2010 Chevrolet Equinox Review
GM has definitely had its struggles lately. But you wouldn't know it if you were just basing your opinion ofChevyon the2010 Chevrolet Equinox. It looks great. It drives well. It has style and pizazz, and it is clothed in better than average materials. WhileToyotahas been disappointing lately with their lesser quality materials, it is surprising to see theChevy Equinoxwith the upper hand againstHonda's CR-Vin this department. A well appointed interior, high grade materials, excellent lines and exterior posture, and superb quality all around make theEquinoxan impressive vehicle. And then there is the fact that it is larger than most vehicles in the compact crossover SUV class, it rides heavier and hugs the road better, and it gets excellent gas mileage. About the only downfall we can find is the price tag. TheEquinoxis not the lowest cost bargain in the class. And, when it is well appointed in trim options, its pride sours to over $30,000.
While the original introduction of theEquinoxwas lackluster, the2010 Chevrolet Equinoxis a serious contender. This year,Chevygives us a powerful 4 cylinder engine that leads the class in fuel economy and an even more peppy V6 option. Instead of being just another average Joe you might as well not consider, the2010 Equinoxwill be a class leader in almost every category. It is evident that some of the best designers and engineers in the world work for GM (the same company that brings us the amazingly well re-designed2010 Cadillac CTSand the all newChevy Malibu).
The interior of the newEquinoxis definitely the most posh and futuristic in its class. Inside you will find a tomorrow looking dash board, LCD display, loads of storage cubbies, an extra power port, USB and audio inputs, and even a light-up center console that seems like a bottomless pit. Another thing we think will impress you is the noticeable improvements in seating comfort. The front seats are much more supportive and contoured perfectly. Even the rear seat is comfortable and plush, unlike the ironing board they called a seat in priorEquinoxgenerations. The steering wheel telescopes and tilts and every trim option comes with power lumbar and height adjusters.
While theHonda CR-Vand theToyota RAV4both seem to steer a bit better and definitely brake better, neither is a match for the calm, quiet, super-soft ride of theEquinox. WhenChevysaid theEquinoxis theBuickof the crossover class, they meant it. We were very pleased by the smooth, comfortable, quiet ride. Road noise is almost completely absent, and vibrations are negligible. As a matter of fact one could almost forget they weren’t in a luxury car. To accomplish this feat,Chevroletgave theEquinoxan Active Noise Cancellation system, laminated front glass, and extensive sound-deadening insulation.
While theEquinoxstarts out at a slightly higher price point than the competition, it is definitely more comfortable, more stylish, and loaded with many more standard features. It is super family friendly, very roomy, smooth riding, fun to drive, and best of all, it leads the class in fuel economy. If price is not the only option you are thinking about when looking at a compact crossover SUV, then theEquinoxshould beat out all its competition. It looks better, it holds more, it rides better, it is better equipped, and it is built with better materials. We think you should take a serious look at theEquinoxif you are shopping for a new compact crossover.
