2005 Chevrolet Equinox: Road Test
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2005 Chevrolet Equinox ▼
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- MSRP: $21,320 -$24,660
- Invoice: $19,657 -$22,737
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Our road test for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox help you decide if a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Lively takeoffs, linear power delivery. Transmission kicks down quickly to provide decent passing punch. Test 2WD LT did 8.8 sec 0-60 mph; expect about the same for slightly heavier AWD versions. Towing capacity is 3500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
Above the midsize-SUV norm. Test 2WD LT averaged 18.0 mpg in mixed city/highway travel, including gas-eating performance tests.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Long wheelbase, soft chassis tuning smooth out most bumps. Some testers cited mild side-to-side rocking motions and unsettled feel at highway speed.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Steering light, vague on center, and some testers want more road feel. Pronounced body lean in turns. Even moderately fast corners trigger noseplow with 16-inch tires. Slightly more stable feeling with 17-inch tires. AWD assists grip in slippery conditions, but not meant for off-road use.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
About average compared to other SUVs. Testers split on engine noise, some finding V6 too coarse sounding in full-throttle acceleration. Wind rush unobtrusive, but rough pavement can generate noticeable tire roar, some body drumming.
CONTROLS
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Simple, straightforward gauges readable in all light conditions. Controls within easy reach. Power-window switches grouped on center console rather than door panels; some testers found them difficult to reach. Gear-position indicators arrayed horizontally above console-mounted shift lever; finding intended gear can be confusing. Most interior materials appropriate for this price level, but cabin still has cut-rate feel from too many hard plastic surfaces, overly wide panel gaps, and low-grade base cloth upholstery. Interior colors limited to light gray and tan, so dirt may become a problem.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.7 |
Ample head and leg room, but some testers complained of lumpy lumbar bolstering. SUV-height driving position provides good view of road. Thick front roof pillars can obscure visibility at stop signs, and visibility astern is hindered by thick 3rd and 4th pillars. Entry/exit a breeze.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Good head room. Chevrolet's Multi-Flex sliding rear seat easily adjusts to create generous leg room. Flat seat less comfortable than in some rivals. But clever 60/40 split design allows three child seats to fit, and two can remain in place while one seatback folds down.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
A strong point. Rear seats don't fold perfectly flat, but front-passenger seatback does to provide room for long objects. Most rivals have opening rear glass, but low liftover makes for easy loading. Adjustable-height cargo shelf a bit flimsy, but provides many storage options. Front center armrest includes storage compartment, folds up between seatbacks, but space below would provide more utility if it contained a deep bin rather than a shallow tray.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Its sloppy steering and handling make it feel like a large, cumbersome SUV, and Equinox lacks the mechanical finesse of competitors such as the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. But it has a carlike ride, plenty of utility, and prices that undercut those of most midsize rivals.
Total Score
| 2WD LS | 2WD LT w/17-in. wheels | AWD LT w/17-in. wheels | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 56 | 56 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 55
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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