AutoVerdict
General Motors has confirmed plans to drop its diesel engine option from the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers. The automaker cites a lack of customer demand as the reasoning behind discontinuing the diesel.
Since launching in the 2018 model year, both the Equinox and Terrain have offered an optional 1.6-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder option. In both models the mill generated 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque with EPA ratings of 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
While the fuel economy ratings were attractive, GM charged buyers almost $3,000 just to get the diesel engine, which likely has something to do with GM’s claim of low demand.
With the discontinuation of the diesel engine, first reported by The Car Connection, both crossovers are left with two turbocharged gas engines. The 1.5-liter turbo serves as the base engine with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, while an optional 2.0-liter turbo offers 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Buyers who are die-hard diesel fans will still have one crossover option to purchase. Mazda still plans to offer its more-powerful 2.2-liter SkyActiv-D diesel engine in the Mazda CX-5 Signature. It too will come at a substantial cost premium.
