2010 Chevrolet Equinox LT
03/10/2010
Shahed Hussain
Chevrolet's first attempt at a crossover was the 2005 Equinox, which after a strong start never sold as well as the Ford Escape or Honda CR-V. Learning from the experience, Chevrolet totally redesigned the Equinox to better match the expectations of entry-level crossover customers. Replacing the dated OHV V-6 in the previous Equinox are new direct-injected powerplants: a 2.4L inline-4 or an optional 3.0L V-6, both coupled to a 6-speed automatic. Sculpted exterior styling resembling the bigger Traverse crossover immediately identifies the Equinox as a Chevrolet, while its interior design appears inspired by the Malibu sedan.
The Equinox is available in three trim levels: LS, LT, and the premium LTZ. Front-wheel drive is standard, with optional all-wheel drive available on all models. Pricing starts at $22,615 (LS FWD) and climbs to $29,970 (LTZ AWD). Our test vehicle was the value-oriented Equinox 1LT (FWD) equipped with just the $495 Vehicle Interface Package, which includes Bluetooth, leather-wrapped steering wheel, USB port, and remote vehicle start. With the $745 destination charge, the sticker price added up to $24,600. According to Chevrolet's website, the current pricing for an identically equipped Equinox 1LT is $24,775. Owners in colder climates may consider the $549 dealer-installed Heated Seat kit mandatory. Significant options include 18-inch wheels, 8-way power driver's seat, rearview camera, power moonroof, and a Pioneer audio system.
While the original Equinox suffered from inexpensive trim and indifferent build quality, its replacement is in a different league. Gone are the bland plastics and lackluster design that sent customers scurrying to the CR-V and RAV4. Instead, the new Equinox offers matte silver bezels around the vents, door handles and center console; chrome-rimmed knobs and cupholders add variety to the multi-hued brown interior. The leather wrapped steering wheel has cruise, audio, and Bluetooth phone controls on the spokes. Inset between the 8,000 RPM tachometer and 140-MPH speedometer are smaller semi-circular fuel and coolant temperature gauges. A multi-function driver information display in the instrument panel shows odometer, fuel consumption, transmission gear, and other vehicle status information. Within easy reach on the center console are the audio and climate controls knobs and buttons. The standard 6-speaker, 80-watt AM/FM/XM satellite radio system also plays MP3 and WMA files. Located under the center stack, the unmarked CD slot seems to be an afterthought. A small bin on the dashboard holds mobile phones or MP3 players; additional storage is available in the center console and door pockets. A 12V outlet is conveniently located in the bin at the bottom of the center stack; an additional 12V outlet is hidden in the center console storage bin. Dual cupholders are located between the front seats, next to the transmission shifter.
Upholstered in a patterned fabric, the firmly padded cloth seats offer above average lateral support. The driver's seat has power height and fore/aft adjustments, plus lumbar support; the passenger seat gets basic manual 4-way seat controls. Without the optional moonroof, front headroom is plentiful for 6-ft. tall occupants. Rear passengers will appreciate the comfortable, generously proportioned seats and exceptional legroom; a folding center armrest includes two cupholders. The rear seats fold down, but not completely flat, which limits room for some bulky items. Maximum cargo capacity is 63.7 cu. ft. (rear seats folded) or 31.4 cu. ft. (rear seats up). The temporary spare tire is hidden under a cargo floor panel. An auxiliary 12V outlet is located near the left rear wheel well.
Chevrolet's new all-aluminum 2.4L inline-4 has class-leading power output: 182-bhp @ 6700 RPM; torque is equally impressive at 172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 RPM. Despite a curb weight of nearly 3,800 lbs., the 2.4L had no trouble moving the Equinox around town or merging onto fast-flowing freeway traffic. Above 70 MPH acceleration is leisurely, but certainly acceptable considering the power-to-weight ratio (20.9 lb./bhp). The direct-injection four is unobtrusive in most driving conditions, but the engine note becomes increasingly harsh as it approaches redline. However, the 2.4L is no worse in this regard than other large displacement inline fours. According to the EPA, the Equinox achieves 22/32 MPG (city/hwy.). We averaged over 30 MPG on the highway, so the 32 MPG EPA rating seems realistic. Trailer towing capacity is a modest 1,500 lbs., but choosing with the optional 3.0L V-6 raises the rating to 3,500 lbs.
Chevrolet offers two 6-speed automatics for the Equinox: the Hydra-Matic 6T45 (2.4L) and 6T70 (3.0L). The 6T45 is a top-notch gearbox that shifts nearly seamlessly, even at full throttle. Manual gear changes via the rocker button on the shift lever are quick and smooth, but we rarely needed to shift manually. The short 4.58:1 first gear ratio allows the Equinox to pull away from a stop rapidly, and the closely spaced ratios (only sixth gear is an overdrive) keep the engine in its powerband during full throttle acceleration.
The suspension layout is typical for crossover SUVs: front struts and a 4-link/trailing arm setup at the rear. Coil springs are installed in all four corners, with stabilizer bars at the front and rear axles. Standard P225/65R17 Michelin Latitude tires are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels; 18 and 19-inch wheels are available on V-6 models. Brakes consist of vented discs, 12.6-in. diameter (front) and 11.9-in. diameter (rear); ABS, traction control, and Stabilitrak stability control are standard. The rack-and-pinion steering is electrically-assisted on 4-cylinder Equinoxes; V-6 models get hydraulically-assisted steering.
From a ride and handling perspective, the Equinox is unremarkable. A compliant ride over bumpy roads ensures occupant comfort, yet the damper tuning keeps body motion under control. The Equinox consistently exhibits moderate understeer in normal driving, typical for front-drive SUVs. At full throttle, the rear end squats down significantly, while hard braking causes the front end to dive. The brakes are progressive and effectively scrub off speed, but suffer from spongy pedal feel. Torque steer is occasionally evident via a slight tug at the wheel from a stop, but we consider it to be a minor issue. Power assist for the rack-and-pinion steering is slightly overboosted and filters out road textures, yet we noticed significant steering kickback over bumps and potholes.We noticed some tire noise from the Michelin Latitude tires on concrete surfaces, but this is probably due to the near absence of engine and tire noise at 70-75 MPH. The Equinox now offers the sophisticated ride and handling expected of compact crossovers.
Chevrolet has finally updated the Equinox into a truly competitive crossover SUV. By adopting a standard inline-4 and 6-speed automatic, the Equinox achieves the best highway fuel consumption in its class while the new V-6 compares favorably with from the sixes in the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. As with most of its competitors, the Equinox offers a spacious interior, comfortable ride, and an attractive price, all of which should make it worth checking out at your local Chevy dealer.
