2010 Chevy Equinox

• Competes with: Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Hyundai Santa Fe
• Looks like: Chevy beefed up the Saturn Vue
• Drivetrain: 182-hp four-cylinder or 255-hp V-6 with six-speed automatic
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2009

The Chevy Equinox hasn’t been a very competitive SUV for a number of years. Chevy hopes to change that with the all-new 2010 model debuting at the Detroit auto show next month. Most notable about the new Equinox is the fact that it incorporates the new Chevy grille with very strong fender flares and headlights that look more akin to the GMC Acadia than the Chevy Malibu or Traverse.

The profile and rear also resemble Mercedes’ SUVs, like the M- and GL-Class. It’s a handsome package, to be sure. Inside, the cabin takes a page from the new Chevy Malibu, with its twin-cockpit design scheme. What’s interesting in the new Equinox is a center stack of controls and readouts that are entirely new to the GM family. Upgrades and advancements in these areas are rare, so this should bode well for the new SUV.

There are two engine options, both new and both featuring direct fuel injection to save fuel. The base models get a 182-hp four-cylinder that's good for 21/30 mpg city/highway with front-wheel drive and 20/27 mpg with all-wheel drive. The V-6 packs 255 hp and returns 18/25 mpg with front-wheel drive and 17/24 with all-wheel drive. These fuel estimates are slightly better than those of the V-6 Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe and Nissan Murano, which return 17/24, 18/24 and 18/23 mpg with front-wheel drive, respectively.

The four-cylinder model gets better highway mileage than the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Jeep Patriot, all of which are smaller vehicles than the Equinox.

At 187.8 inches long, the Chevy is more than 7 inches longer than the Saturn Vue with which it shares a platform, but it's an inch shorter than the outgoing model. At 3,770 pounds, it's also 55 pounds lighter than the Vue. It packs 31.4 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the second row, and 63.7 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Cargo room was always a drawback in the new Vue, which has 29.2/56.4 cubic feet. Considering the extra length of the Equinox, this isn’t a huge upgrade — it falls short of both the outgoing Equinox and the Ford Edge, but is very close to the Nissan Murano.

We’re sure this will be a greatly improved Equinox, especially given the Vue has proved to be a highly competitive model in the segment. With improved fuel efficiency and an attractive look inside and out, it should win over shoppers in this segment. More photos below.

Comments

Somehow all the new GM models are starting to mesh together, they all look the same to me. It's boring. The interior looks sharp though.

Finally! GM products that I like!!

I think this is an attractive vehicle, aesthetically and performance-wise. However, why does GM need so many iterations of the same vehicle?

GR,
Saturn may be gone soon. So no vue. This is also bigger than the Vue so serves a different purpose at least.

Also the Pontiac Torrent will not be getting this treatment and will no longer be available as a 2010. That means the variations will be the upcoming Cadillac SRX which will be quite different in terms of interior styling and engines and the Saab 9-4x which is delayed for now.

NOt bad at all. Certainly looks more cohesive than the view. Love the interior, and I'm glad that GM seem to have seen the light and are moving away from a generic center panel which is found in all their models. I much prefer seeing unique designs in each vehicle.

This does look HUGE though. I know it isn't, but it looks it.

Oy...BORING!!!

Peace<-

Any word on towing capacity?

Towing capacity =

1,500 lbs for inline-four
3,500 lbs for V-6s

Cool model, good to have the Chevy Front, like Peugeot or Honda do.

Right models, even if SUV are not selling the Escape and similar models are getting good sales for the people who like a hatchback like me.

Is this car still going to have Chinese engines?

I don't think the manufacturers are getting the message. They need to drastically reduce the overall number of models they are producing.

Great post!

Best interior from gm so far... outside looks very similar to traverse!!!

Love this suv. The wife and I have been looking at the escape and CR-V and this blows them away on looks. Will be waiting to test drive!

I see GM is still putting chrome wheels on their cars, what a disapointment. Will the engine be made in China like the previous one?

I think this vehicle looks good, and for the size the mileage seems outstanding. But I question those numbers. Is it going to be like the Cobalt XFE with a highway rating of like 37(?) but it only gets 30 on the highway in all the real world tests?

Competes with: Pontiac Torrent, Saturn Vue

The Torrent is being discontinued and Saturn may not be around much longer. Even if it is, the Vue is smaller than the Equinox.

bloke,

Where have you read that the Cobalt gets 30mpg on the highway in the real world? C&D tested the XFE and AVERAGED 29-30mpg overall which is about what the EPA predicts. If you dont like the numbers blame the EPA, not chevy. If the equinox isnt capable of acheiving 30 on the highway then the RAV4 and CR-V likely cant acheive their EPA ratings under the same conditions.

Chrome wheels are not standard. If you dont like them do not pay for them. It's pretty simple. The engines for this vehicle are not from China. Only the 3.4L V6 was from China and thats because that engine is used over there. I believe both engines for this vehicle will be made in the US.

"What’s interesting in the new Equinox is a center stack of controls and readouts that are entirely new to the GM family. Upgrades and advancements in these areas are rare, so this should bode well for the new SUV."

Its been known for a while that GM's new products were abadoning the "black tie" radio. Spy shots of the Equinox and lacrosse have clearly shown they had fully integrated center stacks. Same for SRX. The lambdas are likely the last new vehicles from GM with the corporate head unit.

In our mileage challenge the Pontiac G5 XFE got 33 mpg.

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/11/mileage-blog-2.html

Sheth,
Yes, but the Camaro's are also different. It's doubtful the Cadillac will have the same stack as well. It'll most likely be like the CTS.

I'm trying to remember if the cruze concept had this stack too.

Sheth, I am talking about the test this website did. The XFE was the farthest away from its EPA rating among the group. Here is the story:

http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2008/11/mileage-blog-2.html

And sorry it was 33 not 30. But what I am looking at is the percent difference from the test conducted here and the EPA rating. The other cars in the test were not as far off.

dave,

The Cadillac's stack will be different. You can see clear pics on leftlanewnews.com. My point is that GM is going for the integrated look on all new products and I thought this was common knowledge. The CTS was the beginning of the trend. The Cruze has a similar stack to the Equinox but its not exactly the same.

"And sorry it was 33 not 30. But what I am looking at is the percent difference from the test conducted here and the EPA rating. The other cars in the test were not as far off. "

Bloke,

That is one test of one car. The EPA sets the guidelines for testing and most vehicles have acheived real world results that are close to EPA numbers. I dont know that the fact that one G5 got 33mpg as opposed to 37 means that every GM vehicle has an optimistic EPA rating. Edmunds had a long term test of the Enclave and averaged about 18-19mpg which is right on the EPA's combined figure.

On paper the Equniox I-4 is very competitive with the RAV4 and CR-V in mileage and it has a more advanced powertrain than either. The RAV4 has a 4 speed auto. The only reason it's efficient is the RAV4 is VERY light.

Looks like a very nice vehicle. its a 180º turnaround from the previous Equinox, for sure.

i only have three concerns:

1. i hope that the front seats are vastly improved upon the Vue's. the Vue's front seats are generally uncomfortable; the lower cushion is sponge and lumpy, and the seat back is to hard and confining. if they could put seats in the Equinox that are similar to the Acadia or Enclave, then that would put the Equinox on my list for my next vehicle.

2. Fit and finish may be good in the Vue, definitely better than the previous Vue or the Rav4, Compass, Patriot, Torrent, or Sportage (it really is better than the CR-V also, since the CR-V is all just plastic, and cheap plastic at that). Not as good as the Rogue or the Tiguan though, not by a long shot. That said, if the level of fit and finish continues, the Equinox may be a little behind its major competitors. Sure, it will be better than the Edge, but any mid-size SUV is. Other competitors such as the Santa Fe, Murano, and Highlander offer cabins that are much higher quality than the Vue. GM needs to update the cabin to provide levels of fit and finish greater than those SUV's.

3. real world fuel economy may not be the best. the Equinox may be almost mid-size now, but the V6 may still get large SUV-like fuel economy. the Vue with the V6 already gets pretty poor fuel economy for its size, so GM really should add the direct injection V6, like the one in the Traverse, to help improve fuel economy. the increase in hp will also help offset the gain in weight over the Vue.

Sheth, on Edmunds they got an average of 25 mpg with a 2009 XFE. I know there may be some heavy feet there, but the professional tests don't seem to inspire a lot of confidence in the car. And I am one who is totally rooting for the car, I wish it would get 40 mpg, for GM's sake and for just being able to get a very efficient car. I just don't believe the XFE gets it, so it makes me somewhat skeptical when I see a high number.

Bloke,

I saw the edmunds test and honestly that result is so poor I cant even take it seriously. C&D averaged 30 which seems reasonable for mixed driving. The Cobalt has a 2.2L 155hp engine so you cannot expect it to deliver 40mpg in the real world. The Fit is only averaging 30mpg in real world testing and it has 117hp and is slower than the Cobalt XFE. I do not think 30mpg is an unrealistic number for the Equinox. The Cobalt XFE relies on tweaks and special tires to get its 37mpg and I would be more skeptical of its EPA rating for that reason alone. The nox achieves its rating with an efficient engine and advanced tranny. Nothing more.

Sheth, I take the review seriously as they have come in with similar mileage for the cars I drive. The thing I am saying is, if the car is rated for 37 mpg highway under the new EPA system it should be able to get 37 mpg on the highway. But beyond the XFE, I hope the "Nox" meets the posted numbers. Plus I think it looks pretty decent.

Wow, looks nice! Love the styling!

Engines will be comming from St Catherines Ontario. Driven one since we build them. It's a treat, people will be blow away by the interior

i think it is beautiful!!!!! gm did a great job. will it still get the one free year to the direction and connection plan with Onstar or will it get one free year to the safe and sound plan.

How about the safety rating? Airbags? Stability control?

Since it seems that Saturn is doomed, anyone have info about moving the Vue V6 2mode hybrid system into the new Equinox? Since their underpinnings are so similar, it should be doable. What a shame to waste the $ and effort developing a new hybrid drivetrain on a vehicle GM plans to kill. Saw the V6 hybrid Vue at the auto show, they promised 3500# towing and 27+ combined MPG w/ 4wd in a package I liked better than the $60K equivalent Lexus. Please, GM, make it so!

Wow! I think this looks amazing compared to the old Equinox. I just hope that Chevy can still include the high level features like power liftgate, HID xenon headlamps, rear parking sensors, and premium leather and still keep the price competitive.

Speaking of the Cobalt XFE, my daughter drives hers regularly from Jacksonville to Tallahassee to visit her dad (me) and reports that on cruise, going 74 MPG she gets 39 MPG. I drive the 2008 Chevy Malibu, 6cyl. rated at 17/26. I consistently get 31-32 MPG on the expressway. A friend of mine drives a 2008 Impala with cylinder deactivation and beats the EPA rating of 28 MPG Hwy. by 2-3 miles. So, that said, I would think the 2010 Equinox will get 33-35 real drive mileage on the highway.

HOT!!!! Chevy knows what I want! Can't wait to go test drive one at my favorite Chevy dealership(John Watson Chevrolet Ogden Utah)

My wife and I will be turning in our pontiac lease in a few months. We are debating between the new Equinox (Which is an incredible improvement over the previous one) and a CRV. I own an 04 Honda civic and an 07 Pontiac G6 V6. My Honda has been rock solid, no issues with 142,000 miles, fun to drive and very dependable. Pontiac has been in the dealer with numerous repairs, including new brakes at 20,000 miles!! I like the look of the new Equinox and the interior better than the CRV, it is VERY nice looking, but my biggest concern is dependability. What will the Equinox cost me when the warranty is over?

I ordered one of these yesterday. I ordered the LTZ with the four banger. Only disappointment was that I couldn't get the 18" or 19" chrome wheels with the 4 cylinder. We got the chrome appearance package, but we'll have to settle for 17" painted wheels because of the engine selection.
I was very impressed with comfort features with this SUV. I think that GM might of got this right. The new 2010 Buick LaCrose is also a knock out. I was told we'd see ours the first of July.

I ordered one of these yesterday. I ordered the LTZ with the four banger. Only disappointment was that I couldn't get the 18" or 19" chrome wheels with the 4 cylinder. We got the chrome appearance package, but we'll have to settle for 17" painted wheels because of the engine selection.
I was very impressed with comfort features with this SUV. I think that GM might of got this right. The new 2010 Buick LaCrose is also a knock out. I was told we'd see ours the first of July.

Rick i have a question i too am looking into a 2010 equinox i wanted to ask you how did you order one alrdy did you go to your local dealer and talk to them?

To Jbrown4124 question. Yes, I ordered it through our local dealer. They got most of their data at a dealer presentation on 4/7/09. I ordered on 4/9/9. They had the base model pricing but were still lacking pricing on some options. They had no color charts yet, but did have the color names of which some were already available on 09's., and for us wanting white it really didn't matter. I was told they would get back with me in a couple of weeks or so when the factory starts building these. Then at that time they'll have the final pricing and at that time we'll have to decide on the sun roof and they'll give us the final price and the actual build will start around the first of May. I got the impression that they were only allowed to order one vehicle the first week and they placed mine as a sold unit so that they could order another one for the showroom. I was surprised that we could order the 4 cylinder on the LTZ. I was told that their thinking is it will be around 75% of the orders over the 6 cylinder. If I was going to tow and wanted the AWD I'd of gone with the 6 cylinder.

To Jbrown4124 question. Yes, I ordered it through our local dealer. They got most of their data at a dealer presentation on 4/7/09. I ordered on 4/9/9. They had the base model pricing but were still lacking pricing on some options. They had no color charts yet, but did have the color names of which some were already available on 09's., and for us wanting white it really didn't matter. I was told they would get back with me in a couple of weeks or so when the factory starts building these. Then at that time they'll have the final pricing and at that time we'll have to decide on the sun roof and they'll give us the final price and the actual build will start around the first of May. I got the impression that they were only allowed to order one vehicle the first week and they placed mine as a sold unit so that they could order another one for the showroom. I was surprised that we could order the 4 cylinder on the LTZ. I was told that their thinking is it will be around 75% of the orders over the 6 cylinder. If I was going to tow and wanted the AWD I'd of gone with the 6 cylinder

ah ok thanks man i have a basis to work with now around the first of may i will go around to my local dealers and see what they have on the 2010 equinox

what a great vehicle............my god all the trouble I have had with the toyotas i am looking for this style and package

gerald:

Brakes arent really a reliability issue. Different manufacturers use different brake components and some last longer than others. It seems like the pads on some GM models dont last as long as pads from other manufacturers. As for warranty, you can get an extended warranty from a dealer for CHEAP if reliability that big of a concern.

Charlie Dec 21, 2008

According to GM inside news the 2.4L DI L-4
Will be made in either Tonawanda NY or Spring Hill Tennessee. The 3.0L DI V6 will be made in Flint Mich. I believe the reason the 3.4 was made in China was because GM had bought the old Daewoo plant and could offer a V6 for the price of a Rav4 CR-V I-4.

could i get more info on the equinox 2010 four cylinder
. is this a new engine for this unit or was it used in previous gm models thanks...

Yes, America GM Auto Firm is coming back for knock out to those Foregn cars. Ride on Cheverolet. Take the charge I love this SUV like baby girl. I am coming to get you by next year. But don,t kill us with prize tag. God bless America.

Thank you all our America Auto Makers.

I think this vehicle is at the top of my list for new purchases. GM really improved the interior, making it match the fit and finish of the new Malibus. I like the styling, as it is not a mesh of cheap plastics and drab styling. The exterior also looks better as well. If the gas mileage pans out (I know that the Acadia/Outlook/etc didn't turn out as well), I will strongly consider getting the Equinox.

I am very impressed with this model. This can certainly defeat the competitors CR-V, RAV-4, Escape, Tribute and Patriot.

If chevy rolls out this model with competitive price tage..Those four models I have mentioned is gone.

Great Come Back...

Got word today that the Equinox we ordered on April 10th is intransit.
Kind of crazy that when we ordered it the highway mpg was at 30mpg. and now I see it advertised at 32 mpg. If it's close to 30mpg I'll be happy.
Sticker came in at under $30,000 for an LTZ w/sun roof,chrome package and FWD.

Just purchased the new 2010 Equinox LS. I love it!! Handles great and gets great gas mileage. The exterior is beautiful, what a beautiful looking venicle! The interior is very sharp. I love what GM has done with the interior. It seems almost sound proof. I have the new I-4 engine in it and there is definately enough power. My other vehicle is a 2007 Sierra Denali so I am kind of spoiled with a comfortable ride, but the 2010 Equinox is extremely comfortable and smooth. If your thinking about purchasing one.....do it!! You will be glad you did. GM has got this one right.

Does anyone know if any of the Philadelphia or Bucks County dealers have any 2010 Equinox in stock? I'd like to see one. Thanks!

Does anybody know if any of the Philadelphia or Bucks County, PA dealers have any 2010 Equinox in stock as of 6/29/09? Thanks!

Does anyone know if any of the Philadelphia or Bucks County, PA Chevy dealers have any 2010 Equinox in stock? If yes, just mentioning the town is fine and shouldn't break any posting rules. Thanks!

Does anybody know if any of the Philadelphia or Bucks County, PA Chevy dealers have any 2010 Equinox in stock? I think if you just spicify the town you won't violate any of the posting rules. BTW, I seem to be having trouble posting so I apologize in advance if this request for info eventually is posted multiple times. Thanks!

This is my fourth try to post a question so sorry if it appears multiple times. This will be my last attempt. Does anybody know if and Chevy dealers in the Philadelphia or Bucks County PA area have any 2010 Equinoxs in stock? I don't think you'll violate any posting rules if you just give the town and maybe a street name. Thanks!

Does anyone know if any of the Philadelphia or Bucks County PA Chevy dealers have any 2010 Equinox in stock? I don't think you'll violate any posting rules if you just post the town or area name and maybe a street name too. Thanks!

Does anybody know if any of the Philadelphia or Bucks County PA Chevy dealers has any 2010 Equinox in Stock? I don't think you'll violate any posting rules if you just give the town or area name and maybe a street or route number too. Thanks!

Does anyone know if the new Equinox has any specail deals/incentives right now? Chad I see that you bought one. Did you get any deals on your Equinox. I would appreciate any info. emailed to me if you know, thanks!

Our Equinox arrived on July 2nd. We have only 245 miles and so far very pleased with the fit and finish. We're very pleased that the leg room in the back seat is 3"-4" more then the Trailblazer we had. The ride is very nice and the road noise is minimal. The wife really likes the backup camera and I like the fact that we waited for this rather then jump into a CRV or a Santa Fe. Our average MPG is 24.5 with most being in the city miles(we have the 4 cylinder). Every one that has seen it loves it, and the only passenger we've had couldn't beleive it was a 4 cyl. and not a V6.
I'm predicting that this will be the Motor Trend 2010 midsize SUV of the year.

The LTZ we ordered came in July 2nd. We only have 245 miles on it, but really pleased with the fit and finish. Really pleased with the quietness and smooth ride. Also very pleased that the second row leg room is about 4 inches more then the Trailblazer we had. Our kids think it's the bomb. The wife likes the backup camera the most.
I think we're looking at this product being a 2010 Motor Trend winner.
Very glad we had the patience to wait for this thing and didn't jump into the Santa Fe or the CRV. If I'd had I be pretty sick right now. Do your self a favor and give it a test drive.

Took delivery of the 2010 Equinox LTZ we ordered back in April. It was well worth the wait. Probably the first GM I've ever seen come in with Michlem tires. The ride is really nice and very little exterior noise makes inside the cabin. The second row leg room is unbelievable, more then expected. The wife loves the backup camera and power lift gate. I just love the whole package and highly recommend it for a test drive before buying anything else.
The only complaint so far is why on earth did Chevy move the gas filler cap to the passenger side? Trust me it's not a show stopper, just different.

I am the proud owner of a 2010 Equinox as of yesterday. The dealer was very accommodating. They had 3 on the lot and upgraded me to a 2LT for not much more than the 1LT. I preferred the color on the 2LT plus it had a sunroof. I test drove the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV the same day and went for the Chevy immediately. They do not compare to the Chevy. It's quiet, feels bigger and higher quality interior. Great handling and smooth ride. Sharp exterior. Better warranty and superior service from GM. Not to mention better MPG. I LOVE IT!!!!

I just posted a note earlier about my 2010 Chevy Equinox and how great it was. It only had 80 miles on it and I got it yesterday from the dealer. We were getting out of the car, it was parked and shut off and BAM the rear window exploded!! I left a message with the dealer as this happened on a Saturday evening. I'm not sure what will happen but I only had the car 24 hours. It was very scary and a huge mess.

Just turned over 1,000 miles on our LTZ. Very happy with the ride, comfort, quitness, gas mileage, backup camera, power liftgate. Very pleased with the second row leg room and the size of the back door for ease of entry.
Not sure why GM moved the gas filler cap to the passenger side but that's easy enough to live with. I have noticed a glare on the dash gages when the sun is directly overhead. But still not a show stopper. I think this SUV is headed for a Motor Trend award.

Mine comes in next Monday. I can't wait to go and pick it up. I found nothing else that compares on style, technology, and value.

Whatrs the console space look like, I see an opening in the pictures. I'm curious to know how big this opening is and how deep it is.

I ordered mine the last weekend of September. The dealerships around here were all sold out. The salesman said we were lucky they even had any on the lot to test drive. We test drove the rav-4, cr-v, and nissan rouge. The rav-4 had the best cargo space but the gear shift was freaky, it was automatic or manual and just seemed like I would be worried I was in the right gear all the time. the cr-v was ok but seemed plasticy and cheap compared to everything else. We are honda fans with our little civic hybrid but this felt like something would get broken a year or so down the road. The nissan rouge was comfort wise very nice, most carlike out of all of them. we have two teenagers and so the backseat space and comfort was critical to us. the rav 4 and crv were not good. the rouge was better. But then we drove the equinox and it surpassed the other 3 in so many ways, cargo, passenger seating, noise level, creature comforts. There was no looking back once we drove the equinox. I can't wait till ours comes in. They said roughly month and half. AWD will be nice when the snow comes.

I just test drove the 2010 Equinox (4cylinder), wow what an impressive vehicle. I am a big car guy, I currently drive a 2009 BMW M6 Convertible and also have a Mercedes S550- I drove the vehicle as a replacement for my father (he currently has a 2001 Toyota Tundra). I am so impressed I might buy one for myself! I was thinking about buying myself a SUV, and had been considering a GL or Range Rover- this Chevy is quite impressive!

I live in Newport Beach, CA where cars are an extension of your image.. I really like this Chevy (note I have never owned an American Vehicle!)