Chevy SUV offers comfy commute
Smooth ride, styling strengths of new Equinox
By RUSS DEVAULT
Cox News Service
July 2, 2004
Given the rate at which automakers introduce new sport utilities, it should come as no surprise that the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, the Tracker's successor, is Chevy's third midsize SUV.
Both the Blazer and TrailBlazer, which are about the same size as the 15.7-foot-long Equinox, can top out at about $30,000. A fully optioned Equinox with leather and all-wheel drive can be had for about $28,000.
The not-so-fancy front-drive Equinox LS tested had a base of $20,995 plus $565 delivery and a bottom line of $22,495. Its competitors, in addition to Chevy siblings and the Saturn Vue, include the Ford Escape, Toyota Highlander, Kia Sorento, Nissan Murano and Honda Pilot and CR-V. Clearly, there is no shortage of options for buyers of midsize SUVs.
Not much driving was required to realize that the Equinox, despite its assumed SUV toughness and availability of all-wheel drive, counts a carlike ride among its attributes.
Really good visibility in all directions and ease of driving made the test Equinox a comfortable commuter. (Note that maximum seating is five.) It was unruffled by abrupt lane changes, sudden stops and the start-stop-go of jammed expressways.
Given an open road, the 185-hp V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission (no other combination is available) made the 3,100-pound Equinox a capable sprinter for an SUV in its power/weight class. If you're out to buy a pure American product, forget it. The Equinox is assembled in Canada with its engine produced by GM in China.
The test Equinox, hardly a barebones model, had the desirable basic features, including an eight-speaker CD stereo. Standout features, at least for anyone transporting cargo and not just people, include a fold-flat front passenger seat and a fold-flat split rear seat back with an 8-inch range of fore-aft travel.
The easy-reading back-lit instrumentation is basic, with a 130-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tachometer with no redline. That may be because maximum hp comes at a buzzy 5,200 rpm while all 210 pounds-feet of torque develop at a more pleasant 3,800 rpm. Towing capacity is about 3,500 pounds.
If potential buyers overlook its lack of a third-row seat and engine/transmission options, the Equinox will be seen as a step forward for GM and Chevrolet. Its newness and smartly restrained styling should make it a surprising contender for some sales now going to other manufacturers.
Specs:
Test vehicle: 2005 Chevrolet Equinox LS front-wheel drive sport utility
Price as tested: $22,495 (base price: $20,995 plus $565 delivery)
Drivetrain: 3.4 liter V-6 engine (185 hp), five-speed automatic transmission
Safety features: Dual front air bags, optional anti-lock brakes with traction control ($400)
Other standard features: Air conditioning, power windows, automatic power locks with keyless entry system, CD stereo with six speakers, power mirrors, rear wiper/washer with defroster, driver's seat height adjustment, fold-flat front passenger seat, sliding rear seat with split folding back, rear cargo panel system, 16-inch wheels with bolt-on covers and 235/65 all-season tires, drink holders, power outlet.
Other option on test vehicle: Package with cruise control, luggage rack crossbars, carpeted mats and tinted glass, $535.
EPA figures: 19 mpg regular unleaded city, 25 mpg highway
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