The Chevrolet Equinox is the Fleet SUV of the 12 months. In a discipline with twice as many autos, extra mannequin choices, and a dizzying array of equipment and options, the Equinox stands out as a dependable and modern car for contemporary fleets.
Basic Motors
All the time the quiet ones, the wallflowers, the je ne sais quoi of the sprawling SUV discipline. The equinox happens twice per yr when the solar crosses the celestial equator, completely balancing night time and day; it’s onerous to name something in any car completely balanced, however the Equinox endures by means of a interval of provide constraints, financial hardship, and a extra vital (and demanding) market and public eye than ever. It’s the Fleet SUV of the 12 months.
The solar is setting on the third era as Chevrolet revealed the new-look Equinox in February 2020 on the Chicago Auto Present. That includes a brand new entrance grille, redesigned headlamps, taillamps, and rear bumper, the Equinox is on the market in 5 trims: L, LS, LT, Premier, and RS. Initially slated for much less choices, the overwhelming success of GM’s SUV classes prompted extra choices for shoppers and fleets in all places.
“Buyer selection is a aggressive benefit for Chevrolet,” stated Steve Majoros, vp, Chevrolet advertising and marketing, in a press launch for the Equinox, “and particular editions and distinctive trims permit us to supply prospects the customized look they need straight from the manufacturing facility.”
Regardless of the outside adjustments, not a lot modified beneath the hood of final yr’s Equinox from the earlier version, however this wasn’t due to waning recognition; as an alternative, the pandemic shuttered Equinox manufacturing. Like many producers, GM selected to chop some options as an alternative of including to the favored SUV, and the elective turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine was dropped from the mannequin lineup.
With a gas tank capability of 14.9 gallons on the FWD model and 15.6 on the AWD, the Equinox sports activities a strong mileage score of 26 miles per gallon within the metropolis and breaches 30 miles per gallon on the freeway, making the SUV some of the fuel-efficient on the highway in a aggressive class. The 1.5L turbo DOHC engine options direct gas injection and 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and 203 lb.-ft. torque at 2,000-4,000 rpm. A Hydra-Matic six-speed transmission strikes the car atop a MacPherson strut and four-link unbiased rear suspension, providing 1,500-pound trailering capability and a max cargo quantity of 63.9 cubic ft, combining a few of the energy of the mid-size truck class with more room than most sedans can provide. A Chevrolet logo-projection liftgate and exterior heated and power-adjustable mirrors with built-in flip sign indicators assist anchor the Equinox as a tech-forward, modern car.
Like many SUVs, the Equinox balances energy and luxury with clean six-speed automated gear adjustments and pinpoint steering response atop 17- and 18-inch normal wheels, with the bigger 19-inch accessible as an choice on all fashions.
Inside, cupholders abound—particularly in increased trim ranges—and the inside is anchored by a 7.0-inch shade touchscreen (8.0 inches is on the market) within the middle of the dashboard. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system options lots of the normal bells and whistles one expects with a recent sensible car and wi-fi integration; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come normal in addition to Bluetooth and audio streaming, USB connectivity, and an auxiliary enter jack. The Equinox options onboard Wi-Fi, serving to it stand out amongst many different crossovers and SUVs that lack the identical.
From a security perspective, the Equinox rivals most SUVs on the highest degree. It garnered a five-star award from the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA). The Equinox options normal automated emergency braking, lane-assist, and automated high-beam headlamps, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning. Adaptive cruise management is elective.
