Both come heated as standard in all but base models. The front seats check all the right boxes. The Equinox has a sturdy, truck-like drive feel that would be better served by the optional 3.6-litre V6, which bumps the horsepower number up to a best-in-class 301 with 272 lb-ft. On top of that, it’s noisy and not terribly fuel efficient in the real world, relative to the competition’s eco-conscious offerings.

Its 182 horses, not fully available until 6,700 rpm, aren’t enough to comfortably lug around its 1,818 kg body. This tester was equipped with Chevrolet’s Ecotec 2.4-litre direct-injected four cylinder engine, which frankly is not a good fit.

The changes go a long way to improve its looks - but fashion-conscious buyers may still find the Equinox’s appearance too boxy and angular for their tastes. The top LTZ trim, as tested, also includes LED daytime running lamps and new fog lamps. The Equinox was refreshed for the 2016 model year and now sports an updated grille and front fascia, new projector-beam headlamps, updated tail lights and new wheel designs. But for those who just want the best car within their budget, how does the Equinox stack up? The influx to the local economy that comes from buying one of these means a great deal to many consumers. This 2016 Chevrolet Equinox started its day in Toronto and travelled west along the 401, right past Ingersoll, where it was assembled, before stopping in Windsor, across the Detroit River from GM’s Renaissance Center head office. It’s a vehicle that generates jobs for your neighbours. There are plenty of vehicles for sale in this country, but it’s rare when one can be driven to the place where it was designed, where its engine was built, and where it was assembled, all within a half-day’s travel of Toronto.

2016 equinox tail lights