Equinox: Class, Performance, and Value

The Equinox is a once every decade type vehicle-the type that is incredibly well designed, exceptionally well priced and yet likely to be largely ignored due to its placement in a crowded market and the fact that it wears a Bow Tie. This is unfortunate, because the Equinox is an outstanding SUV.

Styling: WOW! The styling is very aggressive.The entire body flows and looks integrated, and yet it manages to stand out coming and going-I especially like the distinctive european like taillights which I think make the car. Overall, the Equinox looks classy. I have had two words mentioned the most by people describing my Silver LT: beautiful and elegant. Guesses at the price are in the 30,000 and up range. The car is just a home run on the outside.

Performance: Its actually very fast. THE V-6 has so much torque it jumps off the line in under 8 seconds, yet shifts quietly and seamlessly thanks to the FIVE SPEED AUTO! This mating of 5 speeds with the V-6 not only contributes to the good MPG, but gives the Equinox a broad range of power at all speeds. Chevy says torque steer is a problem, but I do not have a problem even when I stomp the gas pedal.

Handling/Ride: The Equinox is an SUV, so cornering is not great, however the the car platorm it is built on allows it to corner well (best in class in my view) and it feels very secure in doing so. The steering takes some getting used to however, as there is very little road feel and it is a touch soft, but after just a few drives I have already adjusted to its range. If anything can be frowned upon, it is the softer than needed steering, but that is a personal opinion and one that many, including my wife, do not share. The ride of the Equinox is perfectly balanced, soft enough to isolate and protect you from bumps, but not bouncy and squishy.

Interior/Experience: The interior in look and design is first class. The front seats are incredibly comfortable and though my use of sheepskins covers in all my cars make even the worst car seat comfortable, the Equinox seats are fine without them. The rear seats come forward for more rear cargo room, then move back for a incredibly roomy (and I am 6'5") back seat. On top of that, they are 60/40 split and fold flat to reveal a 7 foot flat bed. The cargo area is large, and every detail allows the space to be maximized, including how the floor of the cargo area converts to a shelf that can be adjusted to 3 different heights.
The gauges and controls make perfect sense. I love the bluish gauge colors and dash design. The center armrest is wide and comfortable, with two cup holders that can be reached without moving anything but your wrist.
Overall, the interior is just first rate-I could live inside this car it is so pleasant and comfortable.

Value: The Equinox is a steal. Tons of standard features on the LT-everything you need and more: how often do you get a V-6, five speed auto, 28 mpg highway, and traction control for under $25,000??. The only extras really are CD changer, 17" wheels and leather seats. I drove my FWD off for $22,500.

Overall: if you are in need of a mid size SUV that is not going off road, you might tow some jet skis with, and needs to seat only 5 people-the Equinox is for you. Plus, you will get noticed. This is a SUV that looks like it cost $40,000.00. Funny-it drives, performs, and functions like one too. I highly recommend it.