2006 Chevrolet Equinox Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox help you decide if a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox is right for you.

2006 Chevrolet Equinox Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Steering/handling

Rear-seat room

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

2WD LS	2WD LT w/17-in. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	Class Average
5	5	5	5

Both Equinox and its Pontiac Torrent cousin furnish lively takeoffs, linear power delivery. Transmission kicks down quickly to provide decent passing punch. Test Equinox 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. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	Class Average
5	5	5	3.8

Above the midsize-SUV norm. Test 2WD LT averaged 18.0 mpg including gas-eating performance tests. Test 2WD Torrent averaged 20.5 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Test AWD Torrent averaged 15.1 mpg in mostly city driving.

Ride Quality

2WD LS	2WD LT w/17-in. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	Class Average
6	6	6	5.4

Soft suspension tuning smoothes out most bumps. Some testers find Torrent has more side-to-side rocking motions and impact harshness than Equinox.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD LS	2WD LT w/17-in. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	Class Average
3	4	4	4.1

Steering overassisted, 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. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	Class Average
5	5	5	5.2

About average compared with 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. Torrent's 17-inch tires slap loudly over major ruts, bumps.

Controls

2WD LS	2WD LT w/17-in. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	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 find 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. Available leather trim improves general ambience, especially in Torrent.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD LS	2WD LT w/17-in. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

Ample head and leg room, but some testers complain 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 side and rear pillars. Entry/exit a breeze.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD LS	2WD LT w/17-in. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.2

Good head room. 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. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	Class Average
8	8	8	8.3

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. whls.	AWD LT w/17-in. whls.	Class Average
5	6	6	5.7

Sloppy steering and handling make Equinox and its Pontiac Torrent cousin feel like cumbersome trucks, even though these SUVs have car-type chassis. Both also lack the mechanical finesse of competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. On the upside, Equinox and Torrent have an absorbent ride, versatile interiors, and prices that undercut those of most midsize rivals.

Total Score