Tuesday, August 20, 2019

2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT: GM's Best-Selling Crossover/SUV


Highlight: The vehicle offers a Surround Vision system, which provides a 360-degree bird’s eye view around the vehicle.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $33,625 (Base model: $24,995)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rearview camera; a stability control system; heated exterior mirrors; and a tire pressure monitoring system



Standard Equipment (LT 2.0T): 18-inch wheels; 252-horsepower engine; a 9-speed automatic transmission; push button ignition system; a keyless entry system; premium cloth seats; a power driver’s seat; an in-car WiFi system; and trailering equipment  

Options: leather wrapped shift lever; rear liftgate power; remote vehicle start; lane change alert with side blind zone alert; rear cross traffic alert system; rear park assist; power adjustable outside mirrors; heated front seats; navigation system; 8-inch infotainment system; and two USB center console

Other Trim Levels:

LS
Premier

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM radio

Compatible with AppleCar Play and Android: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

USB Connectivity: Depending upon the trim.

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.5-liter turbo, 4-cylinder/170-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Engine Fuel Mileage:
17-city/25-hwy

Towing Capability: 1,500 to 3,500 lbs



What’s New: After a major redesign in 2018, the Chevy Equinox received a few packaging tweaks for 2019. One of the significant features is a more responsive infotainment screen.

Why: General Motors’ best-selling compact crossover is available in a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The roomy five passenger compact crossover/SUV is available in a variety of trim levels, ranging from a base L model to a top of the line 3LT trim. Tires sizes on the vehicle can range from 17-inch up to 19-inch. Our test model was outfitted with stately 18-inch wheels.

Buyers can opt for the base 1.5-liter turbo, a diesel engine or the upgraded 2.0-liter, smooth- shifting turbo engine, which powered our review vehicle.

Its no wonder why the Equinox continues to be so popular. While its classified as a compact crossover/SUV, the vehicle can actually rival many of today's midsize crossovers/SUVs. Its quite noticable in the ride. In fact, the suspension system makes this a great road vehicle too. 

Also upon entering the vehicle, one will notice the features are well laid out, making it easy-to-use and navigate (no pun intended).

Depending upon the trim, buyers can opt for a hands free power liftgate to a dual zone automatic climate control system to leather seats to a wireless charging system to a heated steering wheel.

And buyers also have access to the latest safety driving aids too. In addition to an electronic blind spot system, a radar-activated cruise control system and a front pedestrian braking system is available.

The vehicle also offers great visibility, its easy to maneuver and offers loads of utility space. The rear seats can be folded down to accommodate additional cargo, when needed.

Lastly, the Equinox and its sibling the GMC Terrain no longer see themselves as ‘Me-Too’ vehicles. The interior and exterior are both quite distinctive. In fact the GMC uses a piano-like push button system, as opposed to a traditional gear shifter.
But: GM has confirmed that a diesel engine will not be available for the 2020 model year. Thus, this leaves the Mazda CX-5, as the lone ranger in the segment, starting in 2020 with the availability of a diesel engine.

And, while the styling is distinctive from its sibling, it takes a moment to acquire a taste for the front fascia. However, that’s seems to be sentiment with a number of vehicles that wear the Chevy badge.




Verdict: For those seeking what seems to be a highly reliable, trouble-free vehicle, according to latest JD Power IQS, the Equinox should be on top of one’s shopping list.  With its car-like ride and host of available trims, one should not have any difficulty finding a compact crossover that meets one’s daily needs.

Competition: Ford Escape; GMC Terrain; Honda CR-V; Hyundai Tuscon; Kia Sportage; Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester; Toyota RAV4 and VW Tiguan


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