2009 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell: Road Test
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Our road test for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell help you decide if a 2009 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.4 |
The fuel-cell powered Equinox offers acceleration that is brisk enough around town, but it's not overpowering. GM claims the fuel-cell offers "instant torque," and low-speed power delivery seems to back up this claim.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4 |
No opportunity to measure. GM claims that the vehicle has a range of about 150 miles between hydrogen fill-ups.
RIDE QUALITY
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.4 |
The ride doesn't vary much from the standard Equinox, which means it's on the firm side and large bumps can induce too much body reaction.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.5 |
Handling is competent for the class, and typical of crossover SUVs. While the brakes have good stopping control, pedal feel is soft. The fuel-cell's regenerative brakes cause some whirring noise, not unlike a typical gas/electric hybrid vehicle.
QUIETNESS
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 5.6 |
The fuel cell makes almost no noise, with the noise from the brakes excepted. Wind and road noise are well-hushed.
CONTROLS
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 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.
DETAILS
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.5 |
The interior materials differ slightly than conventional Equinoxes, and they look nicer. Assembly quality seems solid if not exceptional.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 7.2 |
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)
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 6.3 |
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
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 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 Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.8 |
Fuel-cell technology is still new. It may be some time before it becomes available for mass production, but it's off to a good start in this application. The Equinox fuel-cell drives no differently from a gas/electric hybrid car or SUV, and all the creature comforts of a conventional car are present. Unfortunately, the conventional Equinox trails its rivals in some key areas, which makes it a less than ideal showcase for this new technology.
Total Score
| Equinox Fuel Cell | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 62 | 64.6 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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