a firm believer and supporter of traditional trucks with body-on-frame chassis and live rear axles for heavy-duty load bearing. However, with such a heavy emphasis on crossovers these days, such a route wouldn’t necessarily be a bad move for Chevrolet. With a decently sized bed, it would give the consumers the image and the practicality of a pickup truck, and with a crew-cab four-door body, plus with a softer, more car-like ride and handling it would mimic the road-going characteristics of a regular crossover. By basing it off the Theta platform, the truck would benefit from economies of scale in the same way that the Ridgeline did from sharing some components with the Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV.

While Chrysler never committed to a similar configuration (back in ‘06, the brand showed off the Rampage concept, a Ridgeline-esque, front-wheel drive pickup truck based off the Dodge Caravan platform… mind you, it featured rather aggressive styling that shared nothing in common with the magic wagon and it was powered by a Hemi), it appears that the Equinox project isn’t as awkward or as unlikely as we might have initially thought, and it just might be the successor to the slow selling GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado compact pickup trucks.