Chevrolet might not have had any conferences for this year’s auto show, but that did not stop the bowtie brigade from bringing one new model to the 2020 Chicago Auto Show, with the brand bringing the updated 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, which aims to bring more polish and attitude to Chevrolet’s bread and butter SUV offering.
While the world got its first look at the new model via the leaked image of a Chinese spec model, it should not be too much of a surprise to see that the U.S. version is largely identical to that variant. At first glance, the styling revisions are very subtle, with the front fascia entering the new year with the most changes. A new front grille is flanked by all new LED infused headlights that not only help eliminate some of the jumbled mess created by the outgoing model, but are also split in two by the redesigned front grille. This allows the Equinox to march more in step with the design language recently used by the Blazer, as well as its smaller counterpart the Trailblazer. The rear taillights receive new graphics, but other than those changes, the refresh here is on the modest side versus being an outright reboot of the nameplate.
The big change here is the addition of an all new RS trim that brings a glossy black front grille as well as other black accents scattered throughout the exterior of the Equinox. the grille, the badges, the wheels, and even the roof rails are all slathered in black accents. The interior of the RS is a mostly black affair, but there is contrasting red stitching, as well as a model exclusive shift knob that is supposedly sportier than other Equinoxes. The flagship Premier trim also gets a glossy black front grille, but that model combines the grille with chrome accents. Chevrolet also revealed that the Equinox will come with a logo projection system in the tailgate, though we suspect that particular gimmick will not cause customers to flock to dealerships.
Chevrolet’s best selling SUV and GM’s second best selling SUV will go on sale this fall, with more safety systems being available for customers across all five of its trim levels. Performance hardware was not updated, which means the 1.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine and the optional 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder all carryover with the base engine getting a six speed automatic and the 2.0 liter continuing its pairing with the nine-speed automatic. Like before front or all-wheel drive will be available, with pricing for the RS being released sometime in the near future. Like other RS models, the Equinox’s version would slot in between the LT and the range topping Premier.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.