I wasn't really familiar with the Chevrolet Equinox before I recently got the opportunity to spend a week behind the wheel. My current lifestyle doesn't warrant driving such a “big” vehicle, and you have to admit it's not the most distinctive-looking SUV out there.
For sure, I was pleasantly surprised with my tester's ride quality and overall comfort levels. On the other hand, I had my fair share of disappointments, especially when it came to modern appeal and fit & finish.
What is the Chevrolet Equinox?
The deceptively large Chevrolet Equinox sits on the fence that separates compact and midsize SUVs and CUVs. It boasts plenty of interior room, decent equipment, as well as a choice of two powerplants. It's a sensible purchase that will meet a small family's needs without providing much excitement to the driver.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox Price and Specs
While a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (182 hp, 172 lb-ft) comes standard with the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, my tester benefited from a new 3.6L V6 that replaces the 3.0L unit of the outgoing model. Output amounted to a healthy 301 hp, with peak torque rated at 272 lb-ft. At the same time, I recorded an average fuel consumption of 10.1L/100km after driving 90% of the time on the highway. The excellent 6-speed automatic transmission managed to keep the engine revs remarkably low, even at 100 km/h.
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $26,935 in base LS trim. The 1LT V6 model I tested came with all-wheel drive, 18” wheels, and a few additional options for a price of $41,095 before tax and $1,500 freight and delivery charge. The more upscale 2LT and LTZ models complete the lineup.
Driving the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Nothing about this American SUV's driving dynamics really bugged me. While its size does affect manoeuvrability at times, and sportiness is not part of the experience, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is undeniably smooth and comfortable on the road. Acceleration is lively, but the considerable weight is felt during braking manoeuvres.
Visibility is good for this type of vehicle, and the wide-angle sideview mirrors will make it easier to tow a trailer. On the flip side, I could barely trust the rearview camera, whose image looked distorted and lacked colour guidelines, unlike many competitors.
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox offers a high driving position, and despite being just 5’1” I quickly found myself at ease thanks to the various adjustments.
Another smart feature is the air conditioning system, which automatically fades when you make a call using Bluetooth and returns to its original setting when you hang up.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
The exterior of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is fairly understated, with some interesting curves thrown in for good measure. The split front grille and sculpted taillights add a bit of flair to the whole package.
It's a different story inside the 2013 Chevy Equinox. The cabin layout looks pretty dated, and the dashboard materials feel cheap. The centre stack is cluttered and shows definite signs of age, particularly the Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning lights and icons, which appear to come straight from the past. On a positive note, MyLink proves functional, and so do the steering-wheel controls.
GM will need to work harder to further improve the fit and finish of its products. I just can't understand how a big yellow wiring harness can be seen from under the driver's seat. The competition is fierce right now; the Japanese, Europeans, and Koreans all do a better job of integrating their technologies and designing modern cockpits.
Comparing the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Few SUVs and CUVs offer this much space at such an affordable price. Consider the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox along with its cousin, the GMC Terrain, as well as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
For sure, I was pleasantly surprised with my tester's ride quality and overall comfort levels. On the other hand, I had my fair share of disappointments, especially when it came to modern appeal and fit & finish.
What is the Chevrolet Equinox?
The deceptively large Chevrolet Equinox sits on the fence that separates compact and midsize SUVs and CUVs. It boasts plenty of interior room, decent equipment, as well as a choice of two powerplants. It's a sensible purchase that will meet a small family's needs without providing much excitement to the driver.
2013 Chevrolet Equinox Price and Specs
While a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine (182 hp, 172 lb-ft) comes standard with the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox, my tester benefited from a new 3.6L V6 that replaces the 3.0L unit of the outgoing model. Output amounted to a healthy 301 hp, with peak torque rated at 272 lb-ft. At the same time, I recorded an average fuel consumption of 10.1L/100km after driving 90% of the time on the highway. The excellent 6-speed automatic transmission managed to keep the engine revs remarkably low, even at 100 km/h.
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $26,935 in base LS trim. The 1LT V6 model I tested came with all-wheel drive, 18” wheels, and a few additional options for a price of $41,095 before tax and $1,500 freight and delivery charge. The more upscale 2LT and LTZ models complete the lineup.
Driving the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Nothing about this American SUV's driving dynamics really bugged me. While its size does affect manoeuvrability at times, and sportiness is not part of the experience, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is undeniably smooth and comfortable on the road. Acceleration is lively, but the considerable weight is felt during braking manoeuvres.
Visibility is good for this type of vehicle, and the wide-angle sideview mirrors will make it easier to tow a trailer. On the flip side, I could barely trust the rearview camera, whose image looked distorted and lacked colour guidelines, unlike many competitors.
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox offers a high driving position, and despite being just 5’1” I quickly found myself at ease thanks to the various adjustments.
Another smart feature is the air conditioning system, which automatically fades when you make a call using Bluetooth and returns to its original setting when you hang up.
Inside and Out of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
The exterior of the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is fairly understated, with some interesting curves thrown in for good measure. The split front grille and sculpted taillights add a bit of flair to the whole package.
It's a different story inside the 2013 Chevy Equinox. The cabin layout looks pretty dated, and the dashboard materials feel cheap. The centre stack is cluttered and shows definite signs of age, particularly the Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning lights and icons, which appear to come straight from the past. On a positive note, MyLink proves functional, and so do the steering-wheel controls.
GM will need to work harder to further improve the fit and finish of its products. I just can't understand how a big yellow wiring harness can be seen from under the driver's seat. The competition is fierce right now; the Japanese, Europeans, and Koreans all do a better job of integrating their technologies and designing modern cockpits.
Comparing the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
Few SUVs and CUVs offer this much space at such an affordable price. Consider the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox along with its cousin, the GMC Terrain, as well as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
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