GM Unveils Next Gen Chevy Equinox

April 3, 2009 by Matt Keegan

Chevrolet is getting a new Equinox, the brand’s compact sport/utility vehicle that will resemble a Traverse, but on a smaller scale. First introduced for the 2005 model year, the latest Equinox continues to advance Chevrolet’s new design language, first apparent with the 2008 Chevy Malibu.

Rolling Out In New York

The Equinox will be officially unveiled to the public at this month’s New York International Auto Show. However, GM has already posted a clip of the vehicle on YouTube, a two minute segment describing the car and its many attributes.

General Motors says that the all new Equinox will retail for $1800 less than the comparable base 2009 base model, priced from $23,185, including destination charge. The Equinox is up against stiff competition including the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. It competes against another GM product too, the Saturn VUE.

Excellent Gas Mileage

The standard FWD model is expected to deliver 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, what General Motors says will be best in class fuel economy. Powered by a 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine a 3.0L V6 is optional. A pair of six-speed automatic transmissions are standard, one which can be operated in manual mode.

GM says that either engine choice will help the Equinox achieve a 500 mile driving range.

2010 Chevy Equinox Attributes

Among the other notables for the 2010 Chevy Equinox are:

Six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags

Standard four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control

Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio

“Advanced” remote starting system that also activates the HVAC system and optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature

GM says that the next generation comes better equipped than its predecessor, with power lumbar support, more airbags, and 17″ wheels among the newest amenities for the Equinox. There is also plenty of storage space inside of the cabin including an area under the center armrest large enough to hold your laptop computer.

Yes, I downloaded the requisite photos from GM’s media site and am sharing a handful of those with you here. A nice looker…maybe my wife will give up her RAV4 after all: