The Chevrolet Equinox is a mid-size crossover SUV from Chevrolet based on GM's Theta unibody platform, manufactured at CAMI Automotive (formerly a GM/Suzuki joint venture, now wholly owned by GM) plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, and introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year.In 2008, Chevrolet added a Sport model of the Equinox that features lowered ride height and the new 3.6 DOHC V6. The larger, more powerful (264 hp (197 kW) or 40% increase) engine allowing acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in under seven seconds. The Sport model received a slightly different exterior styling, 18 inch wheels and a six-speed automatic transmission. It was available in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. GM stated the Equinox Sport was the first vehicle to reflect its more cautious naming standards. Instead of using the Super Sport badge as it had in the past on higher performance vehicles (such as this one), GM opted to reserve the SS nomenclature for special models worthy of its namesake.
An Equinox LTZ model was added. It is differentiated by its 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, bright chrome door handles and bright chrome luggage rack side rail inserts. Standard interior features include heated front seats, leather seating inserts, head curtain side impact air bags, AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 CD playback capability, and a Pioneer premium seven-speaker audio system. Equinox LTZ came with the same ride and handling package as LS and LT models.
