Power Boost
New for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is a boost in ponies under the hood. Powering the V6 model is now a 3.6L engine that has 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. That replaces the current 3.0L V6 rated at 264 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. However, highway fuel economy -- for the front-wheel drive model -- remains unchanged at an estimated 8.1L/100km.
Does the extra juice under the hood make that big of a difference? Heck, yes! The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox feels more spirited and lively to drive. While that might seem like an obvious observation, there are cases where there’s been an increase in power and the car just feels the “same.”
Can you handle this?
A new FE2 suspension package is coupled with the 3.6L V6 and is offered with 18” or 19” chrome-clad wheels on LTZ models of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. What does that mean for the operator? A smoother handling ride that feels more confident on the pavement. And with the AWD, you can take it off the beaten path and still be OK.
Entertained for the drive home
On the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox AWD LTZ trim, there’s an available rear-seat, dual-player DVD entertainment system with displays in both seat backs and dual wireless headphones ($1,295). Popping in a movie during a long drive can eradicate the “Are we there yet?” interrogation that proves annoying to both the driver and other passengers. Just ask my friends! Then again, sitting in the back seat of this vehicle proved cozy enough, so I don’t see discomfort to be a huge issue. If the DVD doesn’t lessen the whining, perhaps a warm glass of milk with cookies might do the trick. If not, there’s always the bus.
Inside story
Perhaps redundancy is getter the better part of me, but I can’t help but comment on how much better Chevrolet interiors are these days. And they keep getting better. Slip inside the cabin of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and you’re greeted by tones and textures that work well with each other. The centre stack is inviting, and the controls are easily recognizable. Further adding to the cabin’s functionality are the standard MultiFlex rear seats. They allow the seat to be moved fore or aft 200 millimetres (7.9”) for best-in-class rear legroom.
MyLink in your car
Chevrolet’s infotainment system, MyLink, along with navigation is yet another perk of this vehicle. Perhaps one of the most straightforward systems on the market, it acts as an extension of your smartphone. Not to mention the blend of pretty colours that comprise the various images are also pleasant to look at. The high-resolution, 7” touchscreen only enhances an already appealing inside.
Gimme chrome
What would a Chevy be without its flashy bits? Chrome bits, that is. On top of the aforementioned rims, there are also various accents on the grille, window frames and the nether regions of this five-seater vehicle. Not to mention the accents inside the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, as well.
Whether on the inside or the out, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ AWD is a fine piece of GM engineering. My first impressions are, obviously, quite positive.
New for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is a boost in ponies under the hood. Powering the V6 model is now a 3.6L engine that has 301 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque. That replaces the current 3.0L V6 rated at 264 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. However, highway fuel economy -- for the front-wheel drive model -- remains unchanged at an estimated 8.1L/100km.
Does the extra juice under the hood make that big of a difference? Heck, yes! The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox feels more spirited and lively to drive. While that might seem like an obvious observation, there are cases where there’s been an increase in power and the car just feels the “same.”
 |
Can you handle this?
A new FE2 suspension package is coupled with the 3.6L V6 and is offered with 18” or 19” chrome-clad wheels on LTZ models of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. What does that mean for the operator? A smoother handling ride that feels more confident on the pavement. And with the AWD, you can take it off the beaten path and still be OK.
Entertained for the drive home
On the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox AWD LTZ trim, there’s an available rear-seat, dual-player DVD entertainment system with displays in both seat backs and dual wireless headphones ($1,295). Popping in a movie during a long drive can eradicate the “Are we there yet?” interrogation that proves annoying to both the driver and other passengers. Just ask my friends! Then again, sitting in the back seat of this vehicle proved cozy enough, so I don’t see discomfort to be a huge issue. If the DVD doesn’t lessen the whining, perhaps a warm glass of milk with cookies might do the trick. If not, there’s always the bus.
 |
| Sitting in the back seat of this vehicle proved cozy enough, so I don’t see discomfort to be a huge issue. (Photo: General Motors) |
Inside story
Perhaps redundancy is getter the better part of me, but I can’t help but comment on how much better Chevrolet interiors are these days. And they keep getting better. Slip inside the cabin of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and you’re greeted by tones and textures that work well with each other. The centre stack is inviting, and the controls are easily recognizable. Further adding to the cabin’s functionality are the standard MultiFlex rear seats. They allow the seat to be moved fore or aft 200 millimetres (7.9”) for best-in-class rear legroom.
 |
| Slip inside the cabin of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and you’re greeted by tones and textures that work well with each other. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
MyLink in your car
Chevrolet’s infotainment system, MyLink, along with navigation is yet another perk of this vehicle. Perhaps one of the most straightforward systems on the market, it acts as an extension of your smartphone. Not to mention the blend of pretty colours that comprise the various images are also pleasant to look at. The high-resolution, 7” touchscreen only enhances an already appealing inside.
Gimme chrome
What would a Chevy be without its flashy bits? Chrome bits, that is. On top of the aforementioned rims, there are also various accents on the grille, window frames and the nether regions of this five-seater vehicle. Not to mention the accents inside the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, as well.
Whether on the inside or the out, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ AWD is a fine piece of GM engineering. My first impressions are, obviously, quite positive.
Article Gallery