The vast majority of our favourite crossovers maintain a sole powertrain option, typically a naturally aspirated four-cylinder. We were sent a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ AWD, loaded with all of the latest technology offered, for a week’s worth of testing to see how relevant it still is versus its tough competition. Now though, with the crossover segment expanding rapidly, the Equinox struggles to keep up.
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A smart-looking utility vehicle from the start, the Equinox lost its Torrent sibling and soldiered on alone for a second generation for the 2010 model year. Mark Maynard is the automotive editor at the San Diego Union-Tribune.Introduced in 2004 for model year 2005, the Chevrolet Equinox (and badge engineered twin, the Pontiac Torrent) was General Motors’ re-entry into the midsize crossover segment. The V-6 gas tank gets bumped up to 20.9 gallons.įront and rear vented disc brakes (12.6-inch vented discs front, 11.9 vented discs rear) have a steady and secure response to control the 3,777 curb weight.Įquinox is a meat-and-potatoes entrée that will ride along with the family for many years. It will allow towing up to 3,500 pounds (2,000 more than the four-cylinder) and has fuel economy ratings on the recommended 87 octane of 16/23 mpg with AWD or 17/24 mpg with front-drive. Ride quality can be “active” or even a little choppy on some road surfaces, but it settles down with the gang on board.įor towing or just more punch off the line, the 301-hp, direct-injection 3.6-liter V-6 has 272 foot-pounds of torque – 100 more than the four-cylinder - at 4,900 rpm. The 18.8 gallon tank allows a reassuring cruising range of up to about 500 miles.Įven with Active Noise Cancellation (through the audio system) and acoustic windshield glass, the four-cylinder can sound raspy on hard acceleration. I was averaging 26 to almost 28 mpg in the unforgiving, daily commute. Fuel economy is good at 22 mpg city, 32 highway and 26 combined, on 87 octane. The base 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder has good acceleration with eager responses from the six-speed automatic transmission. The floor is flat for good three-across footroom, but there is no center seat head restraint. Rear headroom is also tall at 39.2 inches and there’s brawny shoulder room of 55.3 inches, which is just a half inch less than those in front. And the tailgate release in the center of the door does not give good leverage for easy opening, but it is not heavy to close. The seats fold easily but not flat, which could complicate loading of some items, such as a bicycle. ft., with a length of almost 6 feet by 39 inches wide. Or move the seat forward to expand cargo space to 31.4 cubic feet. But the cabin gets the benefit in space and cargo flexibility: the 60/40 back seats has nearly 8 inches of slide, which allows limo-like rear seat legroom of nearly 40 inches. The turning circle is wide at 40 feet, mostly due to the long wheelbase, 112.5 inches. The front seats are fully supportive for daylong comfort. Gauges, switches and other controls are ergonomically arranged and easily viewed and adjusted. The slim but deep center armrest console (large enough for a tablet or small laptop) has a USB for charging - and the dual level storage area is lighted, something you don’t often see on a $30K car. A pair of cup holders are at the ready and just behind them is an alternate phone slot. Below it is a roomy cubby with a 12-volt plug. A handy ledge in the center instrument panel console is a natural to lay a phone.
When you slide behind the wheel with a handful of phone, coffee, briefcase or purse there are convenient places for all. The front-seat area made me appreciate the Detroit designers and engineers who live with this vehicle and are able to inject features that make a busy life just a little simpler. Updates for the 2016 model include new styling for a more upscale presence, new wheel designs, added availability for safety technologies and a standard rearview camera.
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Standard LT features include remote locking, rearview camera, air conditioning, six-speaker audio system, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, MyLink radio with touchscreen, hands-free phone and streaming audio (Pandora and Stitcher), power adjustable driver seat, six air bags and rollover mitigation.
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Included are two free maintenance visits for an oil and filter change, four-wheel tire rotation and 27-point inspection. Today’s midrange LT tester with two useful optional packages was $29,175.
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