2010 Chevrolet Equinox
The updated-for-2010 Chevrolet Equinox shares some design cues with the Saturn Vue.

Despite a paddling by the automotive press following its introduction in model-year 2005, the first-generation Chevrolet Equinox was a sales success for General Motors’ volume division. Before the market downturn in 2008, Chevy could easily sell more than 100,000 of these midsize crossover SUVs annually. For its model-year 2010 redesign, engineers looked to maintain Equinox’s positive attributes (passenger and cargo room and value pricing) while addressing its negatives (ride/handling balance, powertrain sophistication, and fuel economy).

Exterior and interior dimensions for the 2010 Equinox are largely unchanged from its predecessor. Chevy calls it a compact, with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 as its primary competitors. Consumer Guide put Equinox into the midsize SUV category due to its wheelbase and overall length. At 112.5 inches, Equinox’s wheelbase is longer than that of the Ford Edge (111.2) and even the Honda Pilot (109.2). With an overall length of 187.8 inches, the 2010 Equinox is longer than Edge (185.7) and the Kia Sorento (180.7).

New-Car Reviews
Click here to read our review of the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox.
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox comes in LS, LT, and LTZ trim levels. It rides on a heavily modified version of the first-generation model’s basic architecture. It shares some elements of its design with the Saturn Vue. Equinox marks the debut of a pair of brand new engines. All models have a standard 182-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. Optional on the LT and LTZ is a 264-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. Both engines team with a 6-speed automatic transmission, and both engines use high-pressure gasoline direct injection, which is designed to increase power and fuel economy. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available on all models. Chevy marketers expect 70 percent of buyers to opt for the 4-cylinder engine.

We recently sampled two 2010 Chevrolet Equinox models, and chose the projected volume leaders: A front-drive LT 4-cylinder and a loaded AWD LTZ V6. Based on our initial drives, this crossover is far better than its predecessor and worthy of shopper consideration.

What’s Cool…

Spacious Passenger and Cargo Accommodations
Supportive front and rear seats provide more than ample space for adults and children alike. The rear bench uses Chevy’s “MultiFlex” system, which allows the seat to slide fore and aft up to 8 inches to benefit passenger or cargo space.

Excellent Projected 4-cylinder Fuel Economy
While we have yet to measure fuel economy in our own testing, the EPA estimates a front-drive 4-cylinder Equinox will achieve 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway. A front-drive V6 version will get 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway, according to the EPA. By comparison 2009 Equinox models, which were V6 only, were rated at 16-17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.

A Quiet Driving Experience
Chevy has done a very good job making the Equinox a smooth, quiet vehicle. Wind noise is virtually non-existent. The 4-cylinder engine strains a bit during full-throttle acceleration; the V6 is smooth and refined. Both are silent while cruising, which is especially impressive for the 4-cylinder.

Generous Standard Equipment and a Variety of Options
The 2010 Equinox has a full complement of standard safety features, including ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. GM’s OnStar assistance, a tilt and telescopic steering column, four-way power driver seat, and remote keyless entry are standard on all models. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, eight-way power driver seat, sunroof, navigation system, and dual-screen DVD entertainment are available. Many of the optional features are available individually, rather than as part of pricey option packages. Want the DVD entertainment system but no sunroof? No problem.

What’s Not….

Sluggish Acceleration
The 4-cylinder engine has to move 3,600-plus pounds of SUV. It can get out of its own way but has no surplus of power for highway passing and merging. The V6 has 264 horsepower, but only 222 pound-feet of torque that comes in at a lofty 5,100 rpm, which is too high an engine speed to be really useful when accelerating from a stop. While the V6’s passing response is good, it’s just too slow from a standing start.

Ride/Handling Balance
Though superior compared with the first-generation Equinox, the 2010 model trails rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Tiguan in the ride and handling department. Equinox uses an electric power-steering system designed to increase fuel economy, but it lacks road feel.

Interior Materials Lack Richness
Like other recent Chevrolet models we’ve tested (Traverse comes to mind), the 2010 Equinox’s cabin presents well at a distance. Closer inspection reveals a dashboard made of hollow, cheap-feeling plastic. The only significantly padded surface is the center console armrest. The two-tone interior on a test LTZ V6 was a bit nicer than the one on our test LT 4-cylinder.

CG Says:

Remember the first-generation Equinox? Well, forget about it. The redesigned 2010 model is superior in every way. Though it lags import rivals for ride and handling, it excels for being quiet, having a roomy, comfortable interior, and offering a variety of features at competitive prices. If you’re in the market for a five-passenger crossover SUV, put Equinox on your shopping list.

06.22.2009