2010 Chevrolet Equinox AWD 2LT
A Cousin to the Popular GMC Acadia Reviewed
by Susan Frissell |
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By now all who read a newspaper have seen the advertisement promoting the all-new most
fuel efficient crossover, the Chevrolet Equinox. The competitive comparison aligns the 2010 Equinox head-to-
head with the 2009 Honda CR-V, 2009 Toyota RAV4 and 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid. Such categories
as fuel economy, maximum driving range, safety equipment, limited powertrain warranty, etc. are all
compared with the Equinox, and the new Chevy SUV comes out on top. At 32 mpg. highway mileage, Equinox can travel 600
miles between fill-ups. Impressive.
New to the Chevrolet lineup for 2010, the Equinox sport-utility combines the appeal of the
crossover vehicle and the roominess of a small SUV. Competing with the likes of those SUV's listed above,
the restyled Equinox has some fierce competitors, or so the numbers would suggest.
Assembled in Ingersol, Ontario, Canada, the 2010 Equinox is available in three trim levels: LS,
LT and the LTZ. With a reasonable starting MSRP of $23,185, our test Equinox LT version came in at just
over $36,000; more than we'd like to spend for a small SUV in this category. The MSRP of our test
Equinox was $27,195, with a whopping $8,125 in options.
The options included on our test car were large-ticket items, including the 3.0-liter DOHC V6
engine with 264 horsepower ($1,500), leather appointed seats with heated front bucket seats
($1,050), sunroof, tilt and sliding ($795), liftgate-power programmable ($495), Trailering equipment
($350), 18-inch machined aluminum wheels ($250), Cargo Management Package (rear cargo security
cover, cargo convenience net, roof rack crossbars, $245), and Audio System with
Navigation/infotainment and rear seat entertainment (AM/FM stereo CD player, radio data system,
auxiliary jack, navigation and voice recognition, 40 GB hard drive, rear seat dual player DVD, remote, 2-
headsets, $3,440).
Although the option list in general isn't wildly extensive, the packages are costly. The tilt/slide
sunroof is always welcome during the summer and fall months, and the rear view camera is one of the
newer features we've begun to count on.
Standard equipment on our Chevy Equinox 2LT included an oil life monitoring system,
compact steel spare, ABS, StabiliTrak-stability control system with traction control, Tire pressure
monitoring system, Dual frontal airbags, side impact airbags, head curtain side airbags with rollover
protection all rows, automatic headlamp control, remote keyless entry with advanced remote start,
theft deterrent system, 1 year OnStar safe and sound with automatic crash response, rearview
camera system, power outside mirrors, body color, heated, 17-inch aluminum wheels, tinted glass,
roof rack side rails, fog lamps and multi-flex sliding rear seat with 60/40 split and 3-position recline.
The driver's seat is 8-way power, with lumbar support which is comfortable. With the combination of
the telescoping and tilt steering wheel, seating is accommodating to all sizes and shapes. The audio
system is set up for Sirius Satellite radio but subscription is sold separately; no free three months.
Bluetooth for phones and a USB port will please the younger set. The Pioneer premium 8-speaker
system with equalization and amps will appeal to the Baby Boomers, as will the steering wheel audio
controls. Floor mats and a compass are also nice additions.
We did not have an opportunity to try out the entertainment system; another feature that is
handy for road trips.
All in all, the 2010 Chevy Equinox is a nice Ute. The new styling is very appealing and the
navigation screen is easy to read, yet takes some time to learn. All controls and dials are reachable, and
the driver doesn't have to search for anything while driving; it all sits high on the center dash. The v6
engine is quiet and smooth, but the ride in the Equinox is harder than some.
The standard engine on the new Equinox is the I4, 2.4, 4-cylinder, with 6-speed automatic
transmission. One can opt for the V6, or move up into the LTZ. With EPA fuel economy of 17/24 mpg.,
the V6 isn't too extravagant a decision.
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| SPECS MSRP: $27,195; total vehicle price $36,065; destination $745; options $8,125
Engine: : 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, Direct injection, DOHC SIDI, 182 hp., 172 lb. ft. torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 112.5 in. Weight: 3,719 lbs., automatic; 3,722 lbs. manual
Length: 187.8 in. EPA Fuel Economy: I4: FWD 22/32; AWD 20/29 mpg.
V6: FWD 18/25; AWD 17/24 mpg.
Wheels: 18-inch machine aluminum wheels
Towing Capacity: I4: 1,500 lbs., V6: 3,500 lbs.
Weight: 3,370 lbs.
Fuel Type: Recommended Regular Unleaded
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