General Motors has made a major come-back and the proof is in their new cars including one of the most fuel efficient SUV’s on the road, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox. With an unprecedented 32mpg on the highway, the Chevy Equinox is a class leader. In terms of styling the Equinox is easy on the eyes even when compared to its not-so-distant cousin, the 2010 GMC Terrain.
As you may know from our previous test drive review on the GMC Terrain, the 2010 Chevy Equinox shares many counterparts and its underpinnings with the Terrain. Our Equinox 2LT (LT2) test vehicle came equipped with the same 4-cylinder engine as found on the Terrain test car that we had a few weeks ago. Our Equinox test vehicle however had all-wheel-drive while the Terrain was front wheel drive. This made a difference in performance leaving the all-wheel-drive setup a bit more sluggish than a front-wheel-drive configuration. Despite the drive wheels, both vehicles are industry setters leaving all other SUV’s in this segment in the dust in terms of good fuel consumption.
Since its introduction as a 2005 model, the Equinox has grown into an entry level SUV that leads its class in tears of fuel efficiency. Many car manufacturers have attempted to create a decent cross-over utility vehicle when gas prices didn’t really matter that much and it worked for the most part. Now new nesting families are paying close attention to every little detail when they are in the market for such a vehicle. The Chevy Equinox delivers with its modern styling, smooth ride from the 112.5 inch wheel base, decent power output from both the 4-cylinder and V6 engines, a reworked interior that flows well, and new integrated features that are just smart such as a power child lock located on the center dash console.
Our Equinox test vehicle was equipped with the direct injection 2.4-liter 182 horsepower and 172 ft-lbs of torque 4-cylindar engine which gives it the ability to tow up to 3500 lbs. Optioned out with the optional all-wheel-drive left us wanting a bit more pep with a 0 to 60mph time of 8.7 seconds. But shear performance is not the Equinox’s duty here. For everyday functionality the Equinox is excellent. It has enough cargo room to pack it full of luggage bags. It has enough seating room to fit 5 adults comfortably. It even has a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment that helps keep the Equinox in the needed powerband of either the 4-cyl or V6 engine.
Inside of the new Equinox we found the interior to be very similar to the Terrain with the exception of the LED lighting colors, side vent shapes and the instrument cluster was shaped slightly different. Otherwise General Motors decided to avoid fixing something that was not broken. In terms of techie gadgets, our Equinox 2LT test vehicle was equipped with a standard Pioneer 8-speaker sound system with XM radio, Bluetooth and USB port for iPod/iPhone integration. Just like in the GMC Terrain, the Equinox gets a built-in rearview backup camera that displays in the rearview mirror. This is a great feature that we are starting to see come standard on several vehicles giving parents the comfort of knowing what is behind the vehicle when backing up.
General Motors’ industry leading warranty is also a great selling point for all new vehicles offering a 100,000 mile 5-year powertrain warranty. With the base price of the Chevy Equinox starting at just over 23 grand, it is difficult to pass over this vehicle if you are in the market for a new cross-over or compact SUV. Other than the ability to rack up options pushing the price close to $35,000, the Equinox will not disappoint.
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Price: Base $22,615 (LS) As-Tested $28,435
Type: Compact SUV
Where Built: Canada
EPA Class: Sport Utility Vehicles
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 187.8 in.
Width: 72.5 in.
Height: 69.3 in. Wheel Base: 112.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 7.8 in.
Curb Weight: 3770 lbs.
Gross Weight: 4690 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.9 in.
Front Hip Room: 51.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 55.8 in.
Rear Head Room: 39.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room: 51.3 in.
Front Leg Room: 41.2 in.
Rear Leg Room: 39.9 in.
Luggage Capacity: 31.4 cu. ft.
Maximum Cargo Capacity: 64 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5
Performance Data
Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2.4 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 182 hp
Max Horsepower: 6700 rpm
Torque: 172 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4900 rpm
Maximum Payload: 1190 lbs.
Maximum Towing Capacity: 3500 lbs.
Drive Type: FWD
Turning Circle: 40 ft.
0-60mph: 8.7 seconds
Fuel Data
Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.8 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 22 mpg / 32 mpg / 26 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 413.6 mi. / 601.6 mi. / 488.8 mi.
