Chevrolet redesigned its Equinox for 2010 as a five-seat crossover. Though it rides on a similar wheelbase to the previous model, the current Equinox is slightly shorter and wider. With the standard direct-injection four-cylinder engine, Equinox earns an impressive 32 mpg highway, territory normally reserved for cars. Competitors include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape.
The Equinox comes in front- or all-wheel drive with the four-cylinder or a V-6; either engine uses a six-speed automatic transmission. In ascending order, trim levels include the LS, LT and LTZ.
New for 2011 The optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine now offers flex-fuel capability to run on gasoline or E85. The standard OnStar communication service (free for one year) now includes the Directions and Connections Plan free for six months.
Exterior The Equinox looks like an amalgamation of GM models. The horizontally split grille emulates that of the Chevy Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover, while the headlights ditch the Traverse’s angular styling.
17-inch alloy wheels standard on four-cylinder models
18-inch alloy wheels standard on V-6 models
19-inch wheels optional
Optional power liftgate
Interior Chevy’s twin-cowl dashboard, used in everything from the Traverse to the Malibu, carves out similar shapes facing the driver and front passenger. GM’s radio interface details the station for each preset and can include AM, FM and satellite radio stations on the same list. Optional stereos can store audio selections on an internal hard drive.
Chevrolet says the Equinox’s deep center console can fit a laptop or small handbag. The rear seats recline and slide forward about 8 inches, with a trailing panel to ensure a gap-free cargo floor no matter the seat position.
Available heated seats
Available automatic climate control
Available navigation system
Available power driver’s seat with memory settings
Backup camera available with navigation system or as stand-alone option
DVD rear entertainment system with two screens
Under the Hood A 182-horsepower four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic are standard; with front-wheel drive, EPA gas mileage estimates are 22/32 mpg city/highway. The optional V-6 makes 264 hp; it also uses a six-speed auto with a manual-shift mode. All-wheel drive is optional with either engine.
Four-cylinder or V-6 engines with direct injection
Flex-fuel capability for V-6
Standard six-speed automatic
Front- or all-wheel drive
Safety Dual front- and side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags for both rows are standard. Other standard safety features include:
Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
Traction control
Electronic stability system
OnStar communication system with airbag deployment notification
