2010 Chevrolet Equinox Las Vegas NV

September 29, 2009   By Michelle Lanz, DriverSide Contributor

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

2010 Chevrolet Equinox
DriverSide Overview
With the second-generation, redesigned Chevrolet Equinox, General Motors attempts to prove the automaker is steering the right direction by offering up the top fuel economy in its class. Available in four cylinder and V-6 fuel-injection engine variants, the Equinox is a better value at the lower end, as long as towing a boat around isn’t necessary. Inside, the Equinox touts an attractive, yet comfortable interior design with standard OnStar and an optional top-notch entertainment system. It also has the added bonus of having an entertainment console that resembles Optimus Prime’s visage.









What's to Like
Gotta hand it to GM for managing to squeeze decent gas mileage out of a vehicle one step removed from SUV-hood. The well-sealed cabin and new aerodynamic design makes for a noticeably quiet drive, which is great for city dwellers or talk radio lovers. The four-cylinder engine option has decent pick up and doesn’t feel sluggish even on ECO mode.

What's Not to Like
Major missteps by designers are the wide B-pillars, which result in blind spots, especially on the driver’s side. The higher-end, fully-loaded LTZ model seems pointless at nearly $35K and the added V-6 engine erases the fuel economy savings. In short, GM should have gone for sporty, not luxury with the LTZ model. Options like removable seats or extra storage would have better served the families of four who will likely be the car’s main market.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The Equinox has a good deal of pep and, at the four-cylinder level, responds well to punching the gas without clunking clumsily into gear. It corners decently compared to competitors, doesn’t feel top-heavy and does a decent job at minimizing body roll. That said, it is still more SUV than standard auto, so some lean is detectable at the speed limit. You won’t be chasing Porsche Cayennes around winding mountain roads, but you also won’t feel like you’re about to topple over when moving quickly. The V-6 version is faster, but transmission shifts weren’t as smooth. The larger engine’s minor benefits mean it makes more sense to go with the four-cylinder unless towing is a necessity.

Engine and Drivetrain
The Equinox provides a choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter V-6 direct injection engine option mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder produces a respectable 182 horsepower to the V-6’s 264 horsepower, but if you’re looking for fuel economy the V-6 won’t cut it. Optional all-wheel drive is available for all trim levels except the low-end LS, but the four-cylinder FWD option offer more than enough power for a family of four.

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