The Chevrolet Equinox made its debut as the company’s new compact SUV->ke145 in 2005, and underwent its first generational overhaul in 2010. Now that we’re set to pass the halfway point of the 2010s, Chevrolet->ke199 is set to unveil a refreshed version of the second-generation Equinox for the 2016 model year. This new Equinox debuted on February 12, 2015.

There is a lot to take in from this refresh, despite it being more of an evolution of the existing model. What appears to be the goal with this update is an injection of youthfulness to a model that already does pretty well in terms of overall sales. Given it competes in one of the hottest segments in the automotive world, it is no surprise that Chevy was careful in what it changed while still making it noticeably new.

Updated 02/13/2015: We've added a series of images taken during the 2016 Equinox official debut at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show. Check the new images in the "Pictures" tab.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox.

chevrolet-equinox

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: chevrolet-equinox
Pros
Cons

2016 Chevrolet Equinox

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 182
  • Torque: 172
Pros
Cons

Updated History

Updated 02/12/2015: Chevrolet unveiled the new 2016 Equinox at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.->ke225 Click past the jump to read the official details on it.

Exterior

The changes made to the 2016 Equinox are not overwhelming, but they are certainly noticeable. The front end is where you’ll see most of the changes, including new projector headlights, LED signature lighting and daytime running lights on LT and LTZ models, new fog lights on LTZ models, and an updated grille that is larger than the 2015 model. On the upscale LT and LTZ trims, the new grille also gets an exclusive chrome trim.

From the side, pretty much everything remains unchanged, save for updated 17- and 18-inch wheels that are standard on the LT and LTZ trims, respectively. The updated 17-inch rollers are also optional on the LS trim.

Around back, the updates are a little lighter, but still fairly obvious. These include new dual-element taillights, a new license plate applique, a new lower bumper insert that houses revised exhaust exits on V-6 models, and a new chrome strip on the lower bumper insert on the LTZ trim.

Even with these updates for the 2016 model year, the Equinox remains a very familiar SUV. Its roof line, hood, and general proportions are all carryover from 2015. This is all not likely to change until Chevy releases the next-generation model, which will probably be a good while.

Side-by-side comparison

Interior

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While the updates on the outside are noticeable, the interior changes require closer inspection. The center stack has a slightly different look, thanks to a new storage shelf for holding your gadgets and updated control graphics. The gear shifter also gains a little class with nw-for-2015 chrome trimming, while the Electronic Range Selector buttons are now on top of the gear shifter. Additionally, Chevy added one new color option, Saddle Up, to the interior and upgraded fabric to the L and LS trims.

On the technical side of things, the Equinox now has a standard 7-inch Color Touch radio that also includes a standard rearview camera on L and LS trims. Also added in is optional side blind zone alert and rear cross-traffic alert on LT and LTZ trims.

Size-wise, the interior remains the same as the 2015 model, including its respectable 31.4 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubes with the seats folded down.

Drivetrain

In the engine compartment there are no changes. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder powerplant remains the base offering. This engine produces 182 horsepower at 6,700 rpm and 172 pound-feet of torque at 4,900 rpm. The optional engine will remain the 3.6-liter V-6 that cranks out 301 horses and 272 pound-feet. Both engines mate to a six-speed auto transmission that delivers power to the front wheels as standard and all four wheels as an option.

Fuel economy numbers will be released later, but I expect the same at 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined with the 2.4-liter and front-wheel drive, and 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined with the V-6 and front-wheel drive. Adding all-wheel drive drops the four-cylinder to 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, while the V-6 with all-wheel drive falls to 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

2.4-liter four-cylinder

3.6-liter V-6

Output

182 HP

301 HP

Torque

172 LB-FT

272 LB-FT


Prices

In 2015, the Equinox bases at $24,520 and I don’t expect a huge hike. Look for the 2016 model to tack maybe another $50 to $1,000 to the current price tag.

Competition

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is the champ in this segment, besting all by a fairly wide sales gap in 2014. Not only does it offer legendary Honda build quality, but it also starts at just $24,445 and was heavily revised for the 2015 model year.

Under its hood, the 2015 CR-V comes packing a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that puts down 185 horses and 181 pound-feet of torque. Like the Equinox, you can have your CR-V with front- or all-wheel drive. The CR-V pretty handily trumps the Equinox four-cylinder's gas mileage, at 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, but it has no V-6 option for those who want a little extra oomph.

In terms of roominess, the CR-V does give up a bit in rear legroom, at 38.3 inches, but its 35.2 cubes of cargo room with the seats up easy beats the Equinox’s 31.5 cubic feet.

Ford Escape

The Ford Escape was the only compact SUV that challenged the CR-V’s sales title in 2014, but even it came up nearly 30,000 units short. The Focus was the second-best in the class for a slew of reasons, and one of them has to be its sporty appearance.

On top of those looks comes an engine lineup that gives buffet-like options to potential buyers. The base unit is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 168 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, and manages 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Above that is the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that lays down 178 horses and 184 pound-feet of torque while getting 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. The range-topping unit is the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that puts down a mighty 240 horses and 270 pound-feet of twist. This engine may only manage to deliver 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, but its seven-second 0-to-60 time makes up for that.

Another thing the Escape has going for it is the fact that it carries a base MSRP of just $22,690, and moving into the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine bumps the price to only $24,860. And if you really need V-6-like power, you can jump into the 2.0-liter EcoBoost for just $26,355.

Conclusion

When you have as much success as the Equinox had in 2014 despite its old-looking body, you do your best not to change too much. I think Chevy did a nice job injecting some youth into the aging SUV without going so far that buyers don’t recognize it. Now all GM needs to do is get with the program and offer it with the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.