2009 Chevrolet Equinox

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$24,315

starting MSRP

2009 Chevrolet Equinox

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Interior space and versatility
  • Ride comfort
  • Automatic-transmission response
  • Availability of AWD

The bad:

  • Engine noise
  • Visibility
  • Uncertain construction quality

4 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2009 Chevrolet Equinox trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • FWD or AWD
  • Passenger- and cargo-area versatility
  • Standard side curtain airbags with rollover sensing
  • Standard ABS and electronic stability system

2009 Chevrolet Equinox review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Equinox is a five-seat crossover SUV that’s available with front- and all-wheel drive. It competes with compact SUVs such as the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.

New for 2009
For 2009, the Equinox gets standard side curtain airbags with rollover protection sensors for both rows of seats.

Exterior
The four-door Equinox incorporates full-length frame rails and a safety cage. Base models have 16-inch steel wheels. Higher trim levels get larger wheels and visual upgrades to the exterior. Sport models have their own unique exterior features, akin to the TrailBlazer SS, with a lowered stance, no roof rack (available as an option), a sportier front and rear, and high-polished aluminum wheels.

The Equinox is longer than any of its competitors at 188.8 inches in length. At 71.4 inches wide, it’s bigger than the Escape and the Tucson, but just barely narrower than the RAV4. With a height of 69.3 inches with a roof rack, it’s also the tallest of its competitors.

  • 16-, 17- or 18-inch wheel options, depending on model
  • Roof rails standard on all but Sport model, where they are optional
  • Grille trim, mirrors, door handles and roof rails body-colored or chrome, depending on model

Interior
The split, folding rear seat slides nearly 8 inches. Combined with the flat-folding front passenger seat, the Equinox can carry extra-long cargo. As for passenger volume, the Equinox has 106 cubic feet, compared to 99 cu. ft. in the Escape, 103 in the Tucson and 108 in the RAV4.

  • Standard vehicle information center with 20 features
  • Standard XM Satellite Radio, six-speaker audio system and auxiliary input jack for MP3 player
  • Available Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity

Under the Hood
Two engines are available, as are two automatic transmissions. Sport models have a traditional hydraulic power-steering system, but other trims have an electric power-steering setup, which Chevrolet says should improve fuel economy.

  • 3.4-liter V-6 makes 185 horsepower and 210 pounds-feet of torque
  • 3.6-liter V-6 makes 264 hp and 250 pounds-feet of torque
  • Five- or six-speed automatic transmission
  • Front- or all-wheel drive
  • Maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds

Safety
Standard features include four-wheel-disc antilock brakes and traction control. Other standard features include:

  • Electronic stability system
  • Standard side curtain airbags with rollover protection sensors
  • Electronic Trailer Sway Control feature monitors trailer sway and can intervene to assist drivers

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior design 4.1
  • Performance 4.1
  • Value for the money 3.9
  • Exterior styling 4.2
  • Reliability 3.9

Most recent consumer reviews

2.1

Transmission went out 2 months after purchaxe

This car seemed perfect, even buying slightly used at just over 140k. Then transmission goes out 2 months later after 2500 miles driven. Took to repair man, amazingly this car is his best business for rebuilding transmission, to the point he has all the parts for rebuild in stock. If the tranny can't get out of second then you can't drive it. Manual didn't work either. Shame on chevy for not recalling or replacing these tranny that are obviously making transmission repair people.a ton of money while killing us small town people who buy your products based on a trust in the manufacturer to make them last as long as possible, we are too poor in this day and age to try to put up another 3500 2 months after buying a chevy with the belief it would last well past 200k, what happened to keeping the customers happy therefore loyal

5.0

I, love it drives nice, and is comfortable,

It's great love it, awd great family car, I love the color, love that it is awd, nice 4 door, great gas mileage, roomy enough for the kids

5.0

i own

Runs Great, good condition, no rust, excellent engine, great AC/H system, clean interior, perfect tiers, no oil leak, good breaks, good lighting, good parking light.

See all 18 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Chevrolet
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
72 months/100,000 miles
Powertrain
60 months/100,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/100,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 model years or newer/up to 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
12 months/12,000 miles bumper-to-bumper original warranty, then may continue to 6 years/100,000 miles limited (depending on variables)
Powertrain
6 years/100,000 miles
Dealer certification required
172-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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