2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Press release

Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2010 Equinox, a compact crossover that blends distinctive design with outstanding efficiency. A new, 2.4L direct injection engine helps the Equinox deliver expected best-in-segment estimated highway fuel economy of 30 mpg (EPA certification pending) – a 25-percent improvement over the previous model. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the efficient, 2.4L engine.

The new Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover; and like those vehicles, the new Equinox complements its styling with attention to detail and unexpected features, according to Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet.

The Equinox makes its world debut at the North American Auto Show in Detroit next month.

“At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers,” said 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 2010 Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive. Two new engines are offered, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:

• New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (135 kW), which delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
• New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
• Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups
• Six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags
• Standard four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control
• Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio
• “Smart” remote starting system that also activates the HVAC system and optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature

“With the 2010 Equinox, we focused on appealing to the senses – from the overall design to the feel of the interior,” said Peper.

Design details

The design features Chevy’s signature global face – the two-tier grille and prominent gold Bowtie insignia. Strong fender shapes, a distinctive premium roofline, wraparound headlamps and dual round taillamps are additional elements that define Equinox as a true Chevrolet, Peper said.

“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.”

Additional design features include:

A multi-dimensional hood and wraparound rear side glass and a wheels-at-the-corners stance
Improved aerodynamic performance through a number of carefully designed exterior features, including moving the base of the windshield forward approximately three inches (75 mm) for a sleeker profile

Equinox’s rocker panels are integrated into the doors to make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. They narrow the area over which a passenger must step, offering protection for pant legs that could brush against dirty rockers. Also, the select use of chrome trim and flush-fitting ”exposed-edge” windshield and rear glass reinforce Equinox’s build quality and reduce wind noise.

Dimensionally, the Equinox rides on the same 112.5-inch wheelbase (2,857 mm), but is about one inch (25 mm) shorter in length and an inch wider. It also has a wider front track that enhances the ride and handling.

Interior amenities, storage and flexibility

Inside, the Equinox features attention to detail – including a number of storage bins, such as an oversized glove box; a closed storage bin in the instrument panel above the center stack; and closed storage under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer.

A “floating” center stack houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls. Contemporary, ice-blue ambient lighting – featured within and surrounding the center stack, encircling the center-console cupholders and within the door pull cups – accentuates the cabin. The front and rear seats, which include cloth and uplevel, perforated leather-trimmed offerings, were developed to help deliver best-in-class comfort.

The new Equinox retains its MultiFlex rear seat capability, which allows the seat to be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (203 mm), for the best rear legroom in its class. With the 60/40-split-back rear seat moved all the way forward, the cargo area offers 31.4 cubic feet (889 liters) of storage.

The Equinox’s cabin is notable for its quietness. Noise-absorbing elements are built into the chassis, engine compartment and interior.

Convenience, infotainment and connectivity

A variety of technologies are integrated in the Equinox, such as an available seven-inch touch-screen navigation system. Additional features also include:

• Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
• USB audio connectivity
• DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens to enable DVD viewing on one and gaming on the other
• Internal memory/hard drive on uplevel radios for storing audio selections
• Power, programmable rear liftgate
• Rear-vision camera system, with display in the rearview mirror or in the navigation screen
• Range of premium-feature audio systems with up to eight speakers and 250 watts of output

Chassis and suspension

The 2010 Equinox is built on a body-integral structure with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. Those elements form the foundation of a solid, quiet driving experience, according to Peper. The strong structure enabled engineers to tune the four-wheel-independent suspension system for greater control and driver feedback.

Standard and available features include:

• Available all wheel drive
• Family of 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels
• Fuel-saving electric power steering system

The rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency of on 2.4L-equipped models that saves nearly 11 miles per tank of gas, or about 572 miles per year (assuming one fill-up per week). With the Equinox’s estimated 30 mpg on the highway, the electric power steering system saves the equivalent of approximately one tank of gas each year.

“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,” said Tim Herrick, chief engineer. “I have to pull the keys out of their hands in order to take it for a spin myself.”

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Specifications

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Chassis/Suspension

Wheels

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Prices

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Competitors and press reviews

"There are all sorts of features available, ranging from DVD entertainment systems to a power tailgate that can be programmed to open to a particular height. But where it shines is in interior room. The Equinox rear-seat legroom simply dwarfs that of similarly priced competitors like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. The Equinox’s long-wheelbase, larger overall size (while retaining good fuel economy) will make it a compelling choice for the practical-minded small families who buy small crossover vehicles. The Equinox simply brings more utility and comfort to this class than has been available before." (Popular Mechanics)

"Sharp handling isn’t a priority for most shoppers in this segment, and Chevy’s engineers have clearly taken this fact to heart. The Equinox is quite simply out of its element when the road turns twisty, unlike the rival CR-V. Even under ordinary conditions, the Equinox’s high beltline and cowl rob it of the commanding perch that SUV drivers value so, making it feel more like an elevated wagon. The absence of that "king of the road" driving position could stick in some shoppers’ craws." (Edmunds)

"The drive is what’s important to us and here the Theta-platformed Equinox delivers like its Japanese competitors don’t. Despite the Michelin low rolling resistance tires, road feel is actually not too bad, body control is excellent for the segment, pushing the vehicle further into the territory of car-like feel than its predecessor. Understeer comes on a bit abruptly, but let’s be honest here, this rig ain’t going to see an autocross course any time soon. Shifting isn’t exactly a drama-filled experience, but it’s not hunting for gears and getting in the way. As with most recent GM autoboxes, you can manually control it with a shifter-mounted rocker switch. If you’re in a sporting (but not too sporting, this is a compact SUV) mood, running up to the 7,000 RPM rev limiter is pretty fun and far more exciting than mashing the gas and waiting for a downshift. Steering is electronically boosted, but not overly light." (Jalopnik)

"One of the nicest features is that when you double click the key fob to unlock the doors, the Equinox will automatically lower all four windows, allowing fresh air to flow throughout the cabin, once you climb inside and turn the key you will see that the Equinox is a great car to drive around town with its elevated seating position and comfortable suspension setup while the power of the V6 makes long highway drives absolutely no problem at all." (TopSpeed)

Competitors

Honda CR-V

The 2010 Honda CR-V is priced at $21,545. It gets a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 161 lb-ft.City/highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings increase to 21/28 miles per gallon1 (mpg) on 2WD models and 21/27 mpg1 on models equipped with Real Time™ 4WD - an increase of 1 mpg in both city and highway driving on all models.

Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe has just made its debut. It is powered by either a 2.4 Liter DOHC Theta II four cylinder rated at 175 HP and 169 lb-ft of torque as well as a 3.5 Liter DOHC Lambda II V6 engine making 276 HP and 248 lb-ft. Prices are to be announced.

Toyota RAV4

The 2010 RAV4 is offered in three distinct grades – Base, Sport and top-of-the-line Limited – and with a choice between the 2.5-liter four-cylinder or the V6 engine. The 2.5-liter engine produces 179 hp at 6,000 RPM, along with 172 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 RPM. The 3.5-liter V6 develops 269 hp at 6,200 RPM and 246 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,700 RPM. Prices for the 2010 Toyota RAv-$ start at $21,675.

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Equinox is the perfect new car to consider if you have a growing family and have to trade in your sports car for something more practical. If you are looking for something with more cargo capacity, room for the kids and all their soccer equipment without having to upgrade to a full size SUV then the Equinox is a good bet for you.

However, the Equinox won’t set any performance records, and if you are a stickler for fine finishes then Chevrolet’s attempt to distract your eyes with a few nice touches like the two tone seats and red stitching in the steering wheel, but in the end, the Equinox’s design team’s choice of materials left a bit more to be desired.