This area has a low, wide opening that helps assure quick loading and unloading at, say, airports. The cargo area is large, although wheel well coverings consume space. Large outside rearview mirrors partially help here. Visibility from the driver's seat is generally good, although it's hampered by thick front windshield posts and thick rear roof pillars. Dual rear cupholders that pop out from the back of the front console don't look very sturdy and are at floor level.
Power window controls are oddly and inconveniently put near the center console shift lever.ĭoors have storage pockets, but the covered console storage bin is only moderately sized. Climate controls are large and audio controls are easy to use, although it'd be nice if they were larger. The front bucket seats are supportive, and main gauges can be read at a quick glance, although the secondary engine coolant temperature and fuel gauges are very small. The center of the rear seat is too stiff for comfort for a fifth passenger, but this seat slides fore and aft about 8 inches to provide impressive legroom or more cargo space. There's good room for four tall adults, with an especially roomy back seat area. Outside door handles are oversized and rear door openings are very wide. Getting in and out of the quiet, nicely done interior just calls for a little extra effort. The steering was precise, and stopping distances were OK, with nice brake pedal feel. The sport suspension and wide tires allowed my test Equinox Sport to have especially sharp handling. A power sunroof costs $695 for those models. Many families will want the DVD entertainment system to keep the kids quiet in back. Trailering equipment for the LT, LTZ and Sport is $350, and leather upholstery for the LT and Sport is an extra $595. Other options include a $1,325 package for the LT that includes a power driver's seat and remote engine start. Those curtain bags can be gotten for the LS, LT and Sport for $395. The LTZ adds side curtain air bags with rollover deployment. Safety features for all models include anti-lock all-disc brakes, anti-skid system, traction control and a tire-pressure monitor. The Sport has those LT features, along with a power driver's seat, heated front seats and a remote engine starter, which costs $190 for the LT. The LT adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player. Standard are air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, tilt wheel, height-adjustable driver's seat, fold-flat front passenger seat, sliding and split/folding rear seat and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry. It's priced at $28,980 with all-wheel drive.Įven the entry $22,380 Equinox LS model is pretty well-equipped. The front-drive Sport was the most responsive Equinox model I tested. New Equinox models for 2008 are a luxury LTZ with such items as leather upholstery, power driver's seat and heated front seats - and the Sport, which has the more potent V-6, special suspension and wide 50-series tires on large 18-inch wheels. The 3.4 works with a five-speed automatic transmission, and the 3.6 is hooked to an especially responsive six-speed automatic with manual-shift capability.
Only regular-grade gasoline is needed for either engine. City economy is 17 for the 3.4 engine and 16 for the 3.6, which is about right for a vehicle that weighs a hefty 3,818 to 3,915 pounds. Highway fuel economy of either engine is pretty good at an estimated 24 mpg. The Sport even beats a BMW X3 and Porsche Cayenne in the 0-60 mph dash.īoth engines are smooth, and even the smaller 3.4 V-6 doesn't feel taxed or overworked. This larger V-6 provides good off-the-line acceleration and worry-free 65-75 mph passing. The Sport, which I tested, has a 3.6-liter V-6 with 264 horsepower and more torque. The base LS and higher-line LT and LTZ models have a 3.4-liter V-6 with 185 horsepower that provides decent performance. It's comfortable and roomy, although a new Sport model has a rather trucklike ride on marginal roads with its stiffer sports suspension.
2008 CHEVY EQUINOX TORRENT
The Equinox shares its basic design with the Pontiac Torrent and rugged Suzuki XL-7. Its car-type structure could let it pass for a crossover vehicle with a simple, clean and functional design. The Chevrolet Equinox is a handsome midsize SUV that often drives like a roomy tall car.
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