About a month ahead of its official reveal at the NAIAS in Detroit, Chevrolet has exposed the images of the redesigned 2010 Equinox.

By looking at the photos, we can definitely say that GM did an amazing job at making the redesign stand out much more than competing vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape. It has a very substantial and muscular look that is aided by a wide and tall front end and huge fender flares.

Carrying over the front grille that began on the 2008 Malibu, we are happy to see each GM division carry similar faces between its lineups much like the foreign automaker do. It helps keep a brand recognizable and adds some consistency between different vehicles.

The rear end is neatly done, without being too boring or overly busy. The wraparound look of the rear glass first seen on the Cadillac SRX crossover is also a well-designed addition to the Equinox.

Looking at the interior, we definitely see the direction that Chevrolet has moved in with interior design. The mix of retro and modern elegance works beautifully with the optional brown and black leather, and the several glowing LED's definitely add to the ambiance. The dashboard is pushed forward which should give a feeling of airiness to the cabin, while the its high height and wrapping around the interior add a feeling of security.

As we reported earlier, two engines will be available on the 2010 Equinox. A 2.4-liter Direct Injected 4-cylinder with 180 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque and a Direct Injected 3.0-liter 255 hp V-6 with 214 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder mileage figures are at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is quite well compared to the current engine. The V-6 is rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway, and standard on the redesigned SRX.

Standard on the Equinox are six-airbags, ABS, StabiliTrak, and traction control. OnStar and XM Satellite radio are standard as well, along with a "Smart" remote starter system that activates the ventilation system and available heated seats depending on the outside temperature.

Check out the photos and GM's video on DI below.

 

 

Courtesy: GM