Oil prices have a significant impact on the mindset of today’s average consumer, and as a result, the automotive market landscape has continued to change. Many automakers have seen a significant drop in sales of larger trucks and SUVs, but the demand for a larger vehicle with enough room to haul kids and gear without the downside of terrible fuel consumption remains. GM has noted the need for fuel-efficient crossover SUVs, and as a result, the Chevy Equinox has remained one of the most popular models from automakers, even in a tough market.
The Equinox has passed through two generations. The former had a large interior and a smooth ride, but it differed from poor fuel economy and cheap interior materials. As a result, Chevy completely redesigned the Equinox a few years later with sharper styling, an improved cabin, and increasingly efficient fuel economy. Upgrades have led the Equinox to be one of the best-selling crossover SUVs in the United States, and to several awards, including the USA Today Crossover Award 2010. The price of the model has increased in recent years, but much of the increase in the Cost is due to improved interior styling and improved fuel economy (2011 Equinox starts at MSRP from $ 22,745). Here are the mileage numbers for the Chevy Equinox over the past few years.
- 2007: 17 city / 24 highway mpg
- 2008: 17 city / 24 highway mpg
- 2009: 17 city / 24 highway mpg
- 2010: 22 city / 32 highway mpg
- 2011: 22 city / 32 highway mpg
Rumors have emerged that the next generation Chevy Equinox is a much smaller design than previous models. GM hasn’t confirmed the report yet, but a smaller Equinox model could help push the limits of fuel efficiency for the car even further. Gasoline prices have forced potential buyers to buy smaller, more efficient vehicles. The Equinox currently uses a 2.4L engine and a smaller frame would certainly result in better mileage numbers.
Reducing the size of the Equinox won’t necessarily affect cargo space, either. The vehicle is longer overall and has a longer wheelbase than most competitors, allowing GM designers substantial leeway to develop a product that would directly rival the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR- V.
Looking to the future, Chevy has also designed a fuel cell version of the Equinox. The Chevy Equinox FC uses hydrogen energy as fuel and has a fourth generation hydrogen technology system. So far, the FC has had a limited release, but Chevy hopes to expand the use of the vehicle in the future. Rumors have also swirled about the possible launch of an electric-powered Chevy Equinox, and they have intensified since the automaker launched the all-electric Chevy Volt. However, whether that system will be able to power a larger SUV is still in doubt, and there have been no official announcements from the automaker regarding an electric version of the crossover SUV. Whether or not this is true, consumers have shown that they love the Equinox with or without an electric model.