What’s New?
Interior and exterior changes give the Equinox a vibrant makeover for 2007, while new safety features better protect its occupants. The list of notable standard equipment has lengthened also. A new, more powerful Sport edition is due to rollout later in the year as a 2008 model. It will feature a 263-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Overview
Introduced in 2005 as a replacement for the Tracker, the 5-passenger Equinox became Chevrolet's first crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV), combining SUV styling with a car-based, unibody design. It shares its platform with the Saturn Vue. Sporting the longest wheelbase in its class, the Equinox is one of the largest compact SUVs available. It comes in two trim levels: standard LS and up-level LT, both available in two- or all-wheel drive. Added to the mix for 2008 will be a new Sport edition which, in addition to a beefier 263-hp engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, will feature unique styling, 18-inch wheels, and a stiffer suspension. Presently the only engine available on the Equinox is a 185-hp 3.4-liter with 210 lb.-ft. of torque. It is one of the few compact SUVs to offer a V-6 as standard. It is mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the Equinox can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

To distinguish the 2007 Equinox from previous models, Chevrolet revised the front and rear fascias, designed a new rear spoiler, and added fresh wheels. Passengers are treated to a new Driver Information Center and a new range of audio and entertainment systems, including a rear-seat DVD system and radios capable of MP3 playback. A navigation system is also available.

Safety enhancements have also been added to the Equinox. Standard features now include StabiliTrak electronic stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, a tire-pressure-monitoring system, and dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags with GM’s Passenger Sensing System. Head curtain side-impact air bags with rollover detection technology are also available. In addition to the standard 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, all 2007 Chevrolets come with a new 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The Competition
The Chevrolet Equinox competes in the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment, which consists of 20 models. Buyers in this segment look for fuel economy, reliability, and comfort, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Honda CR-V (170,028 units sold), Ford Escape (157,395), and Toyota RAV4 (152,047). The Chevrolet Equinox sold 113,888 units in 2006, a decrease of 12.8 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Compact CUV segment include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Saturn Vue, Scion xB, and Hyundai Tucson. Joining the segment in 2007 are two Jeep models—the Compass and Patriot—and the Kia Rondo.