2005 Chevrolet Equinox
Got it Right: Interior space, ride and handling, spare tire location, easy to use storage areas, seating position
Needs improvement: Pricing, interior materials, torque steer, window control location, limited engine selection, turning radius
Replacing the Tracker, the Chevrolet Equinox is roomier than anything in its class and offers the proven 3.4-litre V-6 that develops 185 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 210 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. It is a tidy package and is certain to draw attention from the SUV buyer looking for economy and utility with a starting price of about $22.000 US. The main problem with the Equinox is the pricing. It is marketed directly at the segment leaders from Toyota and Ford and yet does not offer these vehicle's proven attributes such as resale. In fact, when fully loaded the Equinox's price runs up and over its big sister the Trail Blazer.
The Equinox replaces the slow selling Tracker and is a much more competent and complete vehicle. It is a class leader in room and rides well. Interestingly, it is the first car-based sport utility in Chevy's history using the same chassis as General Motors' mini-vans. It is available in two-wheel or all-wheel drive with the latter system diverting power to the rear wheels when needed. The all wheel drive system uses a viscous coupling making the system more for rain and snow than serious off-roading.
Mom's view: The cupholders are awkward to use, the switch gear feels cheap, the rear seats are too hard, and there is torque steer with the front wheel drive model we tested. Other than that Chevrolet has created a very nice little SUV with sensible gas mileage and a lot of features that make it a nice companion on shopping forays. It is very easy to drive and the road feel is well controlled. Unfortunately, the turning radius is way too large.
Safety wise the Equinox offers ABS dual front air bags, safety belt pretensioners and optional roof-rail air bags. It also has daylight running lights and good visibility in all directions.
Options include heated seats, a leather interior that looks too plain, but is a bargain at about $500, power front seats, and a six-disc CD player with MP3 option. Everyone gets the nice shifting five-speed automatic transmission. Other options include premium sound with an MP3 player and an in-dash six-CD changer, XM satellite radio, OnStar, heated front seats with driver-side power adjustment, leather upholstery, traction control, and a power moonroof.
To me, the Equinox was an exceptionally useful vehicle worthy of consideration if you must have a SUV style transportation. If you shop wisely and watch your options, you can get one the way I like it with satellite radio, OnStar, and heated seats under $25,000 US.