- chevrolet updates the equinox, the automaker's second-biggest seller (behind only the silverado pickup), midway through its life cycle.
- the equinox adds several driver-assistance features to more trim levels and gets a slightly more aggressive appearance plus chevy's popular rs trim level.
- the 2021 equinox suv will appear in dealerships starting this fall.
with 346,048 sold in 2019, the chevrolet equinox is the best-selling vehicle in chevy’s fleet that isn't wearing a silverado badge. considering that this family hauler represents nearly 22 percent of chevy's light-truck sales, it’s important that it stay competitive in one of the most hotly contested segments in the market.
the current-generation equinox—having been mostly unchanged since its debut in 2017—has just received a healthy dose of updates. for the current (2020) model year, chevy had already made driver assistance features more attainable; all models have standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlamps. on the 2021 models, chevrolet gives the equinox new front and rear fascias that lend the suv a slightly more aggressive character. to that point, the equinox adds a the rs trim, a sporty treatment that has become so popular on the chevy traverse, malibu, and blazer.
the equinox rs gets blacked-out badges, trim, and bow-tie badging; the wheels and grille are reskinned with a dark-gray finish. for those who are familiar with the camaro zl1, you'll notice that the rs grille clearly draws inspiration from its wavy, waterfall design. the equinox also gets separate led headlights and daytime running lights that contribute to that more aggressive look. from the rear, it's easy to tell that the rs is not your run-of-the-mill equinox because of the new led taillights and racy quad-tipped exhaust setup.
the equinox's premier trim sees several cosmetic changes as well, including 19-inch machined-face wheels, french stitching on trim in the cabin, a logo-projecting tailgate, and a special chrome-clad variant of the updated grille.
with the updates for 2021, chevy has shown its determination to keep the equinox fresh. the new rs trim should especially appeal to younger buyers who might be transitioning into a more family-oriented lifestyle but don’t want to completely give up on having a vehicle that's sporty and reasonably fun to drive. expect the equinox to continue to be a nice blend of practicality, value, and efficiency well into the future. the 2021 model will reach dealers this fall.