The COVID-19 pandemic brought a lot of industries to a screeching halt. Vehicle production slowed to a crawl, causing numerous delays for many manufacturers. The 2021 Chevrolet Equinox was slated for a refreshing new look, but the upgrade was pushed back to the 2022 model. In 2024, production will begin on the fourth-generation Chevy Equinox, spread across three different facilities. The third generation could be in production at the same time, and it’s possible that both will hit the market together. 

What is going on with the production of the next-gen Chevy Equinox? 

According to GM Authority, the fourth-generation Chevy Equinox will arrive for the 2025 model. The compact crossover SUV will begin production at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico in May 2024. From there, the process will continue in November 2024 at the San Luis Potosi plant, which is also in Mexico. The last stage of production will take place at the CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, California in February 2025.

This three-step production process will actually overlap with the current production of the third-generation Equinox. There may be about a nine-month period of time when both vehicles will be in production at separate facilities. It’s possible that both generations could be sold at the same time during the fourth-generation’s first year. 

Was the scheduled refresh for the 2021 model delayed?

A refreshed version of the third-generation Equinox was supposed to be launched in the 2021 model year. The pandemic pushed production back, however, and now it’s scheduled for the 2022 model. 

The 2022 model will be getting quite a facelift. A new front grille, revamped headlights and taillights, and restyled bumper are a few of the updates you’ll see on the 2022 Equinox. The RS model features unique trim, black accents, 19-inch wheels in a smoky finish, and a quad-tip exhaust. The interior of the RS has a few extra touches as well, including red stitching and an “RS” shift knob. 

What’s new for the 2021 Chevy Equinox?

Due to the setback with the refreshed version, Car and Driver tells us not to expect the 2021 Equinox to be much different from the 2020 model. The Chevy crossover SUV features fairly good fuel performance and a spacious interior. It’s also easy to handle and offers an enjoyable ride. 

The LT model carries a few extra perks to make your trip more comfortable, such as an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, Sirius XM satellite radio, and tinted rear windows. Exterior features on the LT include mirror housings matching the body color and chrome trim. 

Unfortunately, not many strides have been made in the performance area of the 2021 Equinox. The vehicle itself is too heavy for the base 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It struggles even more if you opt for the all-wheel-drive system; 170 hp is not enough to move the Equinox without really laying on the gas. Drivers also have the option of the turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, which is a better choice for this particular vehicle.

The Equinox’s engine may not be as powerful as one would like, but the trade-off is better fuel efficiency than some crossovers. Drivers and passengers have plenty of room in the comfortable interior, and the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment interface makes it easy to stream music or navigate to new places. 

The NHTSA gave the Equinox five stars for its wide range of safety features. Automated emergency braking, automatic high beams, and lane-keeping assistance are a few of the standard safety features in the 2021 Equinox. Drivers can obtain a limited warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles, or a powertrain warranty spanning five years or 60,000 miles.