Tested: 2022 Chevrolet Equinox

The current generation of the Chevrolet Equinox made its debut as a 2018 model. It was due for a mid-cycle refresh in 2021, but the global pandemic caused delays so it appears for the 2022 model year. That update includes a new face, an upgraded infotainment system and revisions to the drivetrain.

The front end now features slimmer LED headlights, a new grill and new daytime running lights.

The rear also gets a new look, and the two lowest trim levels get an upgraded interior.

The next generation infotainment system has a revised interface making it easier to use and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard.

What’s under the hood of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox?

The drivetrain has been simplified and costs contained by dropping the 252-horsepower four-cylinder engine previously available in upper trim levels. The only engine for 2022 is a 170-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four, mated to a dated six-speed automatic transmission.

Equinox units rolling off the Ontario assembly line destined for Canada will all offer all-wheel-drive. Those destined for south of the border will also be available with front-wheel-drive. The 2022 Equinox comes in LS ($28,900), LT ($31,000), RS ($33,800) and Premier ($34,800) trims.

The tester was the LT version with the 1LT package, a configuration expected to be the best seller.

Global computer chip shortage: No seat heat for you!

We’ve all heard about the global computer chip shortage and how that has impacted the auto industry, shutting down factories in some cases and creating acres of finished vehicles parked and awaiting a tiny little chip.

The test vehicle was my first exposure to this problem. The first morning in my possession, I pushed the seat heater button – to no avail! No indicator light came on and no heat resulted. Turns out the chip necessary for that function was not available at the time of manufacture and will be installed at the dealer when they arrive.

I later discovered the rear speakers did not function, another result of the chip shortage. Instead of delaying the refreshed Equinox any further GM decided to get them into the market with a $50 credit on the price sheet and a promise to install the elusive chip at no charge when they become available.

Inside the 2022 Equinox

This mid-size crossover offers good room for four occupants, five in a pinch. There is plenty of head and leg room in the rear seat for full-sized adults. The rear seat no longer slides fore/aft. There is a good amount of cargo space aft of the second row and twice as much when that seat back is folded down.

The instrument panel has a pair of analogue gauges for engine and road speed. Small fuel level and engine temp readouts lie above a small digital information display. The centre stack is topped by a 20-centimetre colour infotainment touchscreen. Below that, there are big easy-to-use knobs and buttons for the HVAC system.

How does the 2022 Equinox ride?

The 1.5-litre four-cylinder is a punchy little unit with good performance off the line thanks to the turbocharger and low-end torque. But from that point on acceleration is merely satisfactory. The six-speed automatic is shy two or three cogs when compared to the competition but overall the drivetrain is smooth, adequate and reasonably fuel efficient.

The ride is also smooth and composed, very comfortable over rough road surfaces so common in late winter in these parts. It’s no sports car, understeering readily when pressed in the corners, but there is little body lean. The simple AWD system is a welcome feature at any time of the year, but especially in winter.

Safety agencies have awarded the Equinox top scores. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Agency) gives it five stars and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has it as a Top Safety Pick. One interesting little fact I discovered when studying these ratings — the Equinox gets a higher rating than its GMC Terrain sister, thanks to better lighting from the new front LED headlights!

The redesigned 2022 Chevrolet Equinox is an attractive combination of price, interior space, safety and standard features.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2022 Chevrolet Equinox AWD LT with 1LT

PRICE

Base: $30,998

As tested: $38,643 including freight

SAFETY

Rear cross traffic alert, lane change alert with blind zone alert, HF surround vision

INFOTAINMENT

Chevrolet Infotainment Plus with connected navigation and 20-cm colour touchscreen, four USB ports, Bluetooth audio streaming for two active devices, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable, enhanced voice recognition, in -vehicle apps, cloud connected personalization for select infotainment and vehicle settings. Subscription required for enhanced and connected services after trial period.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Power sunroof, dual zone automatic climate control, heated power mirrors, 120-volt outlet, adaptive cruise control, 18-in aluminum wheels, power rear liftgate, front and rear park assist, heated steering wheel,

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

Blue Glow metallic paint, $195; LT True North package ,$3,715; Advanced safety package, $750.

MECHANICAL

1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, 170- horsepower, 203 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel. Si-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 9.4 / 8.0

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,651 mm; width, 1,844 mm; wheelbase, 2,725 mm; weight, 1,577 kg

COMPETITION

Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester.