Chevrolet’s five-seat Equinox crossover is available with either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter V-6, and both are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All trim levels are available with front- or all-wheel drive. Competitors include the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape.
In ascending order, trim levels include the LS, LT and LTZ.
New for 2012 The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine now offers flex-fuel capability and can run on gasoline or E85 ethanol. Coming later in the model year is Chevrolet’s available MyLink entertainment system, which incorporates services such as Pandora internet radio when a compatible smartphone is connected. Specific trim level changes for 2012 include:
LS adds Bluetooth cellphone connectivity
1LT models add a backup camera
1LT, 2LT and LTZ add a touch-screen stereo with a 7-inch screen and a USB port
18-inch chrome wheels available for 2LT and LTZ
LTZ V-6 models can have available lane departure warning and forward collision alert systems
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. Exterior features include:
Standard 17-inch alloy wheels; 18- or 19-inch chrome wheels optional
Optional power liftgate
Optional power sunroof
Optional heated side mirrors
Optional rear park assist
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. The Equinox’s basic radio interface details the station for each preset and can include AM, FM and satellite radio stations on the same list.
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. Interior features include:
Standard cloth seats; leather optional
Optional heated front seats
Optional automatic climate control
Optional navigation system
Optional power driver’s seat with memory settings
Under the Hood A 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission are standard. The optional 3.0-liter V-6 makes 264 hp; it also uses a six-speed automatic. Mechanical features include:
Four-cylinder or V-6 engines with direct injection
Engines run on regular gas or E85 ethanol
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
Antilock brakes
Traction control
Electronic stability system
Blind spot mirrors
OnStar communication system with airbag deployment notification
