Chevrolet Equinox offers Good Value

Buyers today have many models to choice from, but the popular categories have changed. Sedans are becoming less and less available. The station wagon has just about disappeared from the market. The SUV is by far the most available choice, but what brand should you choose?

Chevrolet offers one of the most durable alternatives. My 1998 Chevy Silverado Extended-Cab Short-Box continues to be a sturdy work horse. When I climbed into the Sterling Gray Metallic 2023 Equinox Premier AWD, I felt like I was right at home.

There is nothing outstanding about the outside of the Equinox. But it has a nice collection of curves and cut lines, and an attractive front end. I especially liked the sweep of the headlights. Inside there is a modern cockpit that has most of the extras buyers are looking for.

The dashboard is well designed with a reasonable size center console. I found the steering wheel to be responsive, but the material used for the rim could be smoother. I liked the way the controls were set on the steering wheel and the buttons in the center of the dash. My favorite was the gear shift. It felt just right in my hand and the gear changes were especially smooth. The huge center console box offered more room than most I’ve seen.

If the Equinox falters in any area it would be the engine. The only one available is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For 2023, power is up five horsepower to 175 hp and you get 203 lb-ft of torque. Going 0-60 mph takes this 3,464 lbs. vehicle just under nine seconds. My trip up my favorite highway entry was a bit slow, but I was able to enter the flow in a safe fashion. Once up to speed the Equinox moves along just fine.

The Equinox gets kudos from the EPA. The front wheel drive models are rated at 26 city and 31 highways. The all-wheel drive Equinox Premier scored 24 city/30 highway for a combined score of 26 mpg.

One of the reasons that the Equinox is such a good seller is the number of goodies you get. Prices start at $27,945 for the LS, and go up to the Premier’s $33,100 base price. My tester came with some optional extras and a total price of only $38,860.

The $1,745 Confidence and Convenience package comes with Automatic Parking Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, HQ Surround Vision, Front Passenger 8-way adjustment and 2-way lumbar. The driver’s seat is vented as is the front passenger seat. Even the back seat comes with heat.

I enjoyed the $1,495 power sunroof. The other big item was the $1,125 Infotainment II Package. This features a Bose Premium Seven-Speaker System, Voice Recognition, an DIAG HO Color Touchscreen, Bluetooth, audio Streaming, Apple Car Play, and Android Auto.

When it comes to safety, the Equinox earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. Standard items include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, auto high beam, and available adaptive cruise control.

If you are looking for a quality mid-size SUV the Chevrolet Equinox is worth taking a look at your nearest Chevy dealer.

the Equinox earned a fivestar rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.