2009 Chevrolet Equinox

Review

The Equinox was introduced to the Chevrolet line up for 2005 with mixed reviews. Some things such as the overall comfort of the vehicle was excellent and the compact SUV was surprisingly roomy with space for four large adults to stretch out with ample cargo room remaining for their gear. However, every test drive and review of the vehicle came back with the same complaint - the handling is simply not acceptable. The next to no feeling from the road and inadequate response along with sluggish steering and wide turning radius did nothing to endear the vehicle to drivers.

For 2009, the Equinox is available in an LS, LT, LTZ and Sport models. It continues to be a great looking vehicle with some of the top safety ratings in its class. The sleek exterior, described as "muscular good looks" by Kelley Blue Book, may not be on the cutting edge side of design but

the Equinox is pleasing to the eye. The LS models come with black or charcoal trim while the LT has body-colored trim.

Chevrolet continues to produce vehicles that score high in U.S. government crash tests with the Equinox scoring high in driver and passenger safety for head on or side impact crashes. The Passenger Sensing System automatically switch the passenger airbag off based on the weight and the amount of pressure on the seat and side impact air bags are now standard on all models. Perfect for a large family or day care worker, the back seat accommodates three child safety seats with the standard Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children or LATCH system. These safety features result in lower insurance costs, as you can see if you get yourself a free auto insurance quote.

In 2008, Chevy introduced the sport model with an impressive 3.6-Liter V6 DOHC engine offering 264 hp and 250 lb ft of torque, an increase of 42% over the smaller LT model. To provide a balance of fuel economy and performance, the 3.6L engine is paired with the Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission. 0-60 mph in seven seconds for a compact SUV is not bad, especially for the price. Compare it to the 3.4L engine that tops out at 9.1 seconds, the Ford Explorer at 9.7 seconds and the Chevy Trailblazer at 9.1, the Equinox Sport is downright speedy!

The interior of the Equinox is atypical for domestic built vehicles - a comfortable ride but clumsily finished with several controls poorly placed. The dash is simple with designers opting for a straightforward design for the gauge cluster and center console. Cruise control and audio controls are on the steering wheel as convenient thumb paddles.

The Multiflex sliding rear seat allows for either additional legroom for backseat passengers or slides

forwards eight inches if more cargo space is required.

There are five levels of optional stereo improvements that range from the basic AM/FM stereo with CD player to included MP3 player with a full-featured touch screen navigation system with voice control and Radio Data System.

The unibody construction means a smoother ride then the Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Trailblazer although at highway speeds, the Equinox begins to give a bumpier ride. The Equinox is big for a compact SUV - almost too big to be in the same class as the Honda Element and the Subaru Forrester. For a big vehicle offering V6 power, the 17/24 mpg fuel consumption is marginally above average and Chevrolet's StabilitTrack electronic stability control system is now standard on all models and is coupled with their Electronic Trailer Sway Control helps drivers stay on the road during sudden maneuvering or low traction conditions.

For a compact SUV, road noise is minimal although the 3.6-Liter V6 in the Sport model comes with a surprising increase in the amount of engine noise.

The 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is overall a solid vehicle that is well suited for a family. For the price on the base models, the lack of interior refinements and poor handling could be overlooked although in the higher priced Sport and LTZ models, these problems could be hard to swallow.