The current Equinox is quite a good car but it started to feel dated, especially when it is compared with the newer crossovers out there. This is also the main reason why it didn’t manage to sell as good as GM thought. Thankfully though there is going to be a 2016 Chevy Equinox which is going to move the car to a new modular platform. This has been developed to offer more flexibility while allowing GM to develop the car throughout the years and always be one step above the competition. While there are going to be a few problems with new Chevy crossover SUV because the platform used on the Chevy Equinox 2016 is a bit smaller than before, GM is certainly going to make good use of it and it will allow them to probably offer the Equinox with more options than before. Its key competitors will be Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue.
2016 Chevy Equinox redesign
The exterior design of the crossover SUV will slightly change and the new 2016 Chevy Equinox will get inspiration from the truck line, meaning a more imposing front grille with a boxier look are going to be the base of the design. On the interior, the Equinox will get a more versatile layout which will allow the customers to customize it at their own liking. Just like before, it will be offered both in a 5 or 7 seats model, with the 5 seat version offering a slightly bigger trunk and more space on the rear seats which would make the passengers sit very comfortably. Standard equipment is going to include most things you would expect from such a car like dual zone automatic climate control, an infotainment system as well as electric seats and windows. It will be available in four trim levels: L, LS, LT and LTZ.
| Wheelbase (in / mm) | 112.5 / 2857 |
| Overall length (in / mm) | 187.8 / 4771 |
| Overall width (in / mm) | 72.5 / 1842 |
| Overall height (in / mm) | 66.3 / 1684 (69.3 / 1760 with avail. roof rack) |
| Track (in / mm) | front: 62.9 / 1598 rear: 62.1 / 1578 |
| Minimum ground clearance (in / mm) | 6.9 / 175 |
| Ground to rear load floor (in / mm) | 28.8 / 732 |
| Curb weight – base (lb / kg) | 3777 / 1713 (LS w/ 2.4L) 3922 / 1779 (LT w/ 3.6L) |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 56 / 44 |
Chevy Equinox 2016 crossover SUV specs
Engine wise, the Chevy Equinox 2016 will get new engines as well as a few other improvements. The base engine is likely to remain the 2.4-liter direct-injection inline 4 which develops 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The V6 3.6-liter engine on the other hand will be available with LT and LTZ trim levels and it is able to produce 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a 6 speed automatic and front wheel drive as standard. With bigger powerplant the 2016 Chevy Equinox towing capacity can go up to 3,500 pounds.
| Engine type: | 2.4L DOHC I-4 DI | 3.6L DOHC V-6 DI |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement (cu in / cc) | 145 / 2384 | 217 / 3564 |
| Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm) | 182 / 136 @ 6700 | 301 / 225 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm) | 172 / 233 @ 4900 | 272 / 369 @ 4800 |
| Fuel economy (city / hwy) | 22 / 32 (FWD) 20 / 29 (AWD) |
17 / 24 (FWD) 16 / 23 (AWD) |
| Transmission | Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select | Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select |
| Payload – base (lb / kg) | 1183 / 537 | 1183 / 537 |
| Towing capacity max (lb / kg) | 1500 / 680 | 3500 / 1588 |
| Fuel tank (gal / L) | 18.8 / 71.2 | 20.9 / 79.1 |
2016 Chevy Equinox release date and price
The 2016 Chevy Equinox crossover SUV was officially presented at last Chicago Auto Show. The release date will be set in fall of this year. The price has not been announced yet, but it should cost quite similar to the current model, so expect it to cost around $25,000 for the entry level model. Check back later for more information about the new Chevy Equinox 2016.
