Review
Introduction
On sale since 2004, the Chevrolet Equinox wears a compact-SUV price but offers more interior space and is a bit larger on the outside than other vehicles at a similar price point. As such, the Equinox seemingly straddles the compact-SUV segment and the mid-size-crossover segment. Built on the Theta crossover platform that also underpins the Saturn Vue and the Pontiac Torrent, the Equinox is relatively agile and carlike compared with SUVs with body-on-frame construction. However, road noise, suspension noise, and less-than-impressive interior materials make the Equinox feel less refined than its competitors. The Equinox is mechanically twinned with the Pontiac Torrent and Suzuki XL-7, and all three are built in the same plant.
Until this year, the Equinox came exclusively with a thrashy-sounding 185-hp, 3.4-liter pushrod V-6 mated to a surprisingly responsive five-speed automatic transmission. Newly available for 2008 in the Equinox Sport is a 3.6-liter DOHC engine with 264 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission. Although the 3.4-liter V-6 offers an acceptable amount of power, the more-powerful V-6 offers more performance and refinement without much of a fuel-economy penalty. Both engines achieve 24 mpg on the EPA highway cycle, and the 3.6-liter V-6 gets 16 mpg in the city, just 1 mpg less than the standard 3.4-liter. For those who seek superior economy, most Equinox competitors offer a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.
Major competitors to the Chevrolet Equinox include the Ford Edge, the Ford Escape, the Kia Sportage, the Honda CR-V, the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Mazda CX-7, the Mitsubishi Outlander, the Nissan Rogue, the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Toyota RAV4, and the Volkswagen Tiguan.
Verdict
The Chevrolet Equinox is a handsomely styled V-6-only crossover that is priced like a compact SUV but offers the size of a mid-size crossover SUV. It has little in the way of refinement, but that is largely offset by its low price.
Click here to read our full review of the Chevrolet Equinox.
Click here to read our full review of the Chevrolet Equinox Sport.
What’s New for 2008
There are two new Equinox trim levels for 2008: the lavishly equipped LTZ and the more powerful and sporty Sport. Equinox LS and LT models benefit from a modified chassis to improve ride and handling. The changes include stiffer shocks, retuned spring rates, and hydraulic bushings. Other changes include the addition of trailer-sway control to the standard stability-control system. Buyers will also be able to choose three new colors for 2008: Navy Blue Metallic, Black Granite Metallic, and Golden Teal.
