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2008 Chevrolet Equinox Full Review
Date Published: 7/15/08
Also in the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Review:
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Chevrolet Equinox Full Review
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2008 Chevrolet Equinox Review
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox gains a pair of new models, one bent toward luxury, the other toward performance. This midsize crossover seats five and shares its basic design with the Pontiac Torrent and Suzuki XL7. Equinox LS and LT models are joined this year by the luxury-themed LTZ and high-performance Sport. All are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The LS, LT, and LTZ have a 185-hp 3.4-liter V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Sports have a 264-hp 3.6-liter V6, 6-speed automatic transmission, firmer suspension tuning, and specific trim. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Equinox's rear seat slides fore and aft up to 8 inches to increase passenger or cargo space. A navigation system and remote engine start are available.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
News
Our moles report Chevy has dropped plans for a short-wheelbase Equinox to take on the likes of Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Instead, the current model will carry on without major change until 2010, when a redesigned replacement is expected.
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2008 Chevrolet Equinox Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (Sport) | Control layout |
| Passenger and cargo room | Noise |
| Ride/handling | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.4 |
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
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.
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 2WD Sport | AWD Sport | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.8 |
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 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 Chevrolet Equinox Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/04/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD LS 4-door wagon | $23,035 | $21,538 | $615 |
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| AWD LS 4-door wagon | $24,660 | $23,057 | $615 |
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| 2WD LT 4-door wagon | $23,905 | $22,351 | $615 |
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| AWD LT 4-door wagon | $25,530 | $23,871 | $615 |
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| 2WD LTZ 4-door wagon | $27,810 | $26,002 | $615 |
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| AWD LTZ 4-door wagon | $29,435 | $27,522 | $615 |
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| 2WD Sport 4-door wagon | $28,115 | $26,288 | $615 |
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| AWD Sport 4-door wagon | $29,740 | $27,807 | $615 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| Equinox | Up to $1500 cash back or 0%-6.9% financing. | Customer | 07/31/08 |
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
LS
Powertrain
3.4-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, adjustable split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media connection, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, roof rails, 235/65R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
LT adds to LS:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
LTZ adds to LT:
Safety
Curtain side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, Pioneer AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/60R17 tires, chrome alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Sport adds to LT:
Powertrain
3.6-liter V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, satellite radio, remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Sport suspension, 235/50R18 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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2LT Option Pkg.
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LT
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$1,325
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$1,100
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Remote engine start, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, satellite radio, automatic day/night rearview mirror, fog lights, 235/60R17 tires, polished alloy wheels.
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Sport, Sun, Leather, and Sound Pkg.
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Sport
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$1,640
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$1,361
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Leather upholstery, power sunroof, upgraded sound system. NA w/DVD entertainment system.
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Chrome Plus Pkg.
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LT, LTZ
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$845
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$701
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Chrome side steps, chrome fuel-filler door, chrome exhaust tip. LT requires Chrome and Sound Pkg. or 2LT Option Pkg.
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Chrome and Sound Pkg.
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LT
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$1,200
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$996
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Upgraded sound system, chrome alloy wheels. NA w/2LT Option Pkg.
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Trailering Equipment
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LT, LTZ, Sport
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$350
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$291
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Receiver hitch, 4-wire connector.
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Safety |
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Curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment
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LS, LT, Sport
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$395
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$328
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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LT, LTZ, Sport
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$2,145
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$1,780
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LT requires 2LT Option Pkg.
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Leather upholstery
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LT, Sport
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$595
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$494
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LT includes heated front seats. LT requires 2LT Option Pkg.
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Heated front seats
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LT
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$250
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$208
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Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
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DVD entertainment system
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LT, LTZ, Sport
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$995
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$826
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LT, Sport require upgraded sound system. LT requires 2LT Option Pkg. NA w/power sunroof.
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AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
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LS
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$135
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$112
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
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LT, Sport
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$435
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$361
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Upgraded sound system
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LT, Sport
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$350
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$291
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Satellite radio
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LT
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$200
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$166
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Power sunroof
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LT, LTZ, Sport
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$695
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$577
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Remote engine start
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LT
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$190
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$158
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Floormats
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LS
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$40
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$33
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Roof rails
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Sport
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$150
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$125
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Roof rack
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LT, LTZ, Sport
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$150
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$125
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Special paint
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LT, LTZ, Sport
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$95
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$79
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Engine-block heater
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LS, LT, LTZ, Sport
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$75
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$62
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Chrome alloy wheels
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LT
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$850
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$706
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LT w/2LT Pkg.
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$550
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$457
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Includes 235/60R17 tires.
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Chevrolet Equinox Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Chevrolet Equinox 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 112.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3829 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 68.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 40.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V6 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.4 /204 | 3.6 /217 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 185 @ 5200 | 264 @ 6500 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 210 @ 3800 | 250 @ 2300 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | 17/24 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | --/-- | 16/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
 Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Chevrolet Equinox 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 5/100,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Canada
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Sliding/Tilt Sunroof, Perforated Leather Seating Inserts, Head Curtain Side Airbags, Pioneer Premium Stereo System, Black Granite Metallic Paint Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 20.24 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski For as dynamically flawed as Equinox and Pontiac Torrent are, it's amazing that GM is able to move so many of them without relying on heavy incentives. Make no mistake, GM has taken many steps forward with the launches of the excellent Cadillac CTS, Chevy Malibu, and Saturn Vue. Equinox and Torrent, however, are giant leaps back. Redesign the Chevy on the Vue's Opel Antara platform, and then they'll have something. Right now, skip it all together. Rick Cotta GM has been offering some really good SUVs of late, but this isn't one of them. Equinox might be understandably attractive to some, but too many shortfalls overcome value pricing to make its Saturn Vue cousin a better choice in the GM family. |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chevrolet Equinox Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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