2008 Chevrolet Equinox: Road Test
2008 Chevrolet Equinox ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $23,035 -$29,740
- Invoice: $21,538 -$27,807
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Chevrolet Equinox
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox help you decide if a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Only Sport models have been made available for us to test. The 3.6-liter V6 engine in these versions provides good power delivery from a stop and for highway passing and merging. Front-drive models have some torque steer wander in brisk takeoffs. The transmission in one test Equinox Sport seemed hesitant to downshift, and then it did so with a slam.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 2WD Sport averaged 23.8 mpg in mostly highway driving and 16.8 with more city work. We've not measured fuel economy for an AWD version. All Equinox models use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
The Equinox Sport's firm suspension tuning and low-profile tires do the ride no favors. Most small bumps are absorbed in stride, but large ones induce too much body reaction and fore-aft pitching.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
It would seem logical that the tradeoff for the Equinox Sport's poor ride would be good handling, but that's not the case here. Steering feel is poor, even for an SUV, and body lean in turns is not well controlled. The wide turning circle hurts close-quarters maneuvering. While the brakes have good stopping control, pedal feel is soft.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.5 |
The engine is loud and ragged. This is somewhat alarming especially since similar versions of this engine in other GM vehicles are smooth and refined. Wind noise is obvious at highway speeds, but even that is masked by the tires, which roar on smooth road surfaces.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
The gauges are easy to read, and the climate controls are simple and handy. Ditto the simple audio deck on models without the navigation system. The power window switches, however, are inconveniently staggered around the center console shift lever. The navigation system absorbs, but doesn't complicate, audio functions.
DETAILS
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Most interior materials are textured and look nicer than previous Equinox models we have tested. Their overall quality, though, still significantly trails most rivals. Assembly and paint quality are fine but not exceptional.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7.1 |
There's plenty of headroom and legroom up front. Not all our testers found the seats long-haul comfortable, though. The steering column tilts but is not telescopic, which hinders drivers from finding an ideal position. Thick front roof pillars obscure visibility at stop signs, and rear vision is hindered by thick side and rear pillars.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
This is Equinox's defining asset. While the bench seat is hard and flat, there's plenty of headroom. Chevy's Multi-Flex sliding rear seat easily adjusts to create generous legroom. Its clever 60/40 split design can accommodate three child safety seats, and two can remain in place while one of the seatbacks is folded.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
Generous. While the rear seatbacks don't fold completely flat, they don't get in the way when loading bulky objects. The adjustable-height cargo shelf feels a bit flimsy, but it allows for a multitude of storage options. Interior storage is below average for the class, with a shallow tray between the front seats and smallish glovebox.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.7 |
Equinox benefits from its low starting price, flexible rear-seat accommodations, and good cargo space. The Sport, while decently quick, likely represents the worst model of the bunch with its poor handling, plentiful noise, and overall lack of refinement. It's the most expensive version, too. On the whole, other five-passenger crossovers deserve more consideration than this one.
Total Score
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 56 | 56 | 63.7 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
