It's back to basics at General Motors: make cars that sell. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is intended to do just that. No, it doesn't have fancy hybrid or clean-diesel technology (for now), but it does have the design and specifications for today's car buyer.

Available this summer, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is neither a track-star nor a rugged off-road beast.

Fresh exterior styling wraps a body which has basic dimensions within one inch of the outgoing 2009 Equinox. There is evidence of chassis carryover given how both years share the same 2.86-metre wheelbase; fully independent suspension and unibody construction remain.

There are two all-new engines offered with the 2010 Equinox. Chevrolet is relishing an estimated 6.7 L/100km highway fuel consumption rating. Of course this is when equipped with the smaller 2.4-litre 182-hp four-cylinder motor and front-wheel-drive, but that 6.7 figure is noteworthy. No four-cylinder motors were offered with the outgoing Equinox; this downsizing spares roughly two litres for every 100km compared to the past entry-level 3.4-litre V6, but power ratings are not as strong.

The new 3.0-litre V6 is also at a loss of some power when compared to the 2009 Equinox's 3.6-litre V6, but fuel consumption ratings are improved marginally to 11.9 and 8.1 L/100km on the city and highway, respectively. The new V6 is rated at 255-hp and 214 lb-ft of torque, and will pull a trailer of up to 1588 kg (908 kg more than the four-cylinder model). Both engines in this 1710-kg crossover SUV use efficient direct injection of regular unleaded fuel.

Both motors apply power via six-speed automatic transmissions, but only that of the V6 offers a manual-shift mode. This unit is carried over from 2009. New to the Equinox is a driver-selectable ECO button, which adapts the transmission for better economy.

On the efficiency track, the 2010 Equinox has an improved 0.36 coefficient of drag, which is down from 0.42. Models equipped with four cylinders will also feature electric power steering and low rolling-resistance tires. Tire sizes will range from 17-inches to 19-inches depending on the model - LS, LT, or LTZ.

The cabin's front area has been revised significantly and is highlighted by blue ambient lighting.