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The Chevrolet Equinox is a
crossover SUV A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of automobile with an increased ride height that is built on unibody chassis construction shared with passenger cars, as opposed to traditional sport utility vehicles ( ...
introduced by
Chevrolet Chevrolet ( ) is an American automobile division of the manufacturer General Motors (GM). In North America, Chevrolet produces and sells a wide range of vehicles, from subcompact automobiles to medium-duty commercial trucks. Due to the promi ...
in 2004 for the 2005 model year. It was intended to replace the North American Chevrolet Tracker and
Chevrolet S-10 Blazer The Chevrolet (S-10) Blazer and its badge engineered GMC (S-15) Jimmy counterpart are compact/mid-size SUVs manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet and GMC from the 1983 through 2005 model years, over two generations – until the early 1990s a ...
. The third-generation Equinox also replaced the first-generation Chevrolet Captiva. An
all-electric An electric vehicle (EV) is a motor vehicle whose propulsion is powered fully or mostly by electricity. EVs encompass a wide range of transportation modes, including road and rail vehicles, electric boats and submersibles, electric aircraft a ...
battery-powered ( BEV) version called the Equinox EV was introduced in 2022 with sales starting in 2023 for the 2024 model year. It adopts a separate design and underpinnings from the
internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine (ICE or IC engine) is a heat engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer (usually air) in a combustion chamber that is an integral part of the working fluid flow circuit. In an internal comb ...
powered Equinox.


First generation (2005)

The Chevrolet Equinox was introduced in 2004 at the 2003 North American International Auto Show for the 2005 model year; its mechanical twin, the
Pontiac Torrent The Pontiac Torrent is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by General Motors for the 2006 to 2009 model years. A replacement for the Pontiac Aztek, Aztek, it was a mildly restyled version of the first-generation Chevrolet Equinox. The Torrent shar ...
, was introduced in 2005 at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show for the 2006 model year. A unique feature on the Equinox was its sliding rear bench seat dubbed "Multi-Flex". Riding on the
GM Theta platform Theta is General Motors' automobile platform for compact/mid-size crossover SUVs. The architecture debuted in 2002 with the Saturn Vue and was later used for the Chevrolet Equinox and Captiva and similar models. Development The Theta uses a fou ...
, the
unibody A vehicle frame, also historically known as its ''chassis'', is the main supporting structure of a motor vehicle to which all other components are attached, comparable to the skeleton of an organism. Until the 1930s, virtually every car had ...
is mechanically similar to the
Saturn Vue The Saturn Vue is a compact SUV that was built and marketed by Saturn, and it was Saturn's best-selling model. It was the first vehicle to use the GM Theta platform when it was introduced in 2001 for the 2002 model year. The Vue was facelifte ...
and the
Suzuki XL7 The Suzuki Ertiga is a series of multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) manufactured by the Japanese carmaker Suzuki since the year 2012. The first-generation model is heavily based on the Swift while the second-generation model introduced in 2018 is mad ...
. However, the Equinox and the Torrent are larger than the
Vue Vue or VUE may refer to: Places * Vue, Loire-Atlantique, a commune in France * The Vue, a skyscraper in Charlotte, North Carolina Arts, entertainment and media * Vue (band), a rock and roll band from San Francisco, California * Vue International, ...
, riding on a wheelbase, longer than the Vue.
Front-wheel drive Front-wheel drive (FWD) is a form of internal combustion engine, engine and transmission (mechanics), transmission layout used in motor vehicles, in which the engine drives the front wheels only. Most modern front-wheel-drive vehicles feature ...
is standard, with optional
all-wheel drive An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand. Types The most common forms of all-wheel drive are: ;1x1 : All unicycles Reflects one axle with ...
. They are not designed for off-roading unlike the truck-based
Chevrolet Tahoe The Chevrolet Tahoe (), and its Rebadging, badge-engineered GMC Yukon counterpart, are full-size SUVs and other trucks from General Motors, offered since 1994 and 1991, respectively. Since 1982, Chevrolet and GMC (General Motors division), GMC ...
and TrailBlazer. For the 2006 model year, GM updated the Equinox for the first time, adding GM badges on the front doors, as well as recoloring the dashboard panel from grey to black. Heated seats became available with the cloth interior, and the rear seats now featured smaller headrests for improved rear visibility. The transmission shifter knob and HVAC controls were also updated. Outside, LS models now featured a standard body-color front bumper (instead of black), while LT models now featured body-color outside mirrors. The Equinox and Torrent received several interior and mechanical updates for 2007. The instrument cluster was redesigned with a trip computer display, replacing the Saturn-sourced unit. There were also some mechanical updates: the gear ratios of the five-speed transmission were revised for improved fuel economy, brakes now have rear vented discs instead of drums, and the fuel tank size is now 20.5 US gallons (on FWD) or 16.6 US gallons (on AWD), instead of the previous 17-US-gallon size on both models. The first-generation Equinox and Torrent were produced exclusively at the
CAMI Automotive CAMI Assembly (an initialism of its original name, Canadian Automotive Manufacturing Inc.) is an automotive assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, owned and operated by General Motors Canada. The plant currently assembles the Chevrolet Br ...
GM/
Suzuki is a Japanese multinational mobility manufacturer headquartered in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka. It manufactures automobiles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), outboard motor, outboard marine engines, wheelchairs and a va ...
joint venture A joint venture (JV) is a business entity created by two or more parties, generally characterized by shared ownership, shared returns and risks, and shared governance. Companies typically pursue joint ventures for one of four reasons: to acce ...
plant in
Ingersoll, Ontario Ingersoll is a town in Oxford County on the Thames River in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The nearest cities are Woodstock to the east and London to the west. Ingersoll is situated north of and along Highway 401. Oxford County Road 119 (formerly ...
, Canada. The 3.4 L '' LNJ''
V6 engine A V6 engine is a six- cylinder piston engine where the cylinders and cylinder blocks share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration. The first V6 engines were designed and produced independently by Marmon Motor Car Company, ...
is made in
China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), is a country in East Asia. With population of China, a population exceeding 1.4 billion, it is the list of countries by population (United Nations), second-most populous country after ...
(by
Shanghai GM SAIC General Motors Corporation Limited (commonly known as SAIC-GM; ) is a joint venture between General Motors Company and SAIC Motor. The company was founded in 1997 as Shanghai General Motors Company Ltd or Shanghai GM (). Headquartered in S ...
), while the
Aisin AF33 transmission is a Japanese corporation that develops and produces components and systems for the automotive industry. Aisin is a Fortune Global 500 company, ranked 359 rankings. Aisin is a member of the Toyota Group of companies. Aisin was founded in 1965 ...
is made in
Japan Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
. Starting with the 2008 model year, the Equinox Sport and Torrent GXP were available with a 3.6-liter DOHC V6 engine that was made in the
United States The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
. Production ended in May 2009. The Chevrolet Equinox was not sold in
Mexico Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America. It is the northernmost country in Latin America, and borders the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast; while having maritime boundar ...
during the 2009 model year.


Pontiac Torrent

While the Torrent shares its basic body structure and mechanicals with the Equinox, it does have a different front and rear styling. The Torrent was discontinued after the 2009 model year as part of the discontinuation of the
Pontiac Pontiac most often refers to: * Pontiac (Odawa leader) ( – 1769), Native American war chief *Pontiac (automobile), a former General Motors brand Pontiac may also refer to: Places and jurisdictions Canada * Pontiac, Quebec, a municipality ** Apo ...
brand, with the last one rolling off the assembly line on September 2, 2009. A
Buick Buick () is a division (business), division of the Automotive industry in the United States, American automobile manufacturer General Motors (GM). Started by automotive pioneer David Dunbar Buick in 1899, it was among the first American automobil ...
Theta crossover SUV was to be made, effectively taking place of the Pontiac Torrent. Instead, GM replaced the Torrent with the
GMC Terrain The GMC Terrain is a crossover SUV by American manufacturer General Motors under its GMC (automobile), GMC marque. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, the first-generation Terrain was built on GM's GM Theta platform, Theta platfor ...
, which shares the Theta platform with the second-generation Equinox.


Engines


Sport trims

For the 2008 and 2009 model years, GM offered different versions of the Equinox and Torrent; called Sport and GXP, respectively. Featuring a 3.6-liter '' LY7''
DOHC An overhead camshaft (OHC) engine is a piston engine in which the camshaft is located in the cylinder head above the combustion chamber. This contrasts with earlier overhead valve engines (OHV), where the camshaft is located below the combus ...
V6 engine A V6 engine is a six- cylinder piston engine where the cylinders and cylinder blocks share a common crankshaft and are arranged in a V configuration. The first V6 engines were designed and produced independently by Marmon Motor Car Company, ...
and a 6-speed
automatic transmission An automatic transmission (AT) or automatic gearbox is a multi-speed transmission (mechanics), transmission used in motor vehicles that does not require any input from the driver to change forward gears under normal driving conditions. The 1904 ...
(with Manual Tap Up/Down shifting capability). This larger and more powerful ( or 40% increase) engine allowed acceleration from in under seven seconds. These models also received a lowered
ride height Ride height or ground clearance is the amount of space between the base of an automobile tire and the lowest point of the automobile, typically the bottom exterior of the differential housing (even though the lower shock mounting point may be l ...
with a performance-tuned
suspension Suspension or suspended may refer to: Science and engineering * Car suspension * Cell suspension or suspension culture, in biology * Guarded suspension, a software design pattern in concurrent programming suspending a method call and the calling ...
and unique front and rear
body kit A body kit or bodykit is a set of modified body parts or additional components that are installed on a car. They are typically composed of front and rear bumper (automobile), bumpers, side skirts, spoiler (automotive), spoilers, bonnets (bonne ...
s. The lower stance is accented by the 18-inch 5-spoke chrome wheels and the absence of the
roof rack A roof rack is a set of bars secured to the roof of an automobile. It is used to carry bulky items such as luggage, bicycles, canoes, kayaks, skis, or various carriers and containers. They allow users of an automobile to transport objects o ...
, giving them a smoother design flow compared to the standard models. The GXP had twin hood scoops, hydraulic
power-assisted steering Power steering is a system for reducing a driver's effort to turn a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, by using a power source to assist steering. Hydraulic or electric actuators add controlled energy to the steering mechanism, so the driver can p ...
(as opposed to the electric power-assisted standard Torrent), improved interior trim with unique gauges, and a dual chrome-tipped exhaust. Optional features included
navigation Navigation is a field of study that focuses on the process of monitoring and controlling the motion, movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another.Bowditch, 2003:799. The field of navigation includes four general categories: land navig ...
, heated sport leather seats, DVD entertainment system, a
sunroof A sunroof is a movable panel that opens to uncover a window in an automobile roof, allowing light and fresh air to enter the passenger compartment. Sunroofs can be manually operated or motor driven, and are available in many shapes, sizes and s ...
, and
all-wheel drive An all-wheel drive vehicle (AWD vehicle) is one with a powertrain capable of providing power to all its wheels, whether full-time or on-demand. Types The most common forms of all-wheel drive are: ;1x1 : All unicycles Reflects one axle with ...
. GM stated the Equinox Sport was the first vehicle to reflect its more cautious naming standards. GM also prominently promoted the Pontiac Torrent GXP in television advertisements by touting its horsepower advantage over the
BMW X3 The BMW X3 is an SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 3 Series platform. BMW markets the car as a ''Sports Activity Vehicle'', the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line luxury vehicles. The first-generation X3 was des ...
, in an effort to brand Pontiac more as a direct, low-cost rival to
BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, trading as BMW Group (commonly abbreviated to BMW (), sometimes anglicised as Bavarian Motor Works), is a German multinational manufacturer of vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Th ...
.


Equinox LTZ

An Equinox LTZ model was added for the 2008 model year. It is differentiated by its 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, chrome door handles, and chrome luggage rack side rail inserts. Standard interior features include heated front seats, leather seating inserts, head curtain side-impact airbags, AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 capability, and a
Pioneer Pioneer commonly refers to a person who is among the first at something that is new to a community. A pioneer as a settler is among the first settling at a place that is new to the settler community. A historic example are American pioneers, perso ...
premium seven-speaker audio system. The Equinox LTZ came with the same ride and handling package as LS and LT models.


Olympic-themed special editions

For the 2008 model year, in tribute to the
Vancouver 2010 The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXI Olympic Winter Games () and also known as Vancouver 2010 (), were an international winter multi-sport event held from February 12 to 28, 2010 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with ...
Winter Olympic Games The Winter Olympic Games (), also known as the Winter Olympics, is a major international multi-sport event held once every four years for sports practiced on snow and ice. The first Winter Olympic Games, the 1924 Winter Olympics, were held in ...
, the Equinox and Torrent each received a special edition, the Team Canada Edition and the Podium Edition, respectively. This package added chrome-clad wheels, sunroof, premium sound system, and special badging. These trims were sold only in Canada.


Second generation (2010)

The second-generation Equinox was announced by GM on December 21, 2008, and debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2010 Equinox went on sale in June 2009. It is built on a stiffened version of the same "Theta" platform used in the previous model. The second-generation Equinox was built with a pair of upgraded
gasoline direct injection Gasoline direct injection (GDI), also known as petrol direct injection (PDI), is a fuel injection system for internal combustion engines that run on gasoline (petrol) which injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber. This is distinct f ...
engines, with better fuel economy claimed by GM. Earlier 2010 models had the GM badges on the front doors but were later deleted. It also features the Multi-Flex sliding rear bench seat and an optional height-programmable power liftgate. Laminated front door glass was standard on all models. Marketing of the Chevrolet Equinox resumed in
Mexico Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America. It is the northernmost country in Latin America, and borders the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast; while having maritime boundar ...
in late November 2009, for the 2010 model year after a year of absence, but ceased after the 2011 model year. However, in October 2015, the Equinox was reintroduced in Mexico to replace the Captiva Sport for the 2016 model year. The second-generation Equinox is available standard with a 2.4-liter Ecotec I4 engine (produced in
Tonawanda, New York Tonawanda is a city in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 15,129 at the 2020 census. It is at the northern edge of Erie County, south across the Erie Canal ( Tonawanda Creek) from North Tonawanda, east of Grand Island, a ...
, and
Spring Hill, Tennessee Spring Hill is a city in Maury and Williamson counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee, located approximately south of Nashville. Its population as of 2022 is 55,800. Spring Hill is recognized as the 4th fastest growing city in Tennessee by th ...
), while a 3.0-liter V6 engine is available as an option on LT and LTZ trims. All four-cylinder models come with a fuel economy mode, which alters the drivetrain's behavior for improved fuel economy and is engaged by pressing the "eco" button on the front center console. Four-cylinder models have electric power steering, while V6 models have the more conventional hydraulic power steering. Both powertrains are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and an optional all-wheel-drive system, with front-wheel drive being standard. This generation of Equinox was assembled in three plants:
Ingersoll Ingersoll may refer to: People *Ingersoll (surname) *Ingersoll Lockwood (1841–1918), American lawyer and writer Places Canada * Ingersoll, Ontario United States * Ingersoll, Oklahoma * Ingersoll, Wisconsin * Ingersoll Township, Michigan ...
and
Oshawa Oshawa is a city in Ontario, Canada, on the Lake Ontario shoreline. It lies in Southern Ontario, approximately east of downtown Toronto. It is commonly viewed as the eastern anchor of the Greater Toronto Area and of the Golden Horseshoe. It ...
(both in Ontario), and
Spring Hill, Tennessee Spring Hill is a city in Maury and Williamson counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee, located approximately south of Nashville. Its population as of 2022 is 55,800. Spring Hill is recognized as the 4th fastest growing city in Tennessee by th ...
. The latter two plants only produced models with the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine, with Oshawa only producing front-wheel-drive models.


Model year changes


2011

For 2011, the 3.0-liter V6 engine received flex-fuel capability. The compass on the Driver Information Center now became standard on all models, while LT models now came standard with Bluetooth and a USB port. 2LT models also received standard heated cloth front seats. On LS models, the "LS" badge on the liftgate was removed.


2012

For the 2012 model year, the 2.4-liter Ecotec I4 engine received flex-fuel capability. The 2012 model year introduced the Chevrolet MyLink telematics system to the Equinox, beginning in Spring 2012. Bluetooth connectivity is now standard on all models, while a seven-inch touch screen radio and backup camera are now standard on the 1LT trim in addition to the 2LT and LTZ trims. Exterior mirrors now featured a convex portion for improved blind-spot visibility. A forward-collision and lane-departure alert system also became available on V6 LTZ models.


2013

For the 2013 model year, a new direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 became available on LT and LTZ models, providing and of torque. This engine offered 14 percent more horsepower and 22 percent more torque than the previous 3.0-liter V-6, with the same EPA-estimated fuel economy. A new ''FE2'' suspension package, with front dual-flow dampers, was offered, optional on the LTZ V6 and packaged with 18-inch or 19-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. Additional new features for 2013 models included a dual-player DVD entertainment system, a power convenience package (including universal home remote and eight-way power front passenger seat), and a safety package with
lane departure warning system In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...
,
forward collision warning A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system (FCW), or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In ...
, and rear park assist (available on all 2LT and LTZ models). A USB port became standard on all models.


2014

For the 2014 model year, chrome-clad wheels became standard on LTZ models. Chrome exterior door handles and mirror caps were also available on LT models as part of the Chrome Package.


2015

The 2015 model year saw the addition of OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which included a 3GB/three-month data trial, standard on LT and LTZ models, with navigation available on LTZ and 2LT. A new level trim, L, was introduced as the base trim; derived from the LS trim, it was sold exclusively to retail markets and only available in front-wheel drive with the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine, and did not come with rear floor mats, the digital compass, or SiriusXM radio. The flex-fuel capability option for the 3.6-liter V6 was discontinued.


2016

For 2016, the Chevrolet Equinox received its first mid-cycle refresh (along with its cousin, the
GMC Terrain The GMC Terrain is a crossover SUV by American manufacturer General Motors under its GMC (automobile), GMC marque. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, the first-generation Terrain was built on GM's GM Theta platform, Theta platfor ...
), which was unveiled at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show on February 12, 2015. This Equinox received a new
grille Grill or grille may refer to: Food * Barbecue grill, a device or surface used for cooking food, usually fuelled by gas or charcoal, or the part of a cooker that performs this function * Flattop grill, a cooking device often used in restaurants, ...
, headlights, wheels, and front fascia, as well as reworked tail lights. On the interior, the Equinox gained a new gear selector, a second storage shelf underneath the dashboard (in the place of the discontinued CD player), as well as deletion of the door lock buttons from the dashboard. The 1LT and 2LT trims were merged into a single LT trim. Also, front-wheel-drive models could no longer be had with the 3.6-liter V6 engine. Models equipped with the V6 engine received redesigned dual chrome exhaust tips (borrowed from the GMC Terrain Denali). All Equinox trims featured projector-style front headlights, backup camera, and the Chevrolet MyLink 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system. The OnStar delete feature was removed along with the rear-seat DVD entertainment system and 19-inch wheels.


2017

For 2017, the final model year of this generation, the Equinox received two new appearance packages—a Midnight Edition package and a Sport package. Both packages featured 18-inch black-painted five-spoke aluminum wheels, black exterior Chevrolet emblems, black accented grille and rear fascia, black roof-rack cross bars, Jet Black perforated leather-appointed seats, and memory driver seat and exterior mirrors. The Midnight Edition had black exterior paint, while the Sport package had white exterior paint; both packages were only available with the 2.4-liter Ecotec engine. The 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels were discontinued. The LTZ trim was renamed Premier, while the Equinox badge was moved from the right side of the liftgate to the left.


Engines

Notes: * All four-cylinder models have a single rear exhaust port, while all V6 models have dual rear exhaust ports. * All output ratings are on regular gasoline.


EPA fuel economy ratings

Skepticism about the Equinox's EPA fuel economy ratings has been raised after a number of road tests at the model's launch achieved 20 to 30% lower fuel economy than the official EPA ratings. After achieving in a road test, '' Edmunds InsideLine'' stated, "...our testing didn't come close to achieving he EPA's numbers even though we're usually within 1 mpg of the EPA combined number." ''
Car and Driver ''Car and Driver'' (''CD'' or ''C/D'') is an American automotive enthusiast magazine first published in 1955. In 2006 its total circulation was 1.23 million. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, who purchased it from its prior owner Hachette Fi ...
'' recorded another figure and noted its "...fuel economy that won’t live up to the / EPA ratings in real-world use...". Green Car Reports recorded as much as on a road trip, driving almost exclusively highway miles in "Eco" mode; this is about 20% below the published highway EPA rating. AutoWeek only averaged .
The Truth About Cars ''The Truth About Cars'' (TTAC) is a blog covering automobiles, automotive products and the auto industry, begun in 2002 featuring a mix of automotive reviews, editorials and news. It was home to the annual Ten Worst Automobiles awards, which a ...
published an editorial suggesting that GM "inflated" the Equinox's fuel economy ratings for
public relations Public relations (PR) is the practice of managing and disseminating information from an individual or an organization (such as a business, government agency, or a nonprofit organization) to the public in order to influence their perception. Pu ...
purposes and that the trip computer inaccurately reports fuel economy reported to the driver. Motorweek, however, managed to achieve with their test car during mixed driving. LeftlaneNews.com was also able to average average in mixed city and highway driving.


Safety

The 2010 Equinox was awarded "Top Safety Pick" by
IIHS The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Highway Loss Data Institute (IIHS-HLDI) is an American nonprofit organization. It was established in 1959, and it is noted for its safety reviews of vehicles in various simulated traffic situations, ...
.


Third generation (2018)

Chevrolet unveiled the third-generation Equinox on September 22, 2016. Gasoline-powered variants of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox went on sale in early 2017, while diesel-powered variants arrived in fall 2017. This generation was developed as a smaller vehicle to align itself with other vehicles in the compact crossover SUV segment, with its former role occupied by the new
Chevrolet Blazer The Chevrolet Blazer is an automobile nameplate used by General Motors for its Chevrolet brand since 1969 for several SUV models: * Full-size Chevrolet K5 Blazer, based on the C/K pickup chassis and built from 1969 to 1995 (renamed Blazer in 1992 ...
. The third-generation Equinox also introduced a new AWD system from
GKN Driveline GKN Automotive is a multinational manufacturer of driveline components, all-wheel drive systems and plug-in hybrid systems for the automotive industry. It employs around 25,000 people across 47 manufacturing facilities and 6 technology cen ...
, allowing the driver to disengage the driveshaft to reduce friction and rotational inertia when AWD is not needed by the push of a button, replacing the fully-automatic system of previous generations. Other new features that were standard on all models included a
start-stop system A start-stop system (also referred to as idling stop or micro hybrid) is a technology that automatically shuts down and restarts a vehicle's internal combustion engine to reduce idle time, with the aim of lowering fuel consumption and emissio ...
,
passive entry A smart key is a vehicular passive entry system developed by Siemens in 1995 and introduced by Mercedes-Benz under the name "Keyless-Go" in 1998 on the W220 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220), S-Class, after the design patent was filed by Daimler-Benz o ...
, active grille shutters, electronic parking brake, second-row HVAC, and umbrella storage in the front door panels. The infotainment system features a seven-inch (on L/LS/LT/RS) or eight-inch diagonal (on LT/RS/Premier) touch-screen, both coming standard with
Android Auto Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features of a smartphone (or other Android device) on a car's dashboard information and entertainment head unit. Once an Android device is paired with the car's head unit, the system ...
and
Apple CarPlay CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra is an Apple Inc., Apple standard that enables a car radio or automotive head unit to be a display and controller for an iOS device. It is available on iPhone 5 and later models running iOS 7.1 or later. More than 800 ...
capability. New safety features introduced on the third-generation Equinox include a surround-view camera,
forward collision warning A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system (FCW), or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In ...
, low-speed automatic braking, and a Safety Alert Seat, as well as a standard Rear Seat Alert system, a feature first introduced on the 2017
GMC Acadia The GMC Acadia is a crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors for its GMC division. The first-generation GMC Acadia shared the GM Lambda platform with the Saturn Outlook, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Buick Enclave. The Acadia went on ...
. While the Equinox no longer features a sliding rear seat, the rear seats can be folded by disengaging the latches on the top of the rear seats, or additionally on LT and higher trims, by using the levers on the right side of the cargo area. All models now featured tempered front door glass and rear solid disc brakes. For 2019, the infotainment systems were upgraded with all models now featuring two USB ports on the center stack, while the second-row 12-volt power outlet was replaced with two USB charge-only ports; an SD card reader and higher-quality backup camera and sound system became available on higher trims. All LT models now featured a multi-color LCD display on the gauge cluster. New safety features, including adaptive cruise control and front pedestrian braking, became available. The Premier badge on the liftgate was changed from a single rectangular emblem to individual letters. For 2020, the diesel engine was discontinued because of low consumer demand. (GM originally planned to discontinue AWD on diesel models.) All Equinox models now came standard with a host of additional safety features, including
forward collision alert A collision avoidance system (CAS), also known as a pre-crash system, forward collision warning system (FCW), or collision mitigation system, is an advanced driver-assistance system designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. In ...
, following distance indicator,
lane keep assist In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...
,
lane departure warning In road-transport terminology, a lane departure warning system (LDWS) is a mechanism designed to warn the driver when the vehicle begins to move out of its lane (unless a turn signal is on in that direction) on freeways and arterial roads. These ...
, forward automatic emergency brakes, and ''IntelliBeam'' automatic high-beam headlamps. The rear passive entry buttons were also removed from the exterior door handles. For 2021, the 2.0-liter ''LTG'' turbocharged inline-four was discontinued as it only comprised around seven percent of all Equinox sales. Leather seating became available on LT models with the Confidence and Convenience Package. The Equinox was discontinued again in the Mexican market in July 2021 because of poor sales, being indirectly replaced by the Captiva, although it is still produced in Mexico for export markets. File:2018 Chevrolet Equinox LT, rear 3.24.19.jpg, Rear view File:Chevrolet Equinox 2017 CUV Interior.jpg, Interior


Trim levels

The third-generation Equinox is available in four trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier. The 1.5-liter turbo I4 is standard on all trims. The 2.0-liter turbo I4 and 1.6-liter turbo-diesel is available on LT and Premier. Front-wheel drive is standard on all trims, while all-wheel drive is available on LS and higher trims. An appearance package was available as the Redline Edition. The Redline Edition became available in October 2017. For 2018, the Redline Edition was only available on the LT trim without the panoramic sunroof or diesel engine. For the 2020 model year, the Midnight Edition and Sport Edition packages became available on LT models. Both packages featured blacked-out trim, including leather seating (cloth for 2021), 19-inch aluminum wheels, Chevrolet bowties, grille, fog lamp bezel surround, and window trim. The Midnight Edition was only available in the ''Mosaic Black Metallic'' exterior color, while the Sport Edition was available with most of the other colors. The Midnight trim line went on sale in Mexico in September 2019.


Powertrain

The third-generation Equinox is available with up to three turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine choices. Gasoline engines are identical to the 2016 Malibu: a 1.5-liter unit that produces ( less than the 2.4-liter engine in the previous Equinox but more torque), or a 2.0-liter unit that produces ( less than the 3.6-liter V6 engine in the previous Equinox). The 2.0-liter engine was an option on the LT and Premier trims from 2018 to 2020, and models so equipped featured dual chrome exhaust tips, larger front brakes, the "2.0 T" badge on the liftgate, trailering equipment, and a 17-inch spare wheel. For the first time, a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel I4 engine that produces became available, but only on LT and Premier trims. The 2.0-liter unit is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the other two engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.


2022 refresh

On February 6, 2020, Chevrolet unveiled a refreshed Equinox at the
Chicago Auto Show The Chicago Auto Show is held annually in February at Chicago's McCormick Place convention center. It is the largest auto show in North America. Event History Samuel Miles, formerly a promoter of bicycle shows, produced the first "official" ...
. The updated vehicle sports a new front grille, which extends into the redesigned headlamps, along with a restyled lower fascia with different fog lamps. The rear also sees redesigned tail lamps and rear bumper. On the interior, the cloth seats are redesigned, featuring a zig-zag pattern instead of a honeycomb pattern, and all models now have wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and an auto stop-start deactivation switch. The trim levels changed slightly, with the RS joining the primary LS, LT, and Premier offerings. The sport/street-centric RS trim is set apart by its unique front and rear stylings, black exterior accents, black badges, "Dark Android" 19-inch wheels, and quad-tip exhaust. Inside, the sport-inspired crossover features black upholstery with red contrasting stitching and an RS-branded shift knob and front passenger seat tag. The base L trim level was dropped, making the LS trim level the base model. The Midnight and Sport editions were replaced by the new RS trim level, while the Redline edition was later offered, but on Premier instead of LT. The refreshed Equinox went on sale in the first quarter of 2021 as a 2022 model, a year later than originally planned because of the
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...
. The 2022 model was only available with the 1.5-liter ''LYX'' turbo inline-four. A 2.0-liter turbo inline-four did not return for the 2022 refresh. For 2023, the 1.5-liter ''LYX'' turbo inline-four was replaced by the 1.5-liter ''LSD'' turbo inline-four which adds a higher-pressure fuel system (from 20 MPa to 35 MPa), enhanced piston design with PVD coating, and precise intake phaser positioning optimizing efficiency which together contribute to a 5 hp increase to 175 hp over the ''LYX''. All Equinox models now featured electro-hydraulic brakes, and the Midnight and Sport editions returned on the LS trim. File:2022 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD in Summit White, Front Left, 12-25-2021.jpg, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD File:2022 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD in Summit White, Rear Right, 12-25-2021.jpg, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD File:Chevrolet Equinox III facelift IMG001 (cropped).jpg, 2021 Chevrolet Equinox RS (China)


Engines


Holden Equinox

Holden Holden, formerly known as General Motors-Holden, was an Australian subsidiary company of General Motors. Founded in Adelaide, it was an automobile manufacturer, importer, and exporter that sold cars under its own marque in Australia. It was ...
launched the Holden Equinox (EQ series) in
Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country comprising mainland Australia, the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and list of islands of Australia, numerous smaller isl ...
in November 2017, with the first cars arriving in Australia and New Zealand in December. It was available with a 1.5-liter
turbocharged In an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger (also known as a turbo or a turbosupercharger) is a forced induction device that is powered by the flow of exhaust gases. It uses this energy to compress the intake air, forcing more air into the ...
engine on the base LS and LS+ models, while the more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged model was available for all other models – LT, LTZ, and LTZ-V. The 1.6-liter
turbo-diesel The term turbo-diesel, also written as turbodiesel and turbo diesel, refers to any diesel engine equipped with a turbocharger. As with other engine types, turbocharging a diesel engine can significantly increase its efficiency and power output, ...
engine launched in 2018. It was produced at GM's
Ramos Arizpe assembly The Ramos Arizpe Assembly is a General Motors automobile factory in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico. It opened in 1981 and has manufactured Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, and Saab vehicles. It currently produc ...
facility in
Mexico Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in North America. It is the northernmost country in Latin America, and borders the United States to the north, and Guatemala and Belize to the southeast; while having maritime boundar ...
and replaced the Korean-built five-seat Captiva. The Australasian Equinox was sold alongside the seven-seat Holden Acadia, known as the
GMC Acadia The GMC Acadia is a crossover SUV manufactured by General Motors for its GMC division. The first-generation GMC Acadia shared the GM Lambda platform with the Saturn Outlook, the Chevrolet Traverse, and the Buick Enclave. The Acadia went on ...
in the Americas. On October 17, 2018, Holden halted orders on the Equinox because of slow sales and unsold inventory at its dealerships. The Holden Equinox was discontinued in 2020, along with the rest of the Holden lineup, following GM's decision to terminate the marque in Australia and New Zealand and withdraw from all
right-hand-drive Left-hand traffic (LHT) and right-hand traffic (RHT) are the practices, in bidirectional traffic, of keeping to the left side or to the right side of the road, respectively. They are fundamental to traffic flow, and are sometimes called the ' ...
markets because of poor sales and adequate investments not being returned for demand and funding needed continue to serve and remain present in right-hand-drive markets.


Safety


Fourth generation (2025)

Chevrolet unveiled the fourth-generation Equinox on January 23, 2024, for the 2025 model year. The model adopts a new electrical architecture and a new platform spun off the existing D2XX platform, called the VSS-S. It also carries over the 1.5-liter
turbocharged In an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger (also known as a turbo or a turbosupercharger) is a forced induction device that is powered by the flow of exhaust gases. It uses this energy to compress the intake air, forcing more air into the ...
four-cylinder gasoline engine used by the outgoing Equinox. Trim levels are reduced from four to three, which are LT, RS, and ACTIV, with each trim having its unique front fascia. The fourth-generation Equinox is built at the
San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí, officially the Free and Sovereign State of San Luis Potosí, is one of the 32 states which compose the Federal Entities of Mexico. It is divided in 59 municipalities and is named after its capital city, San Luis Potosí. It ...
plant in Mexico (alongside the GMC Terrain) and sales commenced in mid-2024. It is sold alongside the battery-electric powered Equinox EV. The Equinox shares similar exterior styling from the
Traverse Traverse may refer to: Places * Traverse, Michigan, an unincorporated community * Traverse City, Michigan * Traverse County, Minnesota, a county in Minnesota Other * Traverse (climbing), moving horizontally on a climbing or mountaineering route ...
, with its front fascia and shark-fin style C-pillar. It features all-LED lighting and for the first time, it is available with 20-inch alloy wheels. The Activ model features 17-inch machine-finished alloy wheels in all-terrain tires, an available white-colored roof option for a dual-tone exterior color, blacked badging, a unique front fascia with vertical grille inserts and gray metallic accents, a Maple Sugar and Black interior theme, and ACTIV logo stitched on front seat headrests. The interior has an 11-inch configurable Driver Information Center and an 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen system (30% larger screen compared to the previous model) that features Google built-in connected services; it has a similar screen layout to the Trax. The gear selector for the automatic transmission is now located on the steering wheel column which allows the drive mode selection dial to be placed in the center console, and the physical headlight controls were omitted to reduce microchip usage. The 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine is carried over from its predecessor, with the option of FWD and AWD drivetrains. GM has dropped the 6-speed automatic transmission; instead, the FWD models use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) while the AWD models use an eight-speed automatic transmission. For the first time, the Equinox features drive mode selection on the RS and ACTIV trims. For 2026, the drive mode selection feature became standard on all models. File:2025 Chevrolet Equinox, rear 12.10.24.jpg, Rear view File:2025 Chevrolet Equinox Activ (United States) front view.jpg, Equinox Activ File:2025 Chevrolet Equinox interior.jpg, Interior


China

The fourth-generation Equinox also debuted in March 2024 in China, where it is marketed as the Equinox Plus to differentiate it from the previous generation. It is only available as a
plug-in hybrid A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or simply plug-in hybrid is a type of hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a rechargeable battery pack that can be directly replenished via a charging cable plugged into an external electric power so ...
vehicle, powered by a similar 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.


Equinox EV

The
battery-electric A battery electric vehicle (BEV), pure electric vehicle, only-electric vehicle, fully electric vehicle or all-electric vehicle is a type of electric vehicle (EV) that uses electrical energy exclusively from an on-board battery pack to power ...
version of the Equinox was introduced in January 2022 in a set of artist impression images at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and went on sale in 2024 for the 2024 model year. It received a completely separate design and underpinnings to the
ICE Ice is water that is frozen into a solid state, typically forming at or below temperatures of 0 ° C, 32 ° F, or 273.15 K. It occurs naturally on Earth, on other planets, in Oort cloud objects, and as interstellar ice. As a naturally oc ...
-powered Equinox. The vehicle is equipped with GM
Ultium Ultium is an electric vehicle battery and Electric motor, motor architecture developed by General Motors. It is being deployed for battery electric vehicles from General Motors portfolio brands along with vehicles from Honda and Acura. Ultium ...
batteries shared with other GM battery electric vehicles.


Fuel cell version

The Chevrolet Equinox
Fuel Cell Vehicle A fuel cell vehicle (FCV) or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) is an electric vehicle that uses a fuel cell, sometimes in combination with a small battery or supercapacitor, to power its onboard electric motor. Fuel cells in vehicles generate el ...
uses
hydrogen Hydrogen is a chemical element; it has chemical symbol, symbol H and atomic number 1. It is the lightest and abundance of the chemical elements, most abundant chemical element in the universe, constituting about 75% of all baryon, normal matter ...
for fuel with water as its only exhaust. The Equinox Fuel Cell uses the fourth-generation hydrogen technology found in the
Chevrolet Sequel The Chevrolet Sequel was a purpose-built hydrogen fuel cell-powered concept car and sport utility vehicle from Chevrolet, employing the then-latest generation of General Motors' fuel cell technology. The Sequel's powertrain included an electroni ...
concept, which was unveiled in September 2009. The fuel cell is designed for only of driving, but is engineered to be operable in sub-freezing temperatures throughout its life. GM states that the Equinox Fuel Cell is about heavier than the original Equinox and has one inch shorter ground clearance. To reduce weight, it has aluminum doors and a carbon fiber hood. It uses headlights from the
Pontiac Torrent The Pontiac Torrent is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by General Motors for the 2006 to 2009 model years. A replacement for the Pontiac Aztek, Aztek, it was a mildly restyled version of the first-generation Chevrolet Equinox. The Torrent shar ...
. A dashboard mounted screen calculates the fuel savings to that of a gasoline-powered Equinox. It also includes a kilowatt meter and a fuel cell energy display. The fuel cell has four vapor outlets that replace the exhaust pipe. Three
carbon-fiber Carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (American English), carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers (Commonwealth English), carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, carbon-fiber reinforced-thermoplastic (CFRP, CRP, CFRTP), also known as carbon fiber, carbon compo ...
fuel tanks store up to a maximum of 9.25
pound Pound or Pounds may refer to: Units * Pound (currency), various units of currency * Pound sterling, the official currency of the United Kingdom * Pound (mass), a unit of mass * Pound (force), a unit of force * Rail pound, in rail profile * A bas ...
s (4.2 kg) of gaseous hydrogen at 10,000 psi (70
MPa MPA or mPa may refer to: Academia Academic degrees * Master of Performing Arts * Master of Professional Accountancy * Master of Public Administration * Master of Public Affairs Schools * Mesa Preparatory Academy * Morgan Park Academy * M ...
), and give the Equinox a range of . The Equinox Fuel Cell is certified by the EPA as a
zero-emission vehicle A zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) is a vehicle that does not emit exhaust gas or other pollutants from the onboard source of power. The California definition also adds that this includes under any and all possible operational modes and conditions. Th ...
(ZEV). GM built 115 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles and deployed them in 2007–2008 in several target areas including New York and California as part of a comprehensive plan dubbed "Project Driveway". The Equinox Fuel Cell includes safety features such as ABS,
traction control system A traction control system (TCS), is typically (but not necessarily) a secondary function of the electronic stability control (ESC) on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction (i.e., wheelspin) of the driven road wheels. TC ...
, and GM's
OnStar OnStar Corporation is a subsidiary of General Motors that provides subscription-based telecommunication, communications, in-vehicle security, emergency services, turn-by-turn navigation, and remote diagnostics systems throughout the United States, ...
telematics service, which offers drivers advice on operating the vehicles as well as information on nearby hydrogen filling stations. The vehicle complies with all 2007 federal safety standards.


Performance

''
Motor Trend ''Motor Trend'' is an American automobile magazine. It first appeared in September 1949, and designated the first Car of the Year, also in 1949. Petersen Publishing Company in Los Angeles published ''Motor Trend'' until 1998, when it was sold ...
'' assessed the vehicle's performance as nearly the same as the 3.6-liter gasoline-powered equivalent, while bemoaning the dearth of high-pressure hydrogen filling stations near Riverside, California, in 2008.


Natural gas version

In 2013, Nat G CNG Solutions and AGA Systems announced that it had begun offering a
Compressed Natural Gas Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a fuel gas mainly composed of methane (CH4), compressed to less than 1% of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of , usually in ...
(CNG) version of the Chevrolet Equinox and the
GMC Terrain The GMC Terrain is a crossover SUV by American manufacturer General Motors under its GMC (automobile), GMC marque. Sharing its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox, the first-generation Terrain was built on GM's GM Theta platform, Theta platfor ...
using the 2.4-liter direct-injected engine. The natural gas version is a "bi-fuel" CNG vehicle, meaning that it can run on either gasoline or natural gas, giving it extended range. The Terrain/Equinox were the first direct-injection natural gas vehicles ever approved by the US EPA. Silver Eagle Distributors, a distributor of
Anheuser-Busch Anheuser-Busch Companies, LLC ( ) is an American brewing company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Since 2008, it has been wholly owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV (AB InBev), now the world's largest brewing company, which owns multiple ...
products, was the launch customer for the natural gas version with an initial order of up to 100 of the natural gas GMC Terrains.
CenterPoint Energy CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is an American utility company based in Houston, Texas, that provides electric and natural gas utility to customers in several markets in the American states of Indiana, Ohio, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, and Tex ...
was an early customer of the natural gas Chevy Equinox.


CNG configurations

The CNG version was available as a newly purchased Equinox through select dealers or as a retrofit on 2013 and 2014 models. Nat G CNG Solutions offered the vehicle in two options: a two-seater "cargo version" and a five-seat "passenger version." The cargo version has an 837-mile combined gasoline / natural gas (9.2 GGE of CNG) while the passenger version has a 775-mile combined highway range (6.8 GGE of CNG).


Emissions and performance

The companies claimed that the natural gas version had tested at the EPA lab at highway on natural gas and had achieved a Bin 3 emissions equivalent to the
Toyota Prius The is a Compact car, compact/small family car, small family liftback (supermini/subcompact sedan (car), sedan until 2003) produced by Toyota. The Prius has a Hybrid vehicle drivetrain, hybrid drivetrain, combined with an internal combustion ...
.


Electric conversion

Amp Electric Vehicles Workhorse Group Incorporated, originally AMP Electric Vehicles, is an original equipment manufacturer and technology company headquartered in Sharonville, Ohio, U.S. Workhorse makes commercial electric vehicles and telematics software designe ...
has sold an
all-electric An electric vehicle (EV) is a motor vehicle whose propulsion is powered fully or mostly by electricity. EVs encompass a wide range of transportation modes, including road and rail vehicles, electric boats and submersibles, electric aircraft a ...
conversion of the Chevrolet Equinox. It sold its first converted Equinox to
Dayton Power & Light DPL Inc. (aka DP&L Inc.) is a subsidiary of AES Corporation. Through its subsidiary AES Ohio (formerly The Dayton Power and Light Company, and DPL Energy Resources), DP&L sells to, and generates electricity for, a customer base of over 500,000 pe ...
, and had a five-year, thousand-SUV order from Northern Lights Energy in
Iceland Iceland is a Nordic countries, Nordic island country between the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge between North America and Europe. It is culturally and politically linked with Europe and is the regi ...
.


Sales


Equinox


Pontiac Torrent


References


External links

* {{Authority control 2000s cars 2010s cars 2020s cars All-wheel-drive vehicles Cars introduced in 2004
Equinox A solar equinox is a moment in time when the Sun appears directly above the equator, rather than to its north or south. On the day of the equinox, the Sun appears to rise directly east and set directly west. This occurs twice each year, arou ...
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