2005 Chevrolet Equinox Review

Specifications

Ready to Do Battle in the Compact SUV War

Anyone who doesnt believe the worlds number one automaker is on the upswing only has to take a look at the 2005 Chevy Equinox, just arriving in showrooms. The replacement for the aging Suzuki Grand Vitara based Tracker has been completely rethought, resulting in one of the best looking small SUVs to hit the road.

“The Equinox has unmistakable Chevy Truck DNA,” commented Margaret Brooks, Equinox marketing director. “Its strong stance reflects the new face of Chevrolet, and sets it apart from the rest of the compact SUV class.”

Of course theres more to it than just what meets the eye. Chevys new compact SUV offers larger interior dimensions than the outgoing Tracker, resulting in the longest wheelbase in its class at 112.5 inches, plus better quality cabin materials, including soft-touch dash plastics and nicely detailed metallic trim, as well as a more flexible seating/cargo arrangement.

The latter is dubbed Multi-Flex rear seating, which allows the back seat to slide up to 8.0 inches forward and backward, providing increase legroom for passenger when in its rearmost position and increased cargo capacity when pushed toward the front - a simple but effective solution to the passenger/cargo quandary. The flat-folding front passenger seat combines with a split-folding rear seat for stowage of long items.

As part of this functionality Equinox takes a cue from Chryslers PT Cruiser in offering a height-adjustable cargo shelf, carpeted on one side and hard plastic on the other. It increases storage space while doubling as a partition between prying eyes and valuables, plus it transforms into a convenient picnic table when pulled out.

“As the compact utility segment continues its growth, consumers are demanding more than just traditional SUV functionality,” stated Brooks. “They want more style, more features and amenities, in a comfortably sized package.”

The interior design wont win any creativity awards, but it delivers what most people want. Large easy-to-read instruments face the driver behind a purposeful 4-spoke steering wheel, while an attractive metal-finish center stack protrudes slightly from dash level toward the driver and front passenger, offering an easier reach to radio and HVAC controls. My LT tester featured optional leather seat surfaces, a nice touch that elevates the vehicle to an upwardly mobile class seemingly beyond its comparatively reasonable fully-loaded price point. The top “Preferred Equipment Group” adds $3,745 to the price of the $24,335 AWD LT model, plus in addition to the leather seating surfaces it adds heated front seats, an premium 7- speaker AM/FM audio system with a 6-disc dash-mounted CD changer, OnStar, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, a leather shift knob, light-sensitive rearview mirror with compass and temperature display, plus P235/60R17 Bridgestone all-season tires on 17 by 7 inch aluminum wheels, and more. Load up the LT AWD with everything and the price climbs to $29,345.

At the base of the console, and raised up to meet the drivers right hand, is the shift lever for the 5-speed automatic transmission - a manual transmission has been conspicuously omitted from the spec sheet. This connects to either front- or all-wheel drive, powered by a 185-hp 3.4-liter Vortec V6, with a maximum of 210 lb-ft of torque at a very tractable 3,800 rpm. This standard engine not only improves off-the-line acceleration and passing power when compared to the old Tracker, but the towing capacity can be increased to 3,500 pounds with a $350 stand-alone optional package.

I cant say I felt my backside push into the seatback under full acceleration, but then again I also didnt find the engine was annoyingly lacking in forward thrust. It went about its day to day duties admirably, while delivering fairly decent fuel economy - which is something considering the size of the vehicle.

Part of that size is felt in the SUVs width, both benefiting interior room and side to side handling. On the subject Brooks said, “Its crossover-based architecture responds to customer needs for more refinement, enhanced ride and handling and increased comfort.”

Shes right about that. Its a far cry from the previous Tracker and easily as good through the curves than anything else in its class. GM is marketing the Equinox as its first crossover SUV, due to its combination of truck-like full-length frame rails and car-like unitized body. The one-piece unit also incorporates a safety cage, like the frame rails, made of high-strength steel. The result is a rigid structure with a reduced overall curb weight, plus improved ride, handling and safety considerations. Considering it is based on GMs Theta architecture, which is the same base that supports the Saturn VUEs plastic panels, it doesnt disappoint when the road starts to wind.

On that theme a traditional MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent 4-link, coil sprung rear suspension connect tires and wheels to the SUVs galvanized steel body. While not seemingly as off-road biased as the outgoing Tracker that sports a solid rear axle preferred by 4×4 enthusiasts, the new model is much more engaging on pavement - where it will spend the majority of its time. Standard are 16-inch steel wheels riding on P235/65R16 Bridgestone tires, while 16 and 17-inch alloy rims are available.

My only complaint with regards to the suspension comes from up front, where a disconcerting rattling noise accompanies a fair bit of shake when going quickly over extremely rough roads. It doesnt throw the Equinox off-line, however, but just doesnt seem to fit the SUVs otherwise fairly refined personality.

While rear drum brakes are normally preferable for bushwhacking, they dont usually produce confident performance in city and highway traffic. I have no complaints with the brakes fitted to my LT test model, however, maybe due to the vented discs with dual piston calipers up front. Under panic braking Chevy delivers a Bosch anti-lock system standard on everything but the base LS FWD.

Other features, including available options, are power door locks with keyless entry, air conditioning, roof rail curtain airbags, Pass Lock II vehicle theft control, battery run-down protection, automatic exterior lighting, daytime running lamps (DRLs), OnStar communications, heated front seats, leather seating surfaces and trim, 6-way power drivers seat with manual lumbar adjustment, a power glass sunroof, and a premium audio system including an MP3 player, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and XM satellite radio, plus redundant audio controls. Traction control is standard on FWD models with ABS, and not available on AWD versions.

The Equinox is manufactured at the CAMI Automotive, Inc. facility in Ingersoll, Ontario, a joint venture between GM of Canada, Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corp. of Japan.

“With the recent rebirth at Chevrolet, and its first crossover SUV, the Equinox is symbolic of good things that are happening at Chevrolet,” stated Michael Grimaldi, President, General Motors of Canada at a press conference at the Ingersoll facility. “This new Equinox is going to hit a real sweet spot in the North American market with the right fit, the right form, the right functions, and the right price.”

With the first examples having recently rolled off the line, its arrival at dealerships across the continent was welcome. After all, the Tracker has long been needing a replacement, with competitors from Ford, Honda, Jeep, Mazda, Suzuki, Toyota, and recently Mitsubishi, all competing for the same customer. The compact SUV market is heating up even further with the new Hyundai Tucson expected in the fall.

Does the Equinox have what it takes to go head to head in this market? From all accounts Chevy has hit the market with a serious contender, offering more interior size and increased flexibility over its compact SUV rivals. Whats more, its better looking than just about anything else in its segment.

Whats wrong with it? Ironically the compact SUVs standard V6, that would have previously been seen a bonus, might cause it to lose sales to 4-cylinder models such as the Honda CR-V, due to skyrocketing gas prices. Its lack of a manual shifter may also be a negative to some.

All in all, Chevy is ready to do battle in this highly contested arena. Im truly impressed with the automakers newest compact SUV entry, and recommend that those shopping in this category take one for an overnight test.