All-New Equinox Crossover Highlights a More-Efficient 2010 Chevy Truck Lineup

Chevrolet’s all-new, 2010 Equinox blends distinctive design with outstanding efficiency – attributes shared with the rest of the brand’s lineup of trucks and utility vehicles.

Chevy Equinox

A new, 2.4L direct injection engine helps the Equinox deliver expected best-in-segment estimated highway fuel economy of 32 mpg (EPA certification pending) – a 33-percent improvement over the previous model. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the efficient, 2.4L engine.

“At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “It offers the roominess and capability of a crossover with great fuel economy. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement, comfort and great value.”

The new Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover; and like those vehicles, the new Equinox complements its styling with attention to detail and unexpected features. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive. Both the new, 2.4L engine and an available 3.0L V-6 feature fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology, as well as fuel-saving six-speed transmissions.

For maximum versatility, the new Equinox retains its MultiFlex rear seat design, allowing the seat to be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (203 mm), for the best rear legroom in its class. With the 60/40-split-back rear seat moved all the way forward, the cargo area offers 31.4 cubic feet (889 liters) of storage.

Below is a rundown of the rest of the 2010 Chevy truck lineup. Please see the separate release for all that’s new with Chevrolet cars.

Avalanche

Chevy Avalance Z71

Avalanche’s unique design enables it to function as an SUV, truck or both, thanks to the exclusive Midgate. It opens to extend the cargo-carrying capability from the cargo bed’s 5-foot-3-inch-long (1.6 m) length to 8 feet 2 inches (2.5 m). The rear seat must be folded to achieve maximum storage capability; with the rear seat up and the Midgate closed, Avalanche has room for up to six passengers.

A pair of new exterior colors is offered in 2010, while all of Avalanche’s radios receive a USB port. Revisions have been made to the 1LT package and a single-speed transfer case is now standard on 4WD models (a two-speed transfer case is optional). Features including Bluetooth wireless phone connectivity, a rear camera system and side blind zone detection and head curtain side air bags highlight its standard and available technologies.

Colorado
The midsize Chevy Colorado pickup heads into 2010 with greater efficiency, thanks to a new XFE model that achieves the lineup’s best fuel economy.

Chevrolet Colorado crew cab

Also available is a 5.3L V-8 engine on extended cab and crew cab models that enables a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg). The 5.3L now features variable valve timing for greater overall performance.

For 2010, head curtain side air bags are now standard on all models and three new exterior colors are offered. Returning for the new model year is brake system that was enhanced in ’09 and features four-channel ABS with yaw control for flatter, more controlled stopping during panic stops and improved control on slippery surfaces. The performance-bred ZQ8 sport package also returns.

HHR
Chevrolet’s distinctive HHR is a stylish blend of form, function and frugality. Powered by a range of efficient Ecotec engines, the HHR offers of top 32 mpg in highway driving while delivering the technology, safety and convenience features customers want.

Chevrolet HHR SS

That lineup also includes the unmatched HHR SS, which features a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0L engine that gives this unique model the capability of running from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and returning 29 mpg on the highway.

For 2010, HHR changes are limited to a trio of new exterior colors and, later in the model year, the introduction of a rear-view camera system. Also returning for 2010 is the HHR Panel – a work/delivery vehicle that comes with the HHR’s efficient powertrain and windowless side panels that form a blank canvas for creative business graphics or logos.

Silverado 1500
Recognized as an industry leader in fuel economy, dependability and performance, the wide range of Chevy Silverado 1500 models include everything from jobsite-ready Work Truck models to the luxuriously appointed LTZ crew cab.

Chevy Silverado extended cab

For 2010, the Silverado 1500’s range of 4.8L, 5.3L and 6.2L V-8 engines offer E85 capability, while the 4.8L and 5.3L engines now feature variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission is added to regular and extended cab models with the 5.3L V-8 (previously it was offered only on crew cab models); and all 5.3L-equipped models feature a standard 3.08 axle ratio that enhances fuel economy.

Additional changes for 2010 include side curtain airbags and seat-mounted side airbags made standard on all models; a USB port included on all but base radios; expanded availability of the rear-view camera system; and two new exterior colors.

Silverado Hybrid
The 2010 Silverado Hybrid continues as a powerful full-size pickup that achieves 40-percent greater city fuel economy and a 25-percent improvement in overall fuel economy – all while delivering the capability expected of a full-size truck, including a 6,100-pound (2,767 kg) towing capacity. It is offered in the crew cab body style on both 2WD and 4WD models.

Partnering General Motors’ patented two-mode hybrid system and a powerful 6.0L V-8, the Silverado Hybrid delivers highly efficient performance, including all-electric driving up to 30 mph (48 km/h). That allows fuel savings to be realized even when the truck is fully loaded or towing a trailer. FlexFuel capability is new for 6.0L V-8 engine in 2010.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for 2WD models is 21 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway, while 4WD models have been upgraded to match the 2WD’s 21/22 mpg estimates. That mileage, combined with the Silverado Hybird’s 26-gallon (98 L) fuel tank, delivers a cruising range of more than 500 miles.

Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD
Chevrolet Silverado heavy-duty models are ready for any task, whether work or leisure. They are offered in a range of 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) models; and are available in WT, LT and LTZ trim. A wide range of configurations – three cab styles, three cargo box styles and five wheelbase lengths – delivers tremendous choice.

The Silverado HD pickups also offer many segment-best capabilities, including 18,500-pound (8,392 kg) gross combined vehicle weight rating for vehicles with a gas V-8 and a 13,000-pound (5,897 kg) conventional trailer weight rating enabled by a larger-capacity trailer hitch platform. Maximum towing capacity is 16,700 pounds (7,575 kg), when equipped with a fifth-wheel hitch.

Changes for 2010 are minor and include a pair of new exterior colors and the inclusion of a USB port on all but the base radio.

Suburban

Chevrolet Suburban

For decades, the unique Chevrolet Suburban has been the benchmark of full-size SUVs. It is spacious, capable and more efficient than ever. The Suburban lineup is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD and 4WD, as well as 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 series.

New for 2010 is a 6.0L V-8 with variable valve timing and FlexFuel capability in 2500 models, as well as a pair of new exterior colors and USB ports for all of Suburban’s radios. Revisions have also been made to several interior and trim packages, streamlining the availability of popular features such as remote vehicle start, adjustable pedals and ultrasonic rear parking assist.

Tahoe
Chevrolet Tahoe offers great spaciousness and towing capability, with the segment’s best fuel economy. That includes EPA-rated 15 city and 21 highway mileage in the Tahoe XFE model that was introduced during the ’09 model year.

Chevy Tahoe

For 2010, new features include a pair of exterior colors; variable valve timing and E85 capability on the 5.3L engine; USB ports on the range of radios and a change to a single-speed transfer case on 4WD models (a two-speed transfer case is optional). Revisions to exterior and interior packages are also implemented for 2010.

Tahoe Hybrid
The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid delivers up to 40-percent improved mileage in city driving, compared with non-hybrid models, while delivering all of the comfort and capability customers expect in a full-size SUV. The vastly improved fuel economy is due largely to a state-of-the-art hybrid system using GM’s Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT).

An industry first for any full-size SUV, the patented hybrid system allows these vehicles to return exceptional fuel economy in both city and highway driving while still delivering full-size SUV performance. The Tahoe Hybrid can tow up to 6,200 pounds (2,818 kg) of towing capacity (2WD) and offers standard eight-passenger seating capacity.

Traverse
The Chevy Traverse is an expressively styled, well-equipped crossover that gives customers people-hauling and cargo-carrying capability typically found in larger SUVs. It is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

Chevy Traverse

Efficient performance comes from a 3.6L V-6 with direct injection that helps produce power similar to many V-8 engines and uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Traverse is rated at 288 horsepower (215 kW)* and 270 lb.-ft. of torque (366 Nm)* with dual exhaust (281 hp/210 kW* and 266 lb.-ft./361 Nm* with single exhaust), but delivers better-than-expected fuel economy of 24 mpg on the highway.

Changes for 2010 are limited to a new exterior color, a USB port on the radios and the inclusion of OnStar 8.2.