The 2016 Chevy Equinox is a compact crossover SUV, that the bowtie brand has been producing since 2005. Despite its short life, the Equinox has a rather rich history, full of unique facts, interesting changes, and much-need updates.
The past decade has been a good one for the crossover segment, and the Chevy Equinox is no exception. When it first started out, no one expected that it would be as popular as it has become. The crossover enters into its second decade, with an all-new, updated version of the 2016 Chevy Equinox.
To celebrate this exciting milestone, let’s take a look back at the history of the Equinox, and how it came to be where it is today.
A Successful Start: The First Generation
First introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year, the Equinox was an important addition to the Chevrolet lineup. The Equinox was the first crossover to wear the illustrious bowtie on its front grille and was initially classified as a compact SUV.
The first Equinox models featured a 3.4-liter 185 horsepower engine, before getting an updated 3.6-liter V6 engine in 2008, which achieved 264 horsepower.
2008 and 2009 were also important years for the Equinox, trim level wise. For the first time, the compact SUV was offered in a sportier trim level – aptly named the Equinox Sport. The sportier drive was thanks to a performance-tuned suspension, lower stance, and an overall smoother design.
The Equinox LTZ was also introduced for the first time during this generation, and featured 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, chrome luggage rack side rails, chrome door handles, and plenty of standard amenities. The Equinox LTZ came with the same handling and ride package as the lower-end models, but included heated front seats, six-disc in-dash CD changer, and a Pioneer Premium audio system with seven speakers.
In 2008, the Equinox received minor changes, including a relocated compass readout, which was moved to the driver information center. The 2008 Equinox also gained three new exterior colors, standard OnStar, and electronic trailer sway control.
Continued Success in the Second Generation
The success of Chevrolet’s first compact crossover SUV continued into the vehicle’s second generation. The 2010 Equinox debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in 2009 and was remodeled from the previous year.
The 2010 Equinox came standard with a 2.4-liter engine, and driver’s could opt for a more powerful 3.0-liter V6. Both engine options came standard with six-speed automatic transmissions, and front wheel drive. Those who preferred all-wheel drive were able to include it at an additional cost.
In 2013, the Equinox featured a new 3.6-liter V6 engine available on the LT and LTZ trim levels. This engine offered 301 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque. This model year was also the first time that the Chevrolet MyLink system was available on the Equinox. The 2013 Chevy Equinox also offered a dual-player DVD rear seat entertainment system, and advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, rear park assist, and lane departure warning.
The 2014 Equinox gained chrome-clad wheels as standard fare on LTZ models, along with two new exterior color options. For 2015, the Equinox added OnStar with 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which came with a 3GB/three-month free trial.
Refreshed and All-New for 2016
The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox may not represent a new generation for the popular crossover, but Chevy has included some pretty impressive changes for the second decade of the Equinox.
Most notably, the exterior of the 2016 Equinox is refreshed. A brand new front and rear fascia, and a brand new grille design are the most obvious exterior changes. The Equinox is one of two Chevrolet vehicles to sport the new chrome-accented dual-port grille, which gives the crossover a completely new look. Projector-beam headlights are also standard on the all-new Equinox and the crossover even has a list of new trim levels for the 2016 model year.
On previous model years, the Equinox offered 1LT and 2LT trim levels. Both of those are gone for this model year, leaving four model options for buyers. The L, LS, LT, and LTZ are the new trim level lineup for the 2016 Equinox.
The Equinox L is brand new to the model lineup, and comes packed with exceptional standard features, typically reserved for trim levels that are higher up. This base model includes a rearview camera, a seven-inch color touchscreen infotainment system, a stereo with six speakers, MP3 player capability, USB port, iPod support, remote keyless entry, OnStar with 4G LTE, 17-inch aluminum wheels, and much more. The 2016 Chevy Equinox L starts at just $22,600, making it one of the most affordable compact crossovers in its class.
Still in place are the LS, LT, and LTZ models, which each offer more standard features and capabilities.
Beats Out the Competition
It should come as no surprise, that the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox is beating out the competition, left and right. Compared to the Toyota RAV4, the Equinox offers better value, and exceptional features. The Equinox is the only crossover to come with standard 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability, have a fuel economy of 32 miles per gallon highway, and offer a generous rear seat legroom of 39.9.
The 2016 Chevy Equinox also beats out other warranty programs, offering comprehensive coverage for years to come. Check out what is included in Chevrolet’s owner benefit program, which is included with all 2016 Chevy Equinox purchases:
- Included Maintenance Visits
- Years of 60,000 miles of 24-hour Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation
- Years of the standard OnStar Basic Plan
- Months of the OnStar Guidance Plan
Get Your 2016 Chevy Equinox Today!
Head over to McCluskey Chevrolet, to test drive the all-new 2016 Chevy Equinox, today! We even have quality pre-owned Equinox models, so you can compare each model year and find the one that suits you best. We can’t wait to show you, in person, everything that the 2016 Chevy Equinox has in store for its latest model year. It’s truly an incredible value, and one you can take advantage of, today!
