From the logbook: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

Even though Chevrolet is GM’s volume brand, selling something for everybody, they’ve lacked a competitive small SUV. Sure, they offered the original Equinox; it had a roomy interior and comfortable low-speed ride, but it suffered from an outdated and inefficient base engine, clumsy handling, uncomfortable seats and blatantly cheap interior. The redesigned 2010 Equinox rectified those problems.
 
Almost the same length (but narrower) as a midsized Toyota Highlander, the Equinox is something of a “tweener.” GM frequently compares it to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V on their Web site, and it’s priced up against those small SUV sales juggernauts. I guess the name Equinox—one of the two times each year when day and night are the same length of time—makes a bit of sense, as it’s aimed right down the middle of two SUV segments.
 
We bought two all-wheel-drive Equinoxes to test: a basic four-cylinder 1LT with optional Bluetooth and remote steering wheel controls listed for $26,350. We also got a loaded $31,780 2LT with the optional 3.0-liter V6, 18-inch wheels, leather heated seats, and a moon roof. Buyers with less fiscal restraint can option up an Equinox with features that the RAV4 and CR-V competition doesn’t offer, like a power liftgate and rear seat DVD entertainment, but doing that puts the price tag up to where better models exist.
 
By now, you may have read about our less-than-joyous purchase experience. Let’s move past that and see what the Equinox is like to drive. Below are our engineers’ first impressions from the vehicles’ logbooks:
 
“Competitive family SUV. Roomy – stylish interior.”
 
“Large blind spot from wide front A-pillar, along with C and D pillars.”
 
“Good power, but transmission hunts or is slow to respond at times.”
 
“Really nice rear seat room. Plenty of leg and head room for adults.”
 
“Too bad you can’t get the RAV4’s 3.5-liter V6 in this.”
 
“Sluggish [V6] powertrain lacking low-end grunt and the six speed is always working.”
 
“Ride is well controlled and comfortable.”
 
“Lock (button) on center dash never works for me.”
 
“Nice interior materials but some sharp edges.”
 
“Smooth [4-cylinder] powertrain and quiet when cruising level highway, but engine needs to be pushed to keep up speed on incline or when quick acceleration is needed for passing.”
 
“I really like how this feels to drive. Nice steering weight, responsive, rides well, feels very solid at speed.”
 
“Power height adjustment [on 1LT] nice to have, but it changes fore/aft way too much – then you need to grab the [manual] lever to fix that…”
 
“Tune knob is quite a lean for me.”
 
“Transmission moves so much I thought it was a CVT.”
 
“Accents like the red stitching and [storage compartment] liner are a nice touch.”
 
“I hate the top-hinged preset buttons that force you to press lower on them.”
 
“Better steering feel on the V6 model.”
 
“Looks and feels like a scaled-down Traverse.”
 
Overall, our impression of the Equinox is that it’s a pleasant SUV with a few annoyances. For more on the Equinox, check out our First Drive review.
 
—Tom Mutchler

Comments

[E]

I love my '10 Equinox. That being said, the comments about the 4-cyclinder engine needing "to be pushed" are pretty accurate. The engine is a bit undersized - I guess that's how they are making the MPG claims, but it's still a good ride.

The '10 Equinox has great exterior and interior styling. I'm a tall gal (5' 11''), so the knobs and controls on the center console stack are well within my reach, but I can see how a shorter person may have to stretch to reach them. My 3 kids love all the room they have in the back seat.

Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase!

[jim shriver]

Clunkers issue:We bought a car on July 27 from a local Ford dealer. They told us to keep our clunker and they would take it when they let us take our new car. Well today is day 26. Still no car. We have been told next week some time. This as been a long stressful experience. I would never want to go through this again.

[Steven Burd]

Today is Oct 1. I purchased my 2010 Equinox on Sept 17, thus i have the car just 2 weeks. The day after I bought the 2010 Equinox I noticed that the drivers seat...as well as the passenger seat have a bulge pertuding. This is making it VERY uncomfortable to drive. It is somuncomfortable that this bulge is hurting my thigh as I sit on the seat. Is therwe anything that can be done. I did go to the dealer within 2 days and spoke to the service manager. He tested 2 other Equinoxes he had on the lot...the same problem He said that there is nothing to do. I spent a lot of money on this car. I like the drive and the design...BUT theseat problem is driving me crazy. I believe that this is a defect in design. Who do i talk to to get this resolved?
Please help me.
Thank you

[Wendy L.]

I love my 2010 Equinox. I have already have 3300 miles on it and am averaging 26.8 miles per gallon.

My only complaint is that, when you put the vehicle in park, the door unlocks automatically. Living near a big city, I don't like having to relock the door when I am sitting in the car.

It's a personal safety issue.