GM Says 2010 Equinox Crossover Will Win 32 MPG EPA Rating for Highway Driving
By John O'Dell May 4, 2009
A gleeful General Motors Corp. says that preliminary tests using the same protocol the EPA employs shows that its redesigned 2010 Chevrolet Equinox crossover SUV will get 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
The figure, moderated by a 30 percent lower city cycle of 22 miles per gallon for overall fuel economy of around 26 mpg, is for the front-wheel drive model equipped with the 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine (right)
.
The ailing automaker, desperately in need of new models that will bring buyers into its dealerships, said the official EPA ratings are due "shortly." The 2010 Equinox is scheduled to hit showrooms in June.
The Equinox' chief rivals in the midsized crossover, four-cylinder SUV segment are the 2.4-liter Honda CR-V, which received a 2009 EPA fuel economy rating of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway (23 mpg combined), and the 2.5-liter Toyota RAV-4, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway (24 mpg combined).
Mindful that growing numbers of shoppers now are demanding fuel efficiency as well as utility in their SUVs - and that it has to meet that demand or die - GM had vowed when it showed the redesigned Equinox at the Detroit auto Show in January that it would get at least 30 miles a gallon on the highway.
LEAVE A COMMENT
Click here to comment on this entry.That's excellent. About equal to the best (nonhybrid) midsize cars.
I'm not quite as excited about this. I think cross-over fans generally want V6 engines or engines with at least 200 hp or so. Unless gas exceed $4/gal, no one would want a 4-cyl non-turbo crossover.
Yeah, there are the Honda CRV and 4-cyl Toyota RAV 4. I know for a fact that the Honda CRV is percieved as too slow. I think the major reason people buy them is the perceived reliability and the fact that Toyotas/Hondas retain their value. GM's cars don't have that value or perceived reliability, and few would want to make a "sacrifice" by getting a GM 4-cyl non-turbo crossover.
BA, you're right about a lot of buyers, but I think there are plenty that want an SUV and economy at the same time. Our 11 year old SUV (V8, AWD, BOF, etc) is still running well, but I'd like to replace it in the next year or two. We love the ride and convenience, but we don't need all that power and economy is a concern. I'll take a strong look at a vehicle such as this.
Let's put a stop to focusing on highway mpg, shall we? Oh, they love it because it gives them a 30-something number to boast about. But this singular focus is misleading.
Either advertise city and highway with equal billing, or, if you must use one number, use EPA combined. Selective advertising and promotion does the customer no favors.
So, in reality, the new Equinox will get 26 mpg. That's still good, but it's also real.
And, more than anything, GM needs to stay real to survive and grow.
I was going to hold out for a Cruze wagon (with a pack of dogs as family, folded down back seats of a wagon work- but I doubt if I will ever see one), but this is a vehicle I'll consider.
Living 30 miles to work (wonders of one of the last generations that can have 20 acres for my family & friends)- with 1 traffic signal, 1 stop sign and 1 yield sign between me & work- highway mileage means much more to me than city mileage.
I drive responsibly and squeeze 24 to 25 mpg out of my 2008 Equinox and I expect gas to be back at $4 per gallon soon. I am also green around the edges and 32 mpg catches my attention without giving up too much needed space.
ADD A COMMENT