Chevrolet first got its start with the Equinox as the 2005 model and it was a combination of previous models. It is the crossover SUV that replaced the North American Chevrolet Tracker and S-10 Blazer.
1st Generation- 2005-2009
This is when the Equinox got its start. Front wheel drive is standard with an all wheel drive option. These vehicles are also known as the Pontiac Torrent. The Equinox was not built to be a hardcore off-roading truck and got its first reboot/refresh for the 2006 model. By 2009 though, the Pontiac Torrent had been discontinued. This first generation was produced exclusively at the CAMI automotive in Ontario Canada with the engine being a 3.4L V6 that was produced in China up until ‘08. Then in ‘08 there was another option for a 3.6L V6 engine with higher horsepower.
2nd Generation- 2010-2017 (2016 Refresh)
This generation of Chevy Equinox vehicles debuted at the North American International Auto Show in 2009. It was built upon the same version of the previous platform but was upgraded with gasoline direct injection engines and designed to be more fuel efficient.
Changes came in 2013, 2014, 2015 AND 2016. This 2nd generation had a lot of small modifications. In 2013 it was the 3.6L V6 becoming available on the LT and LTZ trims which provided more HP and lb per ft of torque. There was also a new FE2 suspension package and 18-19 in wheels on the LTZ trim. This year also saw the Chevrolet MyLink being added to the Equinox and a dual player DVD entertainment system and new safety features. In 2014 it was chrome clad wheels becoming the standard on the LTZ. 2015 brought OnStar and hotspot trials and navigation for some of the trims. When 2016 hit, the Equinox got its refresh which included new exterior and interior looks and options and the discontinuation of LT1, LT2 and LTZ trims.
Although there were discontinuations, there were also the changes in trim levels: L becoming the new base and LS and LT moved up with a new Premier trim.
3rd Generation- 2018-present (2022 Refresh)
This 3rd generation Equinox replaced the first generation Chevrolet Captiva. It also came out as a smaller vehicle to compete with more crossover SUVs in its class. There were gas and diesel powered variants that arrived in 2017 to make way for the 2018 release date. Yet the diesel was discontinued in 2019 due to low consumer demand. There were also new safety features engaged for the 3rd generation which included surround view camera, a safety alert seat, collision breaking and more.
As for trims for the 3rd generation Equinox, consumers are looking at 4 different options; the L (base), the LS, the LT and the Premier.
With a refresh in 2022 during the 3rd generation as well it was set for sales to start in 2023 for the upcoming 2024 model. That model year also an electric battery (BEV) version of the Equinox EV and will also have a different design and underpinnings that are pulled from the ICE-powered Equinox. This also changed the trims up which got rid of the L so that the LS now became the base trim. The RS, which is a sport centric trim that has black exterior accents and unique front and rear fascias, now joined the line-up of the LS, LT and Premier. The Midnight, Sport and Redline editions were dropped due to the joining of the RS which took place of these previous editions. The refresh happened in 2022 due to the Covid-19 outbreak which resulted in refreshes not being in demand in this time of crisis. 2022 was the re-launch after the pushback from Covid.
Over the years it has begun, there have been several changes to the model and trims as well as a couple of refreshes that have put the Equinox in the place it is now today.