Chevrolet planned to launch the all-new Equinox in 2021. Coronavirus outburst spoiled the arrangement and the release date is delayed. The new compact crossover is expected as 2022 YM with a lot of changes, cosmetic and engineering. The small SUV is one of the most popular models among buyers in the US. Equinox achieved over 300k sales in 2019. This year won’t be representative. After the update, the 2022 Chevy Equinox will catch up with Toyota Rav4 and Honda CR-V. GM’s archrival, Ford, is also bringing the all-new Escape in 2021. It will be interesting to compare two models by leading US carmakers.
One of the biggest questions about the upcoming 2022 Chevy Equinox is – will it get a hybrid powertrain? This is something required to be competitive in the modern automotive world. Equinox dropped a diesel unit a couple of years ago and now it is time to become even greener. Another reason for the GM to think about it is the competition. All the abovementioned vehicles are already hybridized. With such systems, they can achieve over 40 mpg in the city. This is a huge advantage.
The new Equinox will be fresh, outside and inside. We know the company is bringing back the RS trim level. Other notable changes are mostly cosmetic. Chevrolet confirmed a pair of turbo engines and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Outside the US, Equinox will also offer a diesel drivetrain.
2022 Chevy Equinox Changes (What We Know So Far)
There is more than a year until the 2022 Chevy Equinox hits the dealerships, but fans already know what to expect from the crossover. Prototypes of the new vehicle were caught some while ago. Chevrolet tested the small SUV with the intention to bring it late this year. However, everything is delayed, but the info leaked about the Equinox is unchanged.
Designers worked a lot on the body of the upcoming crossover. We can see a lot of similarities with the new Chevy Blazer. Front grille and wheels are adapted and 2022 Equinox looks sportier. The complete facelift also brought foglamps. In the rear end, the redesign introduces a new bumper and fresh taillamps.
Interior and Trim Levels
Another big change for the new crossover is the comeback of the RS trim level. Spokesmen talked about this model in detail, saying the look will be specific and unique thanks to black details and 19-inch wheels. You will recognize the 2022 Chevy Equinox RS thanks to the quad-tip exhaust. Inside the cockpit, we will find black leather with red stitches.
The interior of the base model was not shown. We expect a new layout and more features. Plus, extra space for passengers and cargo will make the Equinox more convenient and comfortable. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while the premium audio and navigation are optional purchases.
The rest of the lineup remains the same. The entry-level trim is L and it will come with the least equipment. LS and LT are the mid-range offer. The second one introduces a 2.0-liter engine. Premier is the most expensive version at the moment. We expect it at the same level as the RS in 2022.
2022 Chevy Equinox Engines and Specs
Since we don’t have any details about the hybrid unit, we won’t spend too much time writing about it. This upgrade is the key for the 2022 Chevy Equinox, anyway. Still, the compact crossover is going to deliver a nice driving impression thanks to the turbocharged units. The base engine is a 1.5-liter four-pot with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed transmission is already old and experts believe the company will remove it from the offer, making a nine-pace case the only choice.
At higher trim levels, including the new RS, the crossover is using a 2.0-liter displacement. The power output jumps to 250 hp and 260 lb-ft, as well as the price. All-wheel drive is optional, but it consumes more fuel. If 2022 Equinox wants to stay competitive, engineers will have to bring a hybrid configuration.
Debut and Release Date, Price
The vehicle was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show before the COVID-19 pandemic has started. General Motors chiefs talked about the Equinox as the 2021 YM. Now, the debut is delayed and the release date is set for the last quarter of next year. The price will go up a bit at the base trims. Well, the crossover is already pretty expensive, starting at $26,000. Heavily loaded RS and Premier trims will cost more than $30,000 and fully-equipped, the price could reach $40k.
2022 Chevy Equinox vs Chevrolet Blazer
One thing we cannot miss about the 2022 Chevy Equinox – some parts remind us of the new Blazer. The carmaker added another SUV to its lineup. However, the Blazer is longer and it belongs to the mid-size segment. Plus, we can hear that SUV is getting special treatment and the SS package. Chances are tiny, but who knows. Also, next year, a little brother is arriving in the US market. Chevy Trailblazer will find room between Equinox and Trax.
All About 2021 Chevy Blazer: Prices, Trims, Engines
