2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Video

Chevy'€™s next-gen trucklet gets a welcome revamp, including a pair of new fuel-efficient engines.

Keep Reading: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox - Video

2010 Chevrolet Equinox explained in detail

Over the weekend, GM dropped the official details and images of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox prior to its debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show next month in Detroit.

Today the GM team has released a video of a “walkaround” the 2010 Equinox with commentry from some of the executives that worked on the new Chevy SUV.

Refresher: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox will be offered with a 182-hp 2.4L Ecotec direct-injected I-4 or a 255-hp 3.0L DOHC direct-injected V6.

2009 Chevrolet Equinox - Review

Although there’s a common perception that General Motors was late to the crossover-utility-vehicle party, it was actually an early adopter with the Equinox, which was styled to look much more like a traditional SUV than its Japanese rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Introduced for 2005, the Equinox shares much of its componentry with the first-generation Saturn Vue. Essentially a front-wheel-drive machine, all versions of the Equinox can be outfitted with all-wheel drive. The 185-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 engine is fitted to the LS, LT, and LTZ models, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Sport model, introduced for 2008, is fitted with the more sophisticated and powerful 264-hp, 3.6-liter engine and six-speed automatic that’s shared with the Cadillac CTS. Towing capacity is rated at 3500 pounds. The Equinox is available only in two-row, five-passenger form and is due to be replaced for 2010 by a new model.

Verdict

The Equinox was a solid player when it came to market, but has been joined by a veritable stampede of crossover utilities since then. Its interior dates from the days before product czar Bob Lutz cast a critical eye over the lackluster materials and cheesy plastics that dominated GM interiors, although the materials have been upgraded over the vehicle’s lifecycle. The 3.4-liter V-6 feels wheezy at the top end and isn’t really up to the task of pulling along nearly 4000 pounds, although the higher-powered Sport is peppy. The Equinox rides and handles in a carlike fashion, although it isn’t in the same league as the likes of the CR-V.