Chevrolet Equinox gets a facelift

The compact crossover SUV segment is probably the most highly-contested segment in the automotive industry right now. Nearly every manufacturer offers at least one if not several compact crossovers in their lineup, and Chevy is no different. The latest Chevrolet Equinox follows in the path of its bigger sibling, the Blazer. It gets the same exterior updates as the Blazer does, but in a much smaller, more compact package. To bring it in-line with Chevy’s current design language and make it more visually appealing, they’ve given it a whole new look. It gets a different, slightly larger grille, sharper headlights with a more aggressive bumper, an altered side profile, and a revamped back end with different taillights and lower bumper.

Equinox gets the RS trim

In addition to the previous L, LS, LT and Premier trims, Chevrolet has also added a new variant called the RS. It’s essentially a sporty version of the Equinox, giving it the same treatment as the Blazer RS. It gets black exterior accents (grille, badging, side rails, etc.), an RS shift knob, and black interior upholstery. The engine range remains the same, so you get a choice between a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged straight-four with 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The former is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the latter gets a much more modern nine-speed auto. Both are excellent transmissions and offer smooth shifts, but the nine-speed has more gears and therefore better ratios, making it more accelerative and economical.

Safety is number one

The interior remains largely the same, so you still get a massive trunk and tons of headroom and legroom inside. To make it more convenient, as well as safer, Chevy has added a host of driver assistance features, including but not limited to: HD Surround vision camera, automatic parking assist, safety alert seat, and front park assist. The Equinox has always managed to stay one step ahead of its main rivals thanks to its dynamic capabilities and excellent handling chassis. It may be a compact crossover, but it drives as well as any other hatchback currently on the market. The steering feels light and responsive at slow to medium speeds and confident and stable on the highway. The chassis feels agile and playful, not just for its size, but for any car. Chevy has brilliantly positioned the Equinox as a crossover that can do it all. It’s a practical family car that also acts as an excellent daily.

Our pick

The most popular trim level and the one we think offers the best value,  is the LT, as it gets you nearly everything you’d ever want in terms of tech, and then some. If you want the flagship model, you’ll have to go for the Premier, but I have a strong suspicion a lot of people will opt for the sporty RS trim as well.

The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is arriving soon

The new Chevrolet Equinox will hit showroom floors during the first quarter of 2021, but because of COVID-19, it’ll be labeled as a 2022 model. If it’s anything like its bigger brother, the Blazer, it’ll be the best car in its segments hands down.