5th -2012 Chevrolet Equinox
From its beginnings, the Equinox has been the “other” strong seller, but -- according to us -- never reached its full potential. At the time, in the same breath, many shoppers would bring up the Escape, CR-V and RAV4, but seldomly would they mention the Equinox. Obviously, it still conquered many a purchaser, but in 2010 GM silenced doubters with a revamped version.
The current Equinox ticks so many boxes that it’s a wonder why there aren’t more on the road today. Well, actually, we’ve somewhat figured it out: It’s already getting old. Age and beauty are not fickle things in the car business.
Alongside the modern CX-5, Sportage, Escape and others such as the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox appears like an old maid. It sounds harsh, but the fact is that it too looks bloated beside the CX-5 and Sportage.
What’s more, its large outer dimensions and imposing stature betray the fact that the cabin is only marginally roomy, and that only the Kia has a smaller boot. This is a poor use of space. Its hefty body does create the opportunity for big doors which are excellent for easy ingress and egress.
At first, all testers systematically enjoyed the seats, but it was only after a 45-minute drive that their lack of general support and comfort revealed themselves.
Every tester on hand had nothing but praise for the Equinox’s ride comfort level, quiet drive and laid-back demeanor. Empty or loaded, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox managed weight with a masterful hand and controlled body roll. We were all very impressed, to say the least.
This vehicle was the only member of the group that was not equipped with AWD and we assume that this explains, in part, why the Equinox managed average acceleration times and a tied-for-best fuel consumption. The 182 hp 4-pot has what it takes, but its dance partner -- a superbly well-geared 6-speed autobox -- really made it all possible.
One of our chief complaints was the poor forward visibility hampered in large part by the hefty “A” pillars and large door mirrors.
The Equinox is good, but failed to place better because of its un-svelte dimensions and styling.
*prices exclude sales taxes, A/C tax as well as freight and delivery charges.
From its beginnings, the Equinox has been the “other” strong seller, but -- according to us -- never reached its full potential. At the time, in the same breath, many shoppers would bring up the Escape, CR-V and RAV4, but seldomly would they mention the Equinox. Obviously, it still conquered many a purchaser, but in 2010 GM silenced doubters with a revamped version.
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre |
The current Equinox ticks so many boxes that it’s a wonder why there aren’t more on the road today. Well, actually, we’ve somewhat figured it out: It’s already getting old. Age and beauty are not fickle things in the car business.
Alongside the modern CX-5, Sportage, Escape and others such as the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox appears like an old maid. It sounds harsh, but the fact is that it too looks bloated beside the CX-5 and Sportage.
What’s more, its large outer dimensions and imposing stature betray the fact that the cabin is only marginally roomy, and that only the Kia has a smaller boot. This is a poor use of space. Its hefty body does create the opportunity for big doors which are excellent for easy ingress and egress.
At first, all testers systematically enjoyed the seats, but it was only after a 45-minute drive that their lack of general support and comfort revealed themselves.
Every tester on hand had nothing but praise for the Equinox’s ride comfort level, quiet drive and laid-back demeanor. Empty or loaded, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox managed weight with a masterful hand and controlled body roll. We were all very impressed, to say the least.
This vehicle was the only member of the group that was not equipped with AWD and we assume that this explains, in part, why the Equinox managed average acceleration times and a tied-for-best fuel consumption. The 182 hp 4-pot has what it takes, but its dance partner -- a superbly well-geared 6-speed autobox -- really made it all possible.
One of our chief complaints was the poor forward visibility hampered in large part by the hefty “A” pillars and large door mirrors.
The Equinox is good, but failed to place better because of its un-svelte dimensions and styling.
 |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux |
| 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 1LT | 2013 Ford Escape SE 4WD | 2012 Honda CR-V Touring | 2012 Kia Sportage EX Luxury | 2013 Mazda CX-5 GT AWD | 2012 Toyota RAV4 Sport 4WD | |
| Base price* | $29 225 | $29 099 | $35 090 | $33 995 | $32 645 | $30 810 |
| Price as tested* | $30 950 | $34 549 | $35 090 | $34 145 | $34 040 | $30 810 |