The Chevrolet Equinox is a mid-size crossover SUV from Chevrolet, introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year to replace the Tracker. Mechanically similar to the Saturn VUE, the styling is very different. The Equinox slots between the HHR and TrailBlazer, and the first crossover SUV from the marque.
2007 Model Changes
2007 marked a slight refresh of the Equinox. For the exterior, this includes new bumpers and a new spoiler which contributes to better gas mileage. The antenna is removed from the right front fender and is now relocated to the rear of the roof, it can now be used for OnStar and XM Satellite Radio signals. Three new exterior colors have replaced the outdated colors; Granite Gray Metallic, Deep Ruby Metallic, and Silverstone Metallic. New wheels include chrome 17 inch flangeless, 17 inch backbone with matte finish or chrome and 17 inch aluminum flangeless. Inside, the Equinox gets many improvements. A revised instrument cluster now includes a new information center, tire pressure monitors, new StabilTrak all-wheel drive system, optional DVD-based navigation system and more. The Equinox now offers a standard audio system including a CD player and an auxiliary input jack for an iPod or MP3 player. Optional on LT models is a CD player with MP3 playback and rear DVD entertainment system, which also includes an auxiliary input jack. Also optional for LT models is an audio system with an MP3-compatible 6-disc in-dash CD changer. There is a new steering wheel, which resembles the one used on the Cadillac Escalade. New interior trims are now available with new dashboard options and new seating cloth for more comfort. Also, the 2007 Equinox has a standard rear-seat center armrest for LT models. Mechanical details for the new Equinox include 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, a larger fuel tank for front-wheel drive models (going from 16.7 to 20.2 US gallons). A heavier gauge steel is now used in the B-pillar to meet 2008 or 2010 roof crush standards.
Equinox Fuel Cell
The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle uses hydrogen for fuel and its only emission is water. The Equinox Fuel Cell will use the same fourth-generation hydrogen technology found in the Chevrolet Sequel concept, which was unveiled earlier in September. The Equinox Fuel Cell is designed for only 50,000 miles of driving, but is engineered to be operable in subfreezing temperatures throughout its life. GM states that the Equinox Fuel Cell is about 500 pounds heavier than the original Equinox and has one inch less ground clearance. To reduce weight, the Equinox Fuel Cell has aluminum doors and a carbon fiber hood. The Equinox Fuel Cell will come with a range of safety features, including ABS, traction control, and GM's OnStar telematics service, which will offer drivers advice on operating the cars as well as information on nearby hydrogen filling stations. The car is expected to meet all 2007 federal safety standards. The Equinox Fuel Cell will have a screen on the dashboard which lets the driver know how much gas they have saved relative to the same mileage of a gasoline-powered Equinox. The instrument panel will also feature a kilowatt meter and a fuel cell energy display. The fuel cell has four vapor outlets which replace the exhaust pipe. Three carbon-fiber fuel tanks storing up to a maximum of 4.2 kg of gaseous hydrogen at 10,000 psi will give the Equinox a range of 200 miles. The Equinox Fuel Cell is certified by the EPA as a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV). GM will build more than 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles and will begin sales in the fall of 2007, as part of a comprehensive deployment plan dubbed “Project Driveway."
The Equinox uses the GM Theta platform and is produced at the CAMI Automotive GM/Suzuki joint venture plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Ontario, Canada. The 3.4 L LNJ V6 engine is made in China, while the Aisin AF33 transmission is made in Japan.
The Equinox is a unibody crossover vehicle. It comes standard with a front wheel drive layout, with optional all wheel drive. It is not designed for serious off roading like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet TrailBlazer.
The Equinox is larger than the VUE, riding on a 112.5 in (2857mm) wheelbase, 5.9 in (149.9 mm) longer than the Saturn. It has much in common with the Pontiac Torrent and 2007 Suzuki XL-7, however; the Equinox is a corporate twin to the Torrent.
In 2008, Chevrolet will add a Sport model of the Equinox that features lowered ride height, revised fascias and the new 3.6 DOHC V6.
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