No Equal For The Equinox

 

Chevy’s latest represents a giant leap forward for the company. Striking a brilliant balance between capability, real-world versatility and spirited performance, the all-new 2010 Equinox stacks up to and exceeds competing models in every category. It’s the crossover that’s designed to fit your lifestyle, but stand out in nearly every way possible.

 

The Equinox’s wide stance, impressive wheelbase (the longest in its class) and muscular structure make it appear much lower than it actually is. Though the crossover ensures exceptional visibility and confident ride-height, its balanced design makes it remarkably accommodating and reasonable. In other words, it’s certainly large enough to ensure impressive utility, but small and versatile enough to fit the tight spaces of the real world.

 

Styling itself is undeniably contemporary and attractive. An imposing black grille is split in two by a body-colored bar and the signature Chevy bowtie. The front end, hood and corner-mounted headlamps are all aggressively angled, conveying a sense of motion while exaggerated wheel arches and thick, sweeping lines suggest confident strength. Available 19-inch wheels form a powerful base while up top, a roofrack serves as a reminder of the new crossover’s utilitarian heritage. Sleek chrome accents, available foglamps and a height-programmable power liftgate highlight a beautifully conceived, superbly executed body.

 

Beneath the chiseled hood of the 2010 Equinox is a standard 2.4-liter Ecotec four-cylinder engine that delivers a spirited 182 hp and 172 lb/ft of torque (nearly the same output as last year’s six-cylinder model). Chevy’s smooth-performing base engine achieves an astonishing EPA-estimated 32 mpg highway, more than the comparably equipped Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The upgraded 3.0-liter V6 (available on higher models) powers out 264 hp and 214 lb/ft of torque, all while ensuring up to 25 mpg highway. Advanced engineering and lightweight materials allow Chevy to replicate the sheer power of previous engines and drastically improve efficiency at the same time.

 

Capability and control are enhanced by the inclusion of all-wheel drive and StabiliTrak electronic stability control systems. By actively monitoring wheel spin, Chevy’s advanced systems are able to distribute power appropriately to the wheels with the most traction, ensuring powerful, confident control on difficult terrain and in tough conditions. Four-wheel antilock brakes give the latest Equinox exceptional stopping power while an intuitive suspension system provides a remarkably smooth, quiet ride.

 

That quiet ride is further enhanced inside where the Equinox has been substantially improved for 2010. Specially laminated glass and triple-sealed doors effectively block out unwanted road and engine noise, ensuring a comfortable, refined cabin experience. Improved fit and finish reflect an obvious emphasis on interior comfort and quality. Rear seats feature best-in-class legroom while available heated leather seats up front are complemented by elegant ambient lighting and sleek chrome dash trim to create a cockpit that’s equal parts luxurious and innovative.

 

Available features like a remote starter, premium audio and Bluetooth hands-free communication place the Equinox in impressive standing over its competitors. The standard OnStar system (with turn-by-turn navigation and real-time traffic), as well as an available rear-seat DVD entertainment system are luxuries not offered by Honda, Toyota and Ford models. Flexible, folding rear seats open up an expansive rear cargo area for exceptional versatility and storage.

 

The 2010 Chevy Equinox features a starting MSRP of just $23,185. With remarkable versatility, amenities and efficiency right off the bat, the new Equinox is sure to make some serious noise in the compact crossover segment. Chevy certainly got this one right.