6/18/2023 0 Comments 2016 equinox changes![]() Though not cheap, this number is pretty comparable to the fully-loaded Hyundai Tucson ( see review here) that I drove a few months ago. The total sticker on our tester was hovering just below the $40,000 mark even without the V6. Most importantly though, a Driver Confidence Package II costs $1,250. Our car was loaded up with things like a power sunroof, full navigation built into the MyLink system, heated leather seats, an eight-speaker Pioneer audio system, and a few other gizmos. Keep in mind, this still comes with the four-cylinder engine – those wanting the V6 will have to budget an additional $1,725. I found some issues connecting an older iPod to the system via USB, but Bluetooth streaming was flawless and I had no issues with voice quality on either side.Ĭhevrolet has priced the Equinox from $27,170, with the top-trim LTZ starting at $32,670. MyLink is easy to use and the connectivity features are a cinch to set up and use effortlessly. Additionally, there’s built-in OnStar 4G/LTE which works as a mobile hotspot within the truck. New models under the Chevrolet umbrella offer the MyLink infotainment system – the Equinox gets a 7” touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and satellite radio. Infotainment is another area in which GM has succeeded in recent years. A huge advantage here is that the overall profile is still unmistakable as an Equinox, and its bold styling will help it significantly in appeal. The side profile remains virtually the same, with new dual-element taillights and a revised bumper to set off the rear end nicely. Also updated are the 18” wheels on our tester, and lesser trims get 17s, also new this year. ![]() The LTZ gets new fog lights, and also a new grille. I’ve always considered this Chevrolet to be an elegant choice, and the new projector headlights with LED daytime running lights do a great job adding to this look. There have been some notable changes to the Equinox to keep it fresh for 2016, and they mostly revolve around the crossover’s styling. It will also accept regular fuel with no requirement or recommendation for premium grade. This does translate to almost 700km of driving on a single tank, which would be highly beneficial on road trips. The Equinox’s tank will take 71L of fuel, which is quite a bit for this segment. I couldn’t muster much better than 10.8L/100km over about 550km of driving. My test had a lot of city driving, and also took place during the coldest week of this winter, with temperatures dropping down to -30 degrees Celsius. The optional 3.6L V6 is one of GM’s current sweetest setups and I would definitely opt for that in the Equinox – it’s just a more comfortable setup.įuel economy for the four-cylinder Equinox is rated at 10.5L/100km city and 7.3L/100km. The six-speed automatic transmission is geared well, and there’s a manumatic mode that allows for toggling gears yourself. Throttle response is pretty good, but the car does need to work hard to get up to highway speeds. It sounds decently meaty with a convincing growl from the exhaust, but there simply isn’t enough power to move the Chevrolet’s weight around. Though geared towards comfort and efficiency rather than any sort of performance, the four-cylinder powertrain is the weakest point of the Equinox. Despite being a base motor, the 2.4L still boasts 182 horsepower at 6,700RPM and 172 lb-ft of torque at 4,900RPM. For the sake of fair comparison to the likes of the Ford Escape ( see review here) and Mazda CX-5, we opted to test an Equinox with the four-cylinder. Now, it remains one of the only vehicles left in its segment with a V6. The Equinox has had gutsy V6s available from the start, but the second-generation added a four-cylinder. The vast majority of our favourite crossovers maintain a sole powertrain option, typically a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. We were sent a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ AWD, loaded with all of the latest technology offered, for a week’s worth of testing to see how relevant it still is versus its tough competition. Now though, with the crossover segment expanding rapidly, the Equinox struggles to keep up. A smart-looking utility vehicle from the start, the Equinox lost its Torrent sibling and soldiered on alone for a second generation for the 2010 model year. Introduced in 2004 for model year 2005, the Chevrolet Equinox (and badge engineered twin, the Pontiac Torrent) was General Motors’ re-entry into the midsize crossover segment.
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