![]() ![]() ![]() The front seats offer good support, are adequately bolstered, and offer terrific ingress and egress. Those configurations are likely rare on dealer lots, though, and the Equinox LS with the inexpensive Convenience Package subs in an 8-way power driver’s seat that’s standard on the rest of the lineup. Shop wisely, though: the base Equinox L and LS trims have a driver’s seat that’s not height-adjustable. For pavement-oriented crossovers such as the Equinox, we prefer simpler systems that disconnect the rear wheels automatically and don’t require driver intervention. The system can be set in two-wheel-drive mode to save fuel, which seems nice, but drivers must then remember to flip it back to all-wheel drive when the snow flies or the rain drops. No Equinox is ready for off-road use beyond a trundle up a dirt driveway, which makes its part-time all-wheel-drive system a head-scratcher. The 18-inch Hankook tires on high-spec models deliver crisper handling without any noticeable detriment to the way the crossover rides. In our testing, we’ve found that models with the 17-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin rubber-L, LS, and most LTs-can feel a little squirrely when pushed. Regardless of engine, the Equinox has a quiet, composed ride and its steering is light but accurate. Moreover, the option costs $2,400, which will take a long time for even long-haul drivers to recover. For one, towing capacity is just 1,500 pounds compared to 3,500 pounds for the 2.0-liter gas engine, which erases one conventional reason for buying a turbodiesel. The diesel option may be thrifty-the EPA says it’s good for 32 mpg combined-but it’s not without its demerits. The 1.6-liter turbodiesel’s 137 hp may sound weak, but the 240 pound-feet of torque that comes on at 2,000 rpm delivers decent performance. Likely to be rare on dealer lots, at least unless gas prices spike, is the turbodiesel option. Like the rest of the lineup, its handling is good, with confident steering and a supple ride-but it’s no sportier. Don’t expect the most powerful Equinox to be a sports car alternative, however. ![]() Its 9-speed automatic can seem confused by the number of cogs available. With 252 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque on tap, the bigger turbo-4 rarely struggles. Those interested in more thrust should opt for the 2.0-liter turbo-4 available in the LT and Premier trim levels. For most buyers, that’s probably just fine. A sporty crossover akin to the Ford Escape and Subaru Forester XT, the Equinox is not. The Equinox drives well, with good isolation from the road and a comfortable ride, but even the 252-hp engine is light on thrills. Most trims are available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Optional on LT and Premier trims are two upgrade engines: a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 252 hp hooked up to a 9-speed automatic, and a 1.6-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder/6-speed automatic combination with just 137 hp that’s good for up to 39 mpg on the highway according to the EPA. It’s paired to a 6-speed automatic (the Terrain uses a 9-speed automatic with that engine). Underhood, a 170-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbo-4 is standard. The Equinox is closely related to the GMC Terrain, but it has its own styling and most models have a different automatic transmission. The Equinox is available in L, LS, LT and Premier trim levels, with many option packages and engine choices. Its interior could be classier, though, and we fault Chevy for not making advanced safety gear more widely available. ( Read more about how we rate cars.)Īfter a redesign last year, the 2019 Equinox gains updated infotainment software for its 7.0- and 8.0-inch touchscreens and an available HD rearview camera. This crossover SUV scores 5.5 out of 10 points on our scale for its good looks and refined demeanor. That depth and breadth isn’t the only thing we like about the Equinox, though. With the 2019 Equinox, Chevrolet offers shoppers a choice between two gas engines, a high-mpg turbodiesel engine, front- or all-wheel drive, and four trim levels. As drivers fill their garages with crossover SUVs instead of sedans, the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox stands out for its unusually broad lineup. ![]()
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