Revised: October 16, 2023
The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact, two-row crossover utility vehicle with room for five. Introduced in 2005, the Equinox was the first crossover SUV sold by Chevrolet. Shoppers of older models will find diesel and V6 engine choices available some years.
Chronicling the Changes
2024 – Limited changes this year, incorporating new color choices and an expanded driver assist safety technology package.
2023 – The standard engine now has an additional 5 horsepower. Moreover, Midnight and Sport edition packages have been added to the options list, as part of the third Equinox generation introduced in 2018.
2022 – This year’s model reflects a mid-product-cycle update, with a refreshed front fascia including new LED lighting and a crisp grille. A sporty RS grade joins the model range.
2021 – Chevrolet drops the 2.0-liter engine. Only the 1.5-liter turbo four remains.
2020 – After two years, the diesel option disappears. Expanded safety equipment and amenities shuffling round out the changes.
2019 – The third generation of Chevrolet’s infotainment system rolls out. Adaptive cruise control becomes available.
2018 – Completely overhauled as Chevrolet launches the Equinox’s third generation. This model is smaller and lighter than any Equinox to date. It also features three turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including a turbodiesel. New and expanded tech features including smartphone integration, touchscreen display, and an infotainment interface are offered.
Third-Generation Chevrolet Equinox
2017 – For its eighth and final year, the second-generation Equinox sees light changes.
2016 – Updated front and rear fascias with new lighting elements including available LED daytime running lights are new. Equipment upgrades, including making a 7-inch touchscreen display and a rearview camera standard are other changes of note.
2015 – A new L grade rolls out. OnStar adds 4G LTE connectivity along with a Wi-Fi hotspot.
2014 – This year’s model is largely carried over.
2013 – A 3.6-liter V6 returns, replacing the previous 3.0-liter V6. Expanded tech and comfort features complete the changes.
2012 – Most models now come with a rearview camera. Forward collision warning and lane-departure warning are options on select grades.
2011 – Trim shuffling and expanded amenities mark this model. This includes “directions and connections” added to OnStar. The V6 gains E85 capability.
2010 – A full redesign this year inaugurates the second-generation model. A more sophisticated exterior separates this model from the competition. The Equinox remains the roomiest model in the segment, although its cargo capacity is average. A new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine takes over as the base motor, delivering best-in-class fuel economy. The previous V6 is gone, replaced by one displacing 3.0 liters.
Second-Generation Chevrolet Equinox
2009 – For the final year of this first-generation model, the Equinox receives satellite radio and side curtain airbags. Bluetooth joins the options list.
2008 – Two new grades roll out this year: LTZ and Sport, the latter with 264 horsepower and a sport-tuned suspension system. OnStar comes to all grades.
2007 – Four-wheel disc brakes, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system are added this year. Newly available equipment, such as navigation and remote start, roll out.
2006 – Light changes accompany the Equinox for its second year. Notably, anti-lock brakes are standard across the model line.
2005 – Upon its debut, the Chevrolet Equinox was the largest model in the compact segment. In effect, it straddled the compact and midsize segments. It also came with a V6 engine in a segment where the inline-four was standard and a V6 optional if available.
First-Generation Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Equinox Considerations
Chevrolet introduced the Equinox in 2005 along with the Pontiac Torrent. Both models represented GM’s initial foray into the compact crossover SUV segment. The Pontiac is gone as is the Dodge Journey, Saturn VUE, and the Mazda Tribute.
Today, the two-row compact crossover segment is comprised of numerous competitors. These models include the Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, GMC Terrain, Jeep Compass, Honda CR-V, and the Ford Escape. In addition, the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Buick Envision, Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Mazda CX-5 and CX-50 are other models to compare.
See Also — The Chevrolet Equinox Shows Its Versatility
Photo Attribution
Photo copyright GM Corp.
By Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
By Kevauto – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons. Wikipedia Commons
