The five-seat Chevrolet Equinox small SUV has been on sale in its current form for six model years. At that age, a car is typically due for a full redesign, but that’s not what the Equinox gets for the 2016 model year. Instead, Chevrolet said in a statement that it has “contemporized” the Equinox with new styling and more features like a newly standard backup camera.
The base L trim level is only available with front-wheel drive, but LS, LT and LTZ trims can have all-wheel drive. Like its predecessor, the 2016 Equinox is powered by a standard four-cylinder engine or an available V-6. It hits dealerships this fall.
New front-end styling is the 2016 Equinox’s most significant exterior update. All trim levels get new projector-beam headlights, and the new twin-port grille has a larger lower opening and a slimmer body-colored bar. LT and LTZ trim levels add LED daytime running lights, and the LTZ has new fog lights.
Chevrolet has also reworked the Equinox’s taillights, and the chrome exhaust tips on V-6 models are new. Restyled 17- and 18-inch aluminum wheels are offered.
The Equinox’s center control panel has a new storage shelf, and a 7-inch touch-screen stereo is now standard; LT and LTZ trim levels add Chevrolet’s MyLink multimedia system. OnStar with 4G LTE internet connectivity is available; it turns the Equinox into a rolling Wi-Fi hot spot whenever the SUV is running. A three-month/3-gigabyte data trial is included.
In recognition of the increasing use of tablets for in-car entertainment, the Equinox can be fitted with a tablet holder. The dealer accessory attaches to the back of the front seats and is designed to accommodate a variety of devices.
A 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard while a 301-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 is available. Both engines drive a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Equinox includes federally mandated front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system. Available safety features include a blind spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning and lane departure warning.
