Chevrolet Equinox (Canada, 2010-present)

The second generation Equinox debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and went on sale in 2009.

It comes with a pair of new gasoline direct injection engines. The new 2.4-liter straight-4 engine produces 182 hp (136 kW) and the 3.0-liter V6 engine produces 264 hp (197 kW). Both powertrains come with six-speed automatics and optional all-wheel-drive systems. 

Updates for the 2012 model year are mainly regarding the assistancce systems:

- Available Chevrolet MyLink Connectivity (interim availability)

- Rear-vision camera standard on 1LT

- Seven-inch color touch screen radio with USB port standard on 1LT, 2LT and LTZ

- Bluetooth for phone (via OnStar) including steering wheel with redundant controls standard on LS

- 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels available on 2LT and LTZ

- Blind spot mirrors standard on all models

- Lane departure warning and forward collision alert available on LTZ (when equipped with V-6 engine)

- FlexFuel capability available on 2.4L engines with federal emissions

Exterior

The 2009 Equinox sports Chevrolet’s signature global face – the two-tier grille and prominent gold bowtie insignia combines with fender shapes, roofline, wraparound headlamps and dual round taillamps.

Aaerodynamic performance was improved through a number of features, including a sleeker profile that was achieved by moving the base of the windshield three inches forward. Integrated rocker panels make getting in and out of the Equinox easier.

Interior

The Chevrolet MyLink (interim availability) is an in-car infotainment package that integrates online services such as Pandora® Internet Radio and Stitcher SmartRadio® using hands-free voice and touch-screen controls via Bluetooth® device connectivity for select smart phones.

Standard blind-spot mirrors on all models and rear camera standard on the 1LT model improve visibility. A lane departure warning system and forward collision alert are available on LTZ when equipped with the 3.0L V-6 engine.

A seven-inch color touch screen radio with USB port is standard on 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. It supports multiple functions and includes an album art display. A seven-inch color touch screen navigation system with SD card maps and USB is available on 2LT and LTZ.

Family-friendly features include several storage bins, an oversized glove box, a closed storage under the center armrest big enough to accommodate a laptop computer, four 12-volt power outlets and eight cup and bottle holders.

A smart remote starting system that also activates the climate control system, with optional heated seats depending on outside temperature. Floating center stack houses ergonomic comfort and convenience controls.

Ice-blue ambient lighting accentuates key areas of the cabin and provides an upscale look and feel.

Standard MultiFlex rear seat capability allows the seats to be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (203 mm) for rear legroom. 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.

Rear programmable power liftgate and memory driver seat and mirror system are standard on LTZ.

Range of standard and available audio systems, including a Pioneer Premium System with up to eight speakers and 250 watts of output.

Standard OnStar with Directions and Connections navigation and SiriusXM Satellite Radio with limited free service.

Noise-absorbing elements in the chassis, engine compartment and interior and windshield glass. 2.4L models feature an Active Noise Cancellation system that contributes quietness and improved fuel economy.

The Equinox is built on a body-integral structure with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. The structure has a four-wheel independent suspension system for greater control and driver feedback.

Rack-mounted electronic power steering is availale on 2.4L-equipped models; hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering on 3.0L V-6-equipped models. All-wheel drive is optional.

Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control and rollover mitigation technology help keeps the vehicle in its intended path in the event of an emergency maneuver. Trailering anti-sway control and hill hold assist feature. Standard four-wheel anti-lock brakes with traction control and electronic brake force distribution to help maximize braking performance.

Both the standard Ecotec 2.4L engine and available 3.0L V-6 in the Chevrolet Equinox feature direct injection and continuously variable valve timing technology.

The standard 2.4L Ecotec direct-injected I-4 engine delivers 182 horsepower (136 kW) with highway fuel economy of 32 mpg (on FWD version) and up to 600 miles of highway-only cruising range per tank. E85 FlexFuel capability is available on vehicles with federal emissions.

The 3.0L direct-injected V-6 engine is rated at 264 horsepower (197 kW) with EPA-estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg (FWD version.) On vehicles with federal emissions, the engine can operate on E85 ethanol, regular unleaded fuel or a combination of both.

A six-speed automatic transmission with an “Eco” mode on 2.4L-equipped models alters shift points to improve fuel economy.

The Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a number of safety features designed to avoid crashes or protect occupants in the event of one. These features include:

Three-point safety belts in all seating positions and six standard air bags including dual frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax front seat-mounted side air bags.

Standard four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and rollover mitigation. The StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control and rollover mitigation is designed to improve vehicle stability on most road surfaces, especially during emergency maneuvers.

Daytime running lamps to make the Equinox more visible to other drivers and to pedestrians. A rear-vision camera helps drivers identify objects behind the vehicle and the solid structure includes strategic applications of high-strength steel to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Finally, the Equinox has a standard tire pressure monitoring system.