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Test Drive

Chevrolet SUV measures up to the competition

Photos: Review: 2010 Equinox

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By David Mikesell Updated 1:57 PM Friday, September 18, 2009

How big is small? Variously described as “small” or at best “midsize,” the new Chevrolet Equinox in sports parlance “plays big.” Measuring at more than 15-and-a-half feet long, the Equinox , is a half-foot to a foot longer than the crossovers with which it competes — the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Redesigned for 2010, the Equinox comes in LS, LT and LTZ trims with each offering front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions. Prices start at $22,440 for the 2-wheel-drive LS, which carries good value considering standard features include many power items and a plethora of safety features such as antilock brakes, stability control with traction control, front-row side-impact airbags, all-row curtain side-impact airbags and tire- pressure monitoring system.

The base engine is a direct injection 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower and gets solid EPA mileage ratings or 32 mpg/highway and 22 mpg/city. The optional ($1,500) 3.0-liter V-6 engine produces 264 hp and has EPA mileage ratings of 25 mpg/highway and 17 mpg/city. Each engine is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The 5-passenger Equinox, like the larger all-new Chevrolet Traverse crossover, takes its front-end styling and grille features from the Malibu sedan to bring continuity to the lineup.

With the rear seatbacks folded, there is 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space available. Even with the seats upright there is 31.4 cubic feet of space. The second-row 60/40 split seats slides fore or aft 8 inches so there is plenty of legroom for extra passengers.

Among the nifty features on our high-end LTZ were the rearview camera system and power liftgate. The camera view projects onto the rearview mirror, which seems like a more natural place to look than other systems that project onto the navigation screen in the center dash.

The power liftgate is operated from the keyfob, dash or gate itself and it can be programmed to open to various heights.

David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Read this review and others like it at DaytonDailyNews.com/Wheels.

PRICE $28,045

AS-TESTED PRICE $31,685

MILEAGE 25 MPG (HWY); 17 MPG (CITY)

ENGINE 3.0-LITER V-6

HORSEPOWER 264

HOW MANY IT CAN FIT 5

ANTILOCK BRAKES YES

ANTISKID SYSTEM YES

CUPHOLDERS 8

FOLDING REAR SEAT YES

TRUNK PASS-THROUGH N/A

STEERING WHEEL AUDIO YES

DVD PLAYER NO

SATELLITE RADIO YES

POWER SUNROOF OPTIONAL

LEATHER UPHOLSTERY YES

POWER FRONT SEATS YES

HEATED FRONT SEATS YES

AUTO-OFF HEADLIGHTS YES

HEATED MIRRORS YES

POWER LOCKS YES

REMOTE ENTRY YES

KEYLESS START YES

UNIVERSAL GARAGE OPENER NO

HANDS-FREE PHONE YES

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We have been trying to find one of these and actually called up over 10 dealerships before we found one. ALL of them were sold out! We looked at all the competitors, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai..none compared to this. It just feels so much more expensive than it is. After a test drive in the LTZ we were hooked. HIghly recommended!

Mike
1:12 PM, 9/25/2009

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I actually bought one yesterday. It was the ONLY one on the lot - huge demand. I love it. I replaced a 1999 Blazer. This drives like a car but has the room of an SUV. It's really comfortable and a lot better than the older models. I drove an Equinox for about a week a couple of years ago as a loaner and this is much improved.

Cincinnati
9:45 PM, 9/22/2009

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Gee, I guess it's been a while since I last bought a car. $31,000 for a Chevy crossover????? According to Cadillac's website, their crossover base price is $33,000.

http://www.cadillac.com/cadillacjsp...

jacob
8:19 PM, 9/22/2009

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GM Junk, need I say more.

GM JUNK
8:03 AM, 9/19/2009

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