2009 Chevrolet Equinox - Review

Although there’s a common perception that General Motors was late to the crossover-utility-vehicle party, it was actually an early adopter with the Equinox, which was styled to look much more like a traditional SUV than its Japanese rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Introduced for 2005, the Equinox shares much of its componentry with the first-generation Saturn Vue. Essentially a front-wheel-drive machine, all versions of the Equinox can be outfitted with all-wheel drive. The 185-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 engine is fitted to the LS, LT, and LTZ models, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Sport model, introduced for 2008, is fitted with the more sophisticated and powerful 264-hp, 3.6-liter engine and six-speed automatic that’s shared with the Cadillac CTS. Towing capacity is rated at 3500 pounds. The Equinox is available only in two-row, five-passenger form and is due to be replaced for 2010 by a new model.

Verdict

The Equinox was a solid player when it came to market, but has been joined by a veritable stampede of crossover utilities since then. Its interior dates from the days before product czar Bob Lutz cast a critical eye over the lackluster materials and cheesy plastics that dominated GM interiors, although the materials have been upgraded over the vehicle’s lifecycle. The 3.4-liter V-6 feels wheezy at the top end and isn’t really up to the task of pulling along nearly 4000 pounds, although the higher-powered Sport is peppy. The Equinox rides and handles in a carlike fashion, although it isn’t in the same league as the likes of the CR-V.