Vehicle: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox LTZ with 3.0 V6 and power sunroof
Price as tested: CDN$39565

Performance: The Equinox is powered by 2 sets of engines. The base version comes with a 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve Ecotec with 182hp and 172 lb/ft of torque. Although this little 4-cylinder mill comes with both direct fuel injection and variable valve timing, given Equinox’s weight of closing in at 4000 lb, it can barely move it adquately. The engine of choice in this ute has to be the uplevel DOHC 24-valve 3.0 liter V6, which also come with both direct injection and variable valve timing varieties. Along with the smooth shifting 6-speed automatic, which is the usual GM norm, it moves the Equinox with authority. Not only does the shifts are crisp and always on the right gears, it matched Equinox’s 264hp and 222 lb/ft of torque perfectly well. The only drawback is the paddle shifters only allow to work in “Manual” mode, which means driver isn’t able to override the system in “Drive”. What a pity. This V6 is a smooth operator in all rpm, as its level of refinement, flexability and NVH are on par with anything as good from the 6s from Toyota and Honda. The throttle response is quick and linear, without the usual abrupt feel once we associate with GM throttle tip-in. The most delightful fact is this powertrain is able to move Equinox LTZ’s 4171 lb/ft of loaded leather-lined luxury with authority, as it provides decent mid to upper range thrust without losing punch. Even though maximum torque arrives at 5100rpm seems high, its 222 lb/ft would make this heavy compact ute moves as it should be off-the-line with ease.

Handling: The new Equinox is not only have the right powertrain, it also needs to have the right dynamic qualities in order to match the rest of the class. Chevrolet does it wonderfully well with the latest redesign. It all begins with a stiff and solid chassis that is complete free of cracks and rattles. Then give it a well-calibrated suspension, springs and a competent all-wheel drive system. In terms of AWD, Chevrolet has given Equinox a system which is proactive instead of reactive, which is a godsent for both active safety and Canadian winter. This system incorporates itself into GM’s highly respectable Stabilitrak stability control. Its very hard to get Equinox out of lines except the driver has done some very nasty behaviour. The body motions are well-controlled, although there are some body rolls. As with all SUV, there are understeer when pushed. The steering provides decent feel and feedback, which track path exceptionally well with precision.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the Equinox stops with authority given its hefty weight. Unlike the previous Equinox which have numb pedal feel. This one’s brake pedal feels alive all-the-time. The pedal feel and modulation are excellent, which decent stopping distance. Best of all, ABS only kicks in whenever driver needs it.

Interior: The back of the Equinox is impressively laid-out. It all begins with a wide door opening for easy cargo access. Fold down the 60/40 split rear seats, one can put anything else as large as a refrigator into the Equinox without any problem. Best of all, the cargo floor is completely flat after fold-down. It shows how much thought GM has put through the developement of this vehicle. If there is one drawback, however, its the front passenger seat isn’t able to fold flat. If its able to do that, the Equinox can put in a 4X8 plywood inside without any problem. There is also a nifty feature at the back of the Equinox. The automatic door closing switch can adjust the height of which the driver wants the lifegate, there is another that have the same function on top of the center console. So one can adjust the right height for your height and your garage. If there is one drawback, its the rear tailigate doesn’t open independently.

Another impressive area is the rear seat. Not only does it have the longest rear and headroom in its class. Chevrolet has designed a rear seat that is able to move forth and back 200mm to improve both leg and cargo space.

While the original Equinox comes with some cheap and nasty plastic, the new one finished off in a very classy fashion. There are plenty of classy and high-quality plastic materials on the dashboard and door panels. The interior color choices in the Equinox is as classy and bold as the Malibu sedan. The leather seats are covered in quality hides, which is soft and supple. In terms of comfort, those seats hug the driver really well with nice back and thigh supports. Both the automatic climate control and stereo are placed ergonomically. The climate control works effectively and efficiently. In a nutshell, its a very user-friendly interior design.

Conclusion: The Chevrolet Equinox used to be a poor proportion in the compact SUV segment. Not anymore! The new one has everything to compete with both Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. It got plenty of power, handles exceptionally well and come with a nicely finished yet versatile interior. If the Equinox is any indication, it means the “new GM” is heading into the right direction with excellent product. All they need to do is to get customers back into their showroom.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Chevrolet Equinox
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5