Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox is a mid-size crossover SUV from Chevrolet, introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year. It replaces the Chevrolet Tracker in the United States and Canada, while in Mexico it replaces the Chevrolet Blazer as the Tracker is still sold there. The Equinox slots between the HHR and TrailBlazer, and is the first crossover SUV from the marque. Although its dimensions are mid-sized, GM calls the Equinox a compact SUV.

Riding on GM's Theta platform, the unibody Equinox is mechanically similar to the GMC Terrain, Saturn VUE, Pontiac Torrent, and the 2007 Suzuki XL7. However, the Equinox and the Torrent are larger than the VUE, riding on a 112.5in (2857mm) wheelbase, 5.9in (149.9mm) longer than the Saturn. It comes standard with a front-wheel drive layout, with optional all-wheel drive. Being a unibody architecture, the Equinox is not designed for serious off-roading like the truck-based Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

The Equinox is produced at the CAMI Automotive GM/Suzuki joint venture plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. The 3.4L LNJ V6 engine is made in China (by Shanghai GM), while the Aisin AF33 transmission is made in Japan. Starting with the 2008 model year, the Equinox Sport is fitted with a 3.6L V6 engine that is made in the U.S.

2008 model changes

Equinox Sport

In 2008, Chevrolet will add a Sport model of the Equinox that features lowered ride height and the new 3.6 DOHC V6. The larger, more powerful engine allows the Equinox to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds and increases horsepower over 40% (raising it to 264). The Sport model will showcase a slightly different exterior styling, 18 inch wheels and a six speed automatic transmission. It will be available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. GM has stated the Equinox Sport was the first vehicle to reflect its more cautious naming standards. Instead of using the Super Sport badge as it had in the past on higher performance vehicles (such as this one), GM has opted to reserve the SS nomenclature for special models worthy of its namesake.