MotorWeek Road Test: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Your host for a motorweek john davis well hello and welcome again to motor week we’re glad to have you with us as the new gm gears up it’s clear that certain vehicles will be key to its success the 2010 chevrolet equinox is the first such vehicle now this five passenger compact crossover utility returns with a stem to stern overhaul and a focus on higher fuel economy

All to be a stronger competitor in a segment pioneered by the toyota rav4 and the honda crv so let’s see if equinox can lead the generals march back to success the second-generation 2010 chevrolet equinox is built on an updated theta architecture shared with the upcoming gmc terrain shorter than last year it’s very attractive styling draws heavily from the larger

Traverse crossover that includes a front fascia defined by a two-tier bowtie grille wraparound headlamps and available fog lights the sleek profile is accentuated by a thick forward-leaning c-pillar and the appearance of wraparound glass but it’s powertrains with class-leading economy that really makes the equinox a standout standard is a 2.4 liter ecotec i-4 with

Advanced direct fuel injection ratings are 182 horsepower almost as much as last year standard v6 with 172 pound-feet of torque coupled to a 6-speed automatic and front wheel drive form it boasts government fuel economy ratings of 22 city 32 highway on regular gas the highway number beats all other compact crossovers including the rav4 the crv and even the ford

Escape hybrid all wheel drive drops the highway number to a still stellar 29 the transmissions eco mode alters shift points for best fuel economy interstate cruising range is a bladder busting 600 miles optional is a direct injected 3 liter v6 with 264 horsepower and 222 pound-feet of torque with a six-speed and front drive fuel economy ratings are a more normal

18 city 25 highway on regular we spent our first outings in the equinox on the twisty roads west of plymouth michigan the equinox 2.4 did exhibit a moderate strain under hard acceleration but it was no worse than other i-4 compact crossovers with a respectable 0 to 60 time of 8.7 seconds this big 4 is more than able to haul a full load however maximum trailer

Tow of 3,500 pounds requires the v6 a stiffer chassis with wider front track aids the all independent suspended equinox towards excellent road manners ride is well controlled easily conquering the broken and bumpy michigan pavement the cabin is unusually quiet too thanks to a low drag coefficient and active noise cancellation equinox comes with disc brakes with

Abs and brake assist hill start assist stability and traction control further the active safety equation the interior of the equinox is even more head-turning than the exterior not at all utilitarian it follows the twin cockpit theme of the malibu and camaro the eye-catching instrument panel features blue lighting and a floating center stack for a truly unique

Appeal within the segment two-tone color schemes and excellent fit and finish provide an added dose of style seats have a more upscale look and feel – especially when dressed in perforated leather with red stitching a tilt telescoping steering wheel with cruise controls is standard the nominal six speaker cd stereo can be upgraded to an 8 speaker pioneer system

On up level trims there’s also a 40 gig hard drive and bluetooth available as a rear view camera displayed in the rear view mirror it really helps overcome the otherwise restricted rear vision the split folding rear bench seat now reclines it retains four-and-a-half adjustment a full eight inches so legroom is also class best and to keep the kids occupied there’s

An available twin screen rear dvd system but with so much people space something had to give it’s thirty-one point four cubic feet of cargo volume behind the back seat is less than crv and rav4 with rear seats folded that space expands to 60 3.7 but that’s still below average for its class but this isn’t the first programmable power liftgate available for a small

Crossover besides full open it can be set for a lower opening to avoid contact with a garage ceiling with so much to offer we were also surprised that equinox has a lower price than last year starting at 23,000 $185 for the ls 24,000 $105 for the lt and 28,000 $790 for the up level ltz all-wheel-drive at $1,750 more with upscale styling and interior appointments

Class-leading fuel efficiency and a good overall value the new 2010 chevrolet equinox gives rav4 and crv something new to aim for as for doing its part for a new gm well the equinox has all the marks of a winner

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MotorWeek Road Test: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox By MotorWeek