Review
Introduction
Although there’s a common perception that General Motors was late to the crossover-utility-vehicle party, it was actually an early adopter with the Equinox, which was styled to look much more like a traditional SUV than its Japanese rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
Introduced for 2005, the Equinox shares many of its components with the first-generation Saturn Vue. Essentially a front-wheel-drive machine, all versions of the Equinox can be outfitted with all-wheel drive. The 185-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 engine is fitted to the LS, LT, and LTZ models, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Sport model, introduced for 2008, is fitted with the more sophisticated and powerful 264-hp, 3.6-liter engine and six-speed automatic that’s shared with the Cadillac CTS. Towing capacity is rated at 3500 pounds. The Equinox is available only in two-row, five-passenger form and is due to be replaced for 2010 by a new model.
Verdict
The Equinox was a solid player when it came to market, but it has been joined by a veritable stampede of crossover utilities since then. Its interior dates from the days before product czar Bob Lutz cast a critical eye over the lackluster materials and cheesy plastics that dominated GM interiors, although the materials have been upgraded over the vehicle’s life cycle. The 3.4-liter V-6 feels wheezy at the top end and isn’t really up to the task of pulling nearly 4000 pounds, although the higher-powered Sport is peppy. The Equinox rides and handles in a carlike fashion, although it isn’t in the same league as the likes of the CR-V.
Gas mileage is midpack, with EPA ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway for all- and front-wheel-drive versions fitted with the 3.4-liter V-6. Interior space is merely adequate, too, with just 35.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.6 with the rear seats folded, although the sliding second-row seat is a neat feature. One thing in the vehicle’s favor: It’s a pretty good value, especially since Chevy is putting cash on the hood to offload its supply of them.
Click here to read our full review of the Chevrolet Equinox.
What’s New for 2009
The Equinox received major changes last year and mostly stands pat until its replacement arrives for 2010. The most significant upgrade this year is that curtain airbags and XM satellite radio are standard equipment; both were previously optional on some models. Also, Bluetooth phone connectivity is now available.
Highlights and Recommendations
All-wheel drive is available on all Equinox models and adds about $2000 to the sticker.
The base LS starts at about $25,000 and features amenities such as power windows, a decent stereo, air conditioning, and a full array of safety features. This is the budget model, with few options available. Moving up to the 1LT will cost an extra grand and adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, and premium cloth trim. Options include a sunroof and remote start.
At just over $27,000, the 2LT is actually the best deal in the range, featuring keyless entry with remote start, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a power driver’s seat, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. At this trim level, a navigation system or a rear-seat entertainment system can be added, but not together. Leather seats, a trailering package, and heated front seats are available.
Next up the ladder is the LTZ, which nears the $30,000 mark and features leather seating, a six-CD in-dash changer, cruise-control buttons on the steering wheel, a premium seven-speaker audio system, fog lamps, and chrome-clad wheels. Before spending this kind of money, we recommend looking at the CR-V or RAV4.
The Sport model is the most expensive Equinox, with a base price just above that of the LTZ. For the extra ante, it has 18-inch wheels, a sporty body kit, and the more powerful engine and upgraded transmission. This model should be reserved only for buyers seeking that extra bit of performance and willing to pay for it.
Safety
All Equinox models are now fitted with curtain airbags to augment dual-stage front airbags. Stability control and anti-lock brakes are standard, along with trailer-sway control that applies the brakes in the event that a trailer starts going out of control.
