“The car has no power, needs a turbo. The basic sound system is terrible and needs in dash GPS. It also hydro planes with hardly any water on the road.”
2016 Chevrolet Equinox: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox gets a light mid-cycle refresh, led by revised front and rear styling. A 7-inch touchscreen and rearview camera also become standard across the lineup, while the engines and six-speed automatic carry over.
About the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox
2nd generation (2010-2017), 2016 refresh year and second-to-last model year before the 2018 redesign.
Chevrolet positions the Equinox as a roomy, comfort-focused small SUV for everyday family use. Its biggest selling points are easy entry, a quiet ride, generous back-seat space, and the sliding/reclining Multi-Flex rear seat that helps balance passenger room and cargo flexibility. Compared with rivals, the Equinox leans more toward comfort and space than sporty handling, and it stands out by offering a stronger V6 higher in the range for shoppers who want more pulling power.
The L and LS are straightforward family versions with a roomy cabin, sliding and reclining rear seat, touchscreen, and rearview camera. The LT adds the fuller Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen system, LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors, and roof rails, while the LTZ focuses on comfort with leather seating, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and driver-seat memory.
What changed, by category
Styling
Chevrolet revised the front and rear styling, adding projector-beam headlights and new taillights. The LT gained LED daytime running lights, while the LTZ received a new foglight treatment and a new 18-inch wheel design.
Safety
A rearview camera became standard on every trim.
Tech
A 7-inch color touchscreen became standard across the lineup. The LT and LTZ received the fuller Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen system as standard, and the dashboard gained a storage shelf and updated control graphics.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 16–22 mpg | 16–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 23–32 mpg | 23–32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182–301 hp | 182–301 hp |
| Torque | 172 lb-ft | 172 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft | 172–272 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 1500 lb | 1500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in | 39.9 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox a full redesign?
No. The 2016 Equinox is a mid-cycle refresh of the second-generation model, with updated styling and more standard technology rather than a complete redesign.
What became standard on every 2016 Chevrolet Equinox trim?
A 7-inch color touchscreen and rearview camera became standard on every 2016 Equinox trim. Projector-beam headlights also arrived with the refreshed exterior.
Did the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2016 Equinox kept the same engines and six-speed automatic transmission used for 2015.
How is the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox different from the 2015 model?
The 2016 Equinox has revised front and rear styling, projector-beam headlights, new taillights, a standard 7-inch touchscreen, and a standard rearview camera. It also has an updated dashboard with a new storage shelf and revised control graphics.
What happened to the Equinox LT lineup for 2016?
The LT lineup was simplified into a single LT grade for 2016. It also received standard LED daytime running lights and the fuller Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen system.
2016 Chevrolet Equinox Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox.
4.1
2016 Chevrolet Equinox
(448 reviews)
“Chevy equinox is the safest vehicle on the market. It protected me and my 4 year old when we're in a horrific car accident. And I thank that car every day for saving my life and keeping my child safe. I will forever and always buy equinox til they either stop making them or I stop driving.”
“The car doesn't pair with your phone. There is a big screen but it does very little. The onstar buttons are in the way on the rear view mirror. A 4 cylinder engine is too small for this big of a vehicle. The tailgate has far too much hanging on it for a smooth closing. The cabin comfort system is not robust enough to cool the cabin during the summer.”