The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox has seen some much needed upgrades since it’s predecessor, and it’s definitely something to pay attention to. It may still be stuck with the same 4 cylinder engine as its predecessor, but it’s a decent enough engine. The V6 engine is also still an option, and still packs the same punch. While it may lack changes under the hood, what it has seen is a fresh redesign. It’s also grabbed some new technological and safety features that put this model on a whole new level than the previous generation. This crossover even got an upgrade to its headlights, and while this model is still sporting the same four trim levels, most of them have been redefined.
Trim Levels
The trim levels on the 2016 Equinox are the same as the 2015: L, LS, LT, and LTZ. Except this time, the base L and LS trims have some new goodies in stock, and the higher trims were introduced to an even stronger V6. The “sub trims” were removed from the LT trim in the 2016 model; and that’s the best part. That’s all that was taken away, nothing else. From there, it’s all been upgraded
Design
The Equinox is still sporting 17-inch alloy wheels on the base trim, and 18-inch alloy wheels with an AWD option available for its higher trim level. As far as interior design goes, it has remained relatively the same; it still has the same spacious backseat and trunk the 2015 model did, and you are still sitting on seats varnished with a premium cloth material. The LTZ adds the leather seats and chrome accents so that the 18-inch wheels don’t feel like the only aesthetic upgrade.
On the 2016 Equinox, the exterior has seen a change. It’s slight, but definitely noticeable and welcoming. On all the trims, the 2016 Equinox has a more well-defined front end. The Equinox is sporting one of Chevy’s signature dual sport grilles, and it’s seated between two new halogen projector-beam headlamps that capture your attention as you look at the front end. On the higher trims, the grille is boldly accented by chrome trim, and there are LED daytime running lamps that add illuminating detail. The back of the Equinox has been redesigned as well, and it now has a polished finish that circles bold and sculpted tail lamps. Topping it all off, the 3.6-liter V6 model has dual exhaust tailpipes that are rectangular-shaped too make a bold, and sleek appearance.
The hood of the new Equinox is far more exciting; it took the hood of the 2015 model and gave it some structure. Where the 2015 model had a flat and bland looking hood design, it looks like the 2016 model has hit the gym. It has a hood that looks like it’s been chiseled over the engine, with muscular contours that sweep over the headlights and back towards the doors. Those powerful contours also wrap themselves around the grille and headlights, making this one bold looking crossover.
Interior
The interior has seen a change in scenery as well, mainly the upholstery. Remember how the base trims of the 2015 Equinox had cloth seats? Well the upholstery was upgraded in the 2016 Equinox. The cloth is made to be even more comfortable, and is now labeled as a “premium” cloth material. The overall design of the seats remains unchanged, which is fine; the previous Equinox had enough legroom, while sitting in the front and back seats, as well as plenty of storage space.
The addition of the new cloth material is a nice touch, and the fact they were able to sculpt a more powerful and bold looking Equinox while keeping the same spacious cabin of its predecessor is a successful redesign. In my opinion, this redesign was definitely needed. The 2015 Equinox was bland looking, but the new bold front-end of the 2015 Equinox invokes a sense of power and excitement when I look at it. Which is something the 2015 model failed to do.
Safety
On the safety side of things, the new Equinox picks up where the old one attempted to leave off. With a slew of new technologically advanced safety features, it’s bound to be one of the safer crossovers on the market. The most noticeable safety feature is the rearview camera that has been added in for all trim levels. Surprisingly, the 2015 variant did not have this feature, which has been around for some time now. But, the 2016 one has it, and it’s accompanied by a safety package for the higher trims that gives you the works.
There is available side blind zone alert on the new 2016 Equinox; it uses the side mirrors to help the driver in a lane-change scenario. It will actually detect if there is something in your blind spot, and then it will alert you to help prevent a collision. Along with a rearview mirror, putting the Equinox in reverse will activate rear cross traffic alert, which helps prevent a collision with vehicles coming from behind your vehicle on the left or right (ex. backing up out of a parking space or driveway where there would be traffic crossing behind your car).
That’s not all, there is also rear park assist, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, and other basic safety features that come standard with most cars now and days. No matter what trim level you pick, it’s a guarantee that this newer model will be much safer than the 2015 one.
Technology
The 2016 Equinox is sporting some of that newfangled technology that’s going around as well. The one that still blows my mind is that cars now have 4G LTE Wi-Fi on board, and the 2016 Equinox is no exception. Accompanying the new Wi-Fi is Siri Eyes Free, which is compatible with iPhone. You can sync your phone and use voice commands for things like sending a text, making a phone call, or playing music. For those who don’t have an iPhone, Chevrolet MyLink is still available, and it has Bluetooth wireless technology. Making it just as hands-free as Siri Eyes Free, and allowing Android users to do the same type of voice commands.
This will all be operated on a new 7-inch diagonal touchscreen interface, that has been upgraded with optimization in mind. This new touchscreen has bigger and more vibrant icons than the 2015 models, and they are all neatly organized in an easy-to-use layout. Another much needed upgrade from the 2015 model.
Conclusion
Sadly, not much has changed for the engines. The only downside I can see to this 2016 model is the same basic 4-cylinder engine that was on the previous model. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder gets the same fuel mileage as before, and drones on at 182 horsepower. Not that it’s a bad engine, it’s just disappointing it didn’t get an upgrade. Same goes for the 3.6-liter V6, it’s a good engine that puts out 301 horsepower, but it’s still sad there was no upgrade. The Equinox is decent enough on fuel economy, and as far as performance goes its the same as the previous generation (which wasn’t bad). But, if something isn’t broken why try and fix it?
What the Equinox did see was a much needed redesign that hit on some important parts; making it a better-looking, smarter, and safer crossover.
