Is it a favorite for an automotive Grammy? Maybe not, but the Equinox is certainly worthy of inclusion as a nominee on your list.Īll Chevy Equinox trim levels are available with a choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. There's also the Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue and Saturn Vue. Of course, the Equinox faces a number of solid competitors, including the top-selling and top-rated Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
The Equinox plays a more honest game, instead offering expandable space for second-row passengers. Though some rivals offer third-row seats, these marketing ploys are typically useful only for kids no bigger than their Barbie and WWE dolls. Neither as small as the true compact SUVs nor as ungainly as the larger midsize utes, the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox strikes many, including us, as being just the right size.
Last year, Chevy furthered the Equinox's appeal by adding the enthusiast-oriented Sport trim level and the luxury-lined LTZ. A key feature is the adjustable split rear seat design - those seats can slide fore and aft to boost cargo capacity or rear legroom as needs dictate. Respectable performance along with decent fuel efficiency highlight the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox's strong points, which also include a space-efficient design, a versatile cabin, a comfortable ride and strong crash test scores. Fold the rear seats down, then fold down the front passenger seatback, and you can load eight-foot objects inside.Mention the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox to your family or friends considering a midsize crossover SUV and they're likely to say, "Huh? An Equa-what?" Just as with good yet obscure bands, the Equinox is a pleasant experience waiting to be discovered by those willing to look past the typical Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 of its segment. The rear seatbacks recline for additional comfort. The back seats are mounted on tracks and slide fore and aft: Slide forward and you have more cargo space, slide rearward for more rear legroom. This is a versatile vehicle when it comes to moving people and cargo. Therefore, industry observers and other car crazies call the Equinox a crossover utility because it crosses over the line from truck to car. Like Escape, CR-V, and RAV4, the Equinox is based on a passenger-car design but has an interior like a traditional SUV. However, Equinox seats only five, because it does not offer a hopelessly cramped third row, as does the Toyota RAV4. Its long wheelbase gives the Equinox good stability and ride quality. It's nearly 14 inches longer than Ford Escape and just three inches shorter than a Chevy TrailBlazer. Equinox is big enough that its dimensions blur the line between compact and midsize sport utilities. However, Equinox is bigger and roomier than any of these competitors. The Equinox is Chevy Truck's answer to the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV4 compact SUVs. The Sport also gets hydraulic (as opposed to electric) power steering, a tighter suspension, 18x8-inch polished, forged alloy wheels with 50-series tires, aerodynamic spoilers and rocker moldings, dual chrome exhaust tips, gauge package, and sport seats. It gets an 80-horsepower boost from GM's high-feature, aluminum four-cam V6 and six-speed automatic. The Sport model is a different kind of Equinox, with a more aggressive look and sporting cabin. The Equinox LTZ features leather-trimmed seats with seat heaters. On the other hand, all-wheel drive makes the Equinox perform better on snow and ice. All-wheel drive models cost about $1600 more and have smaller gas tanks, by nearly four gallons, cutting their cruising range by 20 percent. Equinox Sport gets a 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed automatic transmission and gets an EPA-rated 16/24 mpg.Īll Equinox models are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The lineup has been expanded for 2008 with the addition of two new models: the luxury-oriented Equinox LTZ and the performance-oriented Equinox Sport.Ī 3.4-liter V6 is the standard engine, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, which get an EPA-rated 17/24 miles per gallon City/Highway. The Equinox has been improving since its introduction as a 2005 model. These changes come on the heels of cabin improvements that began with the 2007 models, along with improved safety features. And an anti-trailer sway function has been incorporated into the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system for more secure towing. OnStar has been added as standard equipment. The 2008 Chevy Equinox offers improved ride and handling over last year's model, benefits of revised chassis settings.
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