![]() ![]() "Putting some serious miles on the Chevy Equinox is relaxing, as the suspension swallows up the bumps, and the lack of intrusive wind and road noise makes for a tranquil cabin," says Edmunds, adding, "Running the Equinox through the curves reveals some body roll, but it's not excessive for an SUV." MSN adds some perspective to the discussion, stating, "A soft suspension.smooths out rough roads but causes pronounced body lean in curves if you're driving hard. Test drivers are split concerning the standard independent front and four-link rear suspensions on the Equinox. Consumer Guide still says, "Steering feel is poor, and body lean in turns is not well controlled at all." Though Chevrolet's marketing materials say the Equinox's steering has been tuned to respond differently to various situations, New Car Test Drive positively notes, "We don't think the average driver will feel the difference between this system and more conventional hydraulics, and that's a good thing." The Sport model gets a hydraulic, rather than electric, variable-assist steering system. "The electric power steering system offers little feedback and an unnatural feel, while a 40-foot turning diameter can make the Equinox seem like a full-size SUV in just about any parking lot," says Kelley Blue Book, adding that the steering is "numb." In agreement, Consumer Guide adds that the steering feels "overassisted" and "vague.like cumbersome trucks." MSN calls the steering "slow", and Edmunds call it "sluggish." The Equinox comes standard with power variable-assist electric steering that almost universally disappoints test drivers. This goes even for the new Sport model, which Consumer Guide says "likely represents the worst model of the bunch with its poor handling, plentiful noise, and overall lack of refinement." "You may not like this SUV if you're enthusiastic about the driving experience," says Kelley Blue Book. The majority of reviewers are not impressed with the Equinox's steering and offer mixed assessments on the suspension. "One of the nicest features of this engine is it won't bankrupt you at the gas pump," observes Kelley Blue Book. All-wheel-drive models should net about the same. The front-wheel-drive Equinox has an Environmental Protection Agency-estimated fuel usage of 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with the 3.4-liter engine and 16/24 city/highway with the Sport's new 3.6-liter engine. MSN agrees, saying the vehicle is "car-like" and "designed.for fast, comfortable highway cruising".įuel economy is considered competitive by many reviewers. "With a more comfort- than sport-oriented ride, Equinox could be called a long distance driver's dream," says Road and Track. Test drivers go out of their way to praise the Equinox's long-distance driving experience. The new Sport model comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with a Tap-Up/Tap-Down driver shift control feature and Adaptive Learning Capabilities. "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," notes the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. MSN calls the smooth-riding Equinox "car-like" and many other test drivers concur. Reviewers agree the transmission offers a fluid driving experience. "Put a heavy foot on the pedal and the Equinox takes it as a command, not a suggestion," says Kelley Blue Book, adding, "While pulling away from a stop or negotiating slower traffic on a two-lane road, the 3.4-liter V6 always delivers plenty of power." Of the Sport's 3.6-liter V6, Consumer Guide says it provides "good power delivery from a stop and for highway passing and merging."Īll models except the Sport come with a five-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Learning Capability. Reviewers generally agree the base V6 delivers good acceleration. The engine choices are noteworthy because many competitors in the compact SUV class do not even offer a V6 option - let alone two. The new Sport model gets a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 264 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox comes standard with a 3.4-liter V6 engine that makes 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. ![]()
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