Road manners
The Equinox rides on a strut-type suspension up front and a multi-link arrangement in the rear. The ride is comfortable, quelling bumps as well as the Honda and Toyota with the exception of some small, high-frequency oscillations that will mostly go unnoticed. Disc brakes are supplied at all four corners, but the pedal becomes stiff after the first inch of travel, making precise modulation difficult.
Behind the wheel
Driving the Equinox is a passive experience. Power delivery is smooth, but slow. The variable-assist electric power steering on four-cylinder models is very light on center, with a bit of weight - but still not enough - coming on at turn in. V-6 models get a hydraulic system that is much more comfortable and reassuring but still lacks feedback. For highway cruising and picking up the kids, it's a very safe bet. But who invented the rule that says family cars can't have feeling in the steering wheel?
A shot at the top
Equinox pricing starts at $23,185 for a front-wheel-drive, four-cylinder LS model. That price is $1800 less than last year's Equinox but doesn't undercut the competition. Honda and Toyota both start their small crossovers in the $21,000 range. However, the Chevrolet has more standard equipment than the Honda and the Toyota. Base models from Toyota and Honda come with steel wheels, lack satellite radio, and offer four- and five-speed transmissions, respectively.
Chevrolet's second iteration of the Equinox is a long way removed from last year's model. While it is not particularly exciting to drive, it is more than capable of running with the competition. More important, the Equinox offers style and value with the capabilities and functionality demanded by the class. Impressive fuel economy and smart packaging give the Equinox the opportunity to become a segment leader.
Chevrolet Equinox FWD 1LT
Base price (with destination): $23,360/$25,415
Engine: 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 DI
Horsepower: 182 @ 6700 rpm
Torque: 172 @ 4900 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive: Front- or all-wheel
Measurements
L x W x H: 187.8 x 72.5 x 66.3 in
Legroom F/R: 41.2/37.2 in
Headroom F/R: 39.8/39.2 in
Cargo capacity (seats up/down): 31.4/63.7 cu ft
Curb weight: 3770
Estimated EPA Rating (city/highway): 22/32 mpg