The Mercedes-Benz ML-Class-lookin' 2010 Chevrolet Equinox will go on sale in June for $23,185, including $745 destination fee.
That'll get you a front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder LS model. Chevrolet notes that price is $1,800 less than the base-level 2009 Equinox. By our math the 2010 model is $1,825 less expensive than an '09, but who's counting? The significance of this move is that it highlights the fact that at $25,010 the '09 was overpriced compared to its American and Asian competitors (all of which start between $21,000 and $23,500).
You might point out, as Chevrolet did not, that the base level 2010 Equinox is powered by a four-cylinder and the base level 2009 Equinox had a V6. But the new direct-injection 2.4-liter four makes about 182 horsepower. The old 3.4-liter V6 ground out a whopping 184 hp. So it's not as much a downgrade as it might seem on the surface. Plus, Chevy would very much like you to know that it anticipates the four-cylinder model will get 30 mpg on the highway (the old V6 got 24 mpg highway).
Chevrolet hasn't released pricing for 2010 Equinox models powered by the new 3.0-liter direct-injection V6 or any other optional equipment, for that matter. The Equinox will be joined in show rooms soon by a mechanical twin in the GMC Terrain, which is to be introduced next week at the New York Auto Show.
Read Inside Line's full story on the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.
bankerdanny says:
10:06 AM, 04/ 2/09
Great, now please explaing to me why this engine, which apparently can get 30mph in an SUV is not the standard engine, or at least optional in the Cruze?
hondacura4 says:
06:08 PM, 04/ 2/09
Banker, being the Cruze is a global car it may not be able to accept the 2.4 and/or it may be too expensive to offer.
bankerdanny says:
08:54 PM, 04/ 2/09
make it an optional upgrade, like the 2.4 in my '96 Sunfire was an option over the 2.2l standard.
Assuming the basic car is high quality, wouldn't you pay an extra $500-$70o for an engine that would be one the most powerful non-turbo engines available?
stovt001 says:
11:08 PM, 04/ 2/09
As I said on the Cruze post, they already tried the whole 2.4L thing on the Cobalt and it just didn't seem to catch on. In this class, you're either going the "economical" route or the "sport compact" route.