Packages are an underrated way of upgrading your vehicle. While consumers tend to focus on trims, packages can be just as valuable a way to improve your driving experience. Not only will a package allow your vehicle to match your needs, but it’ll do so in a way that’s less expensive than a higher trim or customizing every aspect of the vehicle yourself.
In recent years, packages have taken a bit of a hit due to supply chain problems. There’s no doubt some of those problems still linger, even over three years after the pandemic started. But the supply chain is certainly in better shape than it has been, so if packages interest you, now is the time to invest in one. If you see a Chevy Equinox for sale, take a look at what packages it offers, as the 2024 model serves as a great example of how a variety of packages can make one vehicle attractive to drivers with very different expectations.
Packages and trims can be confused with one another, but they are not the same. Generally speaking, trims tend to result in more aesthetic and size differences, while packages deal with a more specific aspect of the vehicle, such as its infotainment or its cargo space. There can be some crossover between packages and trims. Higher-level trims may include some packages as standard equipment, while they remain optional in lower trims. But this can also mean that you don’t have to buy the higher trim to get the package you want. Packages will usually be less expensive and narrower in scope than a higher trim that includes it, making it a smart buy for the economical consumer.
The Equinox’s variety of packages is vast, so it offers a great look into what manufacturers believe consumers are looking for. The Equinox has been a bestselling SUV for Chevy for some time. It’s a family-friendly option, well-made, and a consistent performer. It gets solid acceleration and has the ability to tow up to 1,500 pounds. The Equinox is also intended to be a multi-purpose SUV, so coming with a wide variety of packages makes sense. Chevy wants the Equinox to appeal to a large slice of the automotive market, so its hallmark SUV is more adaptable than most.
Driver Confidence II and III Packages
The Driver Confidence II Package provides upgrades to interior comfort, adding heated rear seats and an eight-way adjustable driver’s seat. This is standard equipment on the LT, RS, and Premier trims, and optional on LS.
The Driver Confidence III Package adds some safety features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist, and HD Surround Vision. The latter is particularly impressive as it can display camera angles on your touchscreen that show you areas normally in your blind spots. This is only available on the Premier trim.
Some of these upgrades will appear in other packages as well. Often, packages will combine many upgrades under one theme, which does result in some crossover.
The Cargo Package and Roadside Safety Package
For anyone who plans to load up the back of the Equinox with luggage or equipment, this package should be a serious consideration. It addresses a concern that many people have when transporting significant volume: safety. You’ll be granted a retractable cargo shade, which will keep your cargo out of view of people passing by, making your vehicle less of a target for anyone with nefarious intentions. When you don’t need the shade, it can be stored underneath the cargo area for your convenience. It’s a small, but smart upgrade that can make your trip far less stressful.
The Roadside Safety Package also aims to let you travel with little stress on your mind. With this option, you’ll have a first aid kit and a highway safety kit. The first aid kit comes with all the expected items, such as gauze and bandages, so that you can take action in the unfortunate event of an injury. The highway safety kit has tools, gloves, and booster cables. Both kits are designed to give you a little extra reassurance when you’re on the road that you can handle an unexpected problem.
Interior Protection Package and Floor Liner Package
Both of these packages aim to keep your Equinox’s interior in fantastic shape, no matter how far off the beaten path your destinations are. The Interior Protection Package replaces the standard fabric mats with rubber all-weather floor mats and all-weather cargo mats. These will protect your vehicle if you’re coming in with wet, dirty boots after a fun day fishing or hiking. Just because your shoes and gear are dirty does not mean your SUV needs to be, too.
The Floor Liner Package takes the previous upgrades and makes them even snazzier by adding anti-slip traction and raised edges to give your floor and cargo area, providing further protection from water and mud. You’ll be keeping your Equinox pristine even when the elements are less than friendly.
Infotainment II Package
As the name suggests, your infotainment system will see a nice upgrade if you opt for this package, which upgrades to the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus system. You’ll be able to use your smartphone apps through the eight-inch touchscreen, which supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even better, you can connect two devices to your Bluetooth for streaming purposes. You’ll also receive a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. This package is perfect if you foresee long trips with plenty of passengers. Everyone will stay entertained and informed as you journey across America’s highways.
Hit the Road Package
The Equinox equipped with this package will come with roof rack cross rails, making it easier for you to bring along athletic or wilderness gear, like bikes or skis, when you’re heading off road. It also includes molded assist steps to help you get in and out of your SUV. This is important if you’re on uneven terrain, such as a more rocky, mountainous area, or if you want some extra support as you’re managing your roof racks.
Redline Edition
For those who want to add some extra zest to their SUV, consider the Redline Edition. The standard gold Chevy emblems will turn black, which will match nicely with the black door handles, Black Ice interior accents, and black Equinox badges with red outlines. Even the 19-inch wheels will get in on the action with red accents and black center caps. These additions to your SUV will have you looking cooler than anyone else around. This package should prove to be especially popular for younger, social folks, proving that even a family friendly vehicle can have a lot of social heft.
Confidence and Convenience Package II
This package combines elements from many of the packages, making it top tier. You’ll have an eight-way power front driver’s seat, ensuring that your seat will be in the position that best fits your posture while driving. The driver’s seat and the front passenger seat will receive heat and ventilation as well, with three different fan settings. Your rear seats will be heated as well.
This package also comes with Adaptive Cruise Control. If the traffic ahead slows, the adaptive cruise control will reduce your vehicle’s speed to match its speed. When traffic ahead clears, the Equinox will resume its preset speed. In a similar vein, you will also have Automatic Parking Assist, which will automatically steer to place your vehicle into a detected parallel or perpendicular parking space while you control your speed with the gas and brakes. The Confidence and Convenience Package II is designed for those who want it all in terms of interior upgrades.
Packages Promise Versatility
The more packages a vehicle offers, the more you can make it uniquely your own, and the larger a bite out of the automotive market the manufacturer can take. Since packages are often a smarter financial choice than trying to customize a vehicle all on your own, options like the 2024 Chevy Equinox will be very attractive to consumers looking for a smart, capable, and affordable purchase. We have no doubt that the offers we listed above will be one of the reasons the Chevy Equinox continues to be a bestseller for Chevrolet.
