For the 2016 model year, the Chevrolet Equinox gets new styling that features a redesigned front and some updates to the interior. Also new are the 17 and 18-inch wheel designs. But fear not if you liked the previous version of the Equinox, because this is not a radical departure from that styling.
This compact crossover SUV seats five people in two rows of seating. It's pretty comfortable given its compact body styling, with front seating having ample head and leg room. Rear seats are best for kids or shorter folks, but it's not too cramped back there.
Chevy has added the 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability standard via OnStar on this model of the Equinox. That has become a popular feature that enables users to get online anytime, anywhere. In fact, when Chevy showed this model to a group of journalists recently in Solvang, Calif., one of the reporters got an urgent message from her editor that she needed to file a story ASAP. The beautiful ranch setting that we were visiting made for a peaceful and scenic venue, but high tech it was not. It was very difficult to get a mobile phone signal or Internet access.
No problem, Chevy officials said. They used the Wi-Fi hotspot capability of one of the Equinoxes that was on display, allowing the reporter to boot up her laptop in the back seat, and next thing you know, she's filing her story right on deadline.
Chevy retains the powertrains of the Equinox from the last version, featuring two engine choices: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 182 horsepower or a 3.6-liter V-6 that makes 301 ponies. We did not get a chance to drive the latter, but we can say with all confidence that the four-banger is plenty powerful. In fact, when we drove one of the four-bangers, a Chevy official riding along said that it was the six-cylinder, and we were totally convinced he was right, until we got back to the ranch and checked out the vehicle's paperwork and saw that it was, in fact, a four-cylinder.
The only transmission in the Equinox is a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with an optional all-wheel drive system available. Gas mileage is rated at 22 mpg city, 32 highway for the four-cylinder and 20 and 29 for the V-6.
On the inside, there is a newly added storage self in the center console and a new graphic system in the infotainment program. There are also optional tablet holders that hang over the front seats, allowing passengers in the back seats to play games or watch videos. On the outside, the front end gets a grille that is more prominent and on LT and LTZ models there are LED daytime running lights and optional large fog lights. Other options include power liftgate and power sunroof.
Equinox trim levels for the 2016 model year come in L, LS, LT, and LTZ categories. They each come with different levels of available options such as navigation, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and leather upholstery.
The Equinox starts at around $23,000 and tops out right near $33,000.
For a practical crossover SUV that would be suitable for small families, the Equinox is filling an important market segment and should continue to do well.
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