Chevy Equinox

The Chevrolet Equinox first arrived in 2005, as a ‘just right’-sized crossover utility vehicle a little larger than most compact crossovers. When going over the Chevy Equinox reviews, we first have to mention that it was introduced in 2005 as a part of GM’s “Theta” family of vehicles, The current Chevy Equinox comes with either a four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, rated up to 32 mpg highway, or as a V-6 crossover with an automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive option. Good ride quality; safe, secure handling; and an improved feature set are all hallmarks of the current version. At the same time, it retains its exceptionally roomy second-row seat, which slides on a track to increase passenger foot room or to boost cargo space in the rear. There is no option for third-row seating, The Equinox models, as well as the nearly identical GMC Terrain, are built at Ingersoll, Ontario, in a factory formerly shared with Suzuki. The Equinox saw few major changes for 2011 or 2012, although it did get expanded availability of a rear-view camera system, as well as blind-spot mirrors, to help with visibility, and for 2012 the touch-screen-based MyLink Connectivity system–for easier connectivity for hands-free calling or media access–was phased in as an option. The Equinox provides the style and utility one normally associates with more traditional SUVs, but without their clumsy driving dynamics and poor fuel economy. As with other crossovers, the Equinox is built on a carlike platform that provides superior on-road comfort and crashworthiness. The Chevy Equinox crossover SUV is available in LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ trim levels. Even the LS comes well-equipped, with power front seat height adjustment, a sliding and reclining backseat, OnStar and a sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The 1LT adds a USB port, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and Bluetooth, while the 2LT gets you automatic climate control, a rearview camera and heated seats. The top-dog LTZ comes with a power liftgate and leather upholstery. All models have stability control and a full complement of airbags as standard. Major options include a rear-seat entertainment system and a hard-drive-based navigation system. For the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox, new forward collision alert and lane-departure warning systems are now available. Equinox 1LT models also have the rearview camera as standard equipment this year. However, the optional rear seat video entertainment system has been dropped. The new 2010 Equinox shares its basic underpinnings with last year’s version, but is otherwise entirely new. Under the hood resides a new base engine, a torquey four-cylinder that offers best-in-class fuel economy and competitive acceleration. A new direct-injected 3.0-liter V6 option isn’t as punchy as the outgoing top-of-the-line 3.6-liter V6, but it’s more fuel efficient. The 2010 Chevy Equinox comes standard with antilock disc brakes (with brake assist), traction and stability control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and OnStar. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are optional. When looking at the used Chevy Equinox, the previous versions were produced from 2005-’09. Unlike the current model, it came with a standard V6, and the only optional engine was an even more powerful V6 that arrived for 2008. A wide range of trim levels were available. Even base models came with a CD player and full power accessories, while upper trim levels, depending on the year, added niceties like alloy wheels, leather seating, heated front seats and upgraded audio. The late-arriving Sport model added the stouter V6, bigger wheels and a more firmly tuned suspension.