2010 Chevrolet Equinox: Road Test
2010 Chevrolet Equinox ▼
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- MSRP: $22,440 - $29,795
- Invoice: $21,206 - $28,156
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Our road test for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox includes a full evaluation of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox help you decide if a 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 4.2 |
Both the 4-cylinder and V6 engines are adequate from a stop. The 4-cylinder has enough power to get out of its own way, but it struggles in highway passing and merging situations. The V6 is stronger all around but doesn't feel as snappy as its 264-hp rating would suggest. Automatic-transmission response is very good when teamed with the 4-cylinder, but it's slow to downshift with the V6.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 3.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a front-drive 4-cylinder averaged a thrifty 25.3 mpg. Test V6 with all-wheel drive averaged 21.8. Equinox uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Equinox rides far better than its predecessor, with good bump absorption and no harshness over even larger road imperfections. There's little difference between models equipped with the 17- or 18-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
Generally competent and car-like. Body lean in turns is well controlled. Equinox has electric power steering that's designed to increase fuel economy, but it lacks road feel. A surprisingly large turning radius can complicate close-quarters maneuvering. Braking is smooth and progressive.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.5 |
Chevrolet has done a good job of isolating most sources of ruckus. Wind noise is virtually non-existent. The 4-cylinder engine sounds a bit raspy under full-throttle acceleration; the V6 is always smooth and refined. Both engines are silent while cruising. All Equinox models have low-rolling-resistance tires designed to increase fuel economy, but they contribute to audible thrum on coarse surfaces.
CONTROLS
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
Primary gauges are large and clear. Standard audio and climate controls are mounted high on the dashboard and are generally simple to operate. Some testers complain that this layout suffers from an over abundance of look-alike buttons that require more familiarization than should be necessary. The optional navigation system incorporates some audio functions. Its seemingly random combination of dashboard buttons and touch-screen controls complicates audio control and will require acclimation.
DETAILS
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
A vast improvement over the previous-generation, and rivaling class leaders. Like other Chevrolet models we've tested, Equinox's cabin presents well at first glance, though some materials may disappoint.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.7 |
Headroom and legroom are ample. The seats are supportive, with standard four-way and available eight-way power adjustment. Visibility is good for the most part, though tall rear headrests partially obscure the view aft.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
Additional padding versus the outgoing model makes the 2010 Equinox's rear seat long-haul comfortable. Chevy's MultiFlex rear bench slides fore or aft, allowing legroom to range from adequate to vast, depending on its position.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.7 |
The MultiFlex rear seat can slide to benefit already generous cargo space. A lack of under-floor storage is disappointing, but Chevy makes up for it with plenty of in-cabin cubbies and bins. All door pockets have bottle holders, and the center console is large.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 | 6 | 4.8 |
Forget everything you might remember about the first-generation Equinox. This model is better in every way. It boasts quiet powertrains, flexible passenger and cargo accommodations, and value pricing. It's no speed demon, and its ride and handling balance doesn't quite match that of rival import crossover SUVs. Still, Chevrolet has done an excellent job taking Equinox from a segment also-ran to one that merits serious consideration.
Total Score
| 2WD LT 4-cylinder | 2WD LTZ 4-cylinder | AWD 2LT V6 w/navigation | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 73 | 71 | 51.8 |
Total Score: 73
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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