The Chevrolet Equinox, originally introduced in 2004 with a second-generation released in 2010, has become a leader in the compact SUV category. The 2017 version, available in four trims, has received a restyled exterior and new safety features, but you may want to wait for a third-generation Equinox.
Specifications
The five-passenger 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is available in the L, LS, LT, and Premier trims. You can only get the L trim in front-wheel-drive. The other three trims are available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive.
The Equinox has a 2.4-liter, 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine with 172-lb of torque and a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. With this engine, the Equinox AWD gets 21 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, and it has a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
A 3.6-liter, 301-horsepower V-6 engine is available on the LT and Premier trims. With the V-6 engine, the Equinox gets 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway, and it has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The Equinox offers Eco Mode for maximum fuel efficiency.
The vehicle is 188″ L x 73″ W x 66″ H with a 113″ wheel base. It is equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and StabiliTrak electronic stability control. It has a 100 cubic-foot passenger area and a 32 cubic-foot cargo area, which expands to 64 cubic-foot with second row seats folded down.
The L trim starts at $23,100 MSRP, the LS at $25,510 MSRP, the LT at $26,750 MSRP, and the Premier at $30,040 MSRP. With the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, you receive the Chevrolet Complete Care benefit program. It includes:
- 2 maintenance visits
- 5 Years/60,000 miles 24-Hour Roadside Assistance & Courtesy Transportation
- 5 Years standard OnStar Basic Plan on most models
- 6 Months OnStar Guidance Plan on most models
Features
The Chevrolet Equinox offers comfortable seating, with heated leather seats in the Premier, and plenty of leg room for adults in both the front and rear seats. It has a 60/40 split-folding Multi-Flex® sliding rear seat with an adjustable back. The passenger area offers plenty of storage space with a cargo net and a retractable cargo cover. Tablet holders for rear seats are optional.
The restyled 2017 Equinox has halogen projector-beam headlamps, LED daytime running lamps on the LT and Premier, fog lamps on the Premier, and a chrome-accented, dual-port grille. In the rear, Chevrolet has added sculpted taillamps on all models and rectangular dual tailpipes on the V6 model. The Premier trim comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels.
Technologywise, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox offers you a 4G LTE WiFi hot spot that can connect up to seven devices. You will have access to a 7-inch diagonal color touch-screen, upscale audio system, the OnStar RemoteLink Mobile Application, Equinox Siri Eyes Free Integration for iPhone, and Chevrolet MyLink with Bluetooth wireless technology. Using voice commands, you can make calls, text, use the navigation system, and play music. Remote start and remote lock/unlock are also available.
For your family’s safety, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox includes:
- Six standard airbags
- Rear vision camera
- Side Blind Zone Alert & Rear Cross Traffic Alert with radar sensors on the LT & Premier
- Rear Park Assist, Forward Collision Alert, & Lane Departure Warning on the Premier
How It Compares With the Competition
Previously, the Chevrolet Equinox was a leader in the compact SUV category, but some of its competitors have added more advanced features. Car and Driver Magazine ranks the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox 13th among compact crossovers and SUVs. It may be time for a third-generation Chevrolet Equinox with a better power train, more unique features, and an updated interior.
As for technology, unlike Chevrolet, General Motors offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the Equinox has more leg room than the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Toyota RAV4. It also has 4G LTE WiFi and Multi-Flex® sliding rear seat, which the 2015 ToyotaRAV4 lacks.
Pros and Cons
The Chevrolet Equinox is roomy, comfortable, and quiet, except when it accelerates. It provides a smooth ride and quick transitions. The interior layout is versatile, switching easily between hauling passengers and cargo. The restyled exterior is stylish.
However, the Chevrolet has insufficient power and is noisy when it accelerates. The manual shift mode is unsatisfactory, and Eco Mode may not save enough fuel for the reduction in performance. Adjustments are required in constant radius turns, and the distance required for fade-free braking is a little longer than other compact SUVs. Furthermore, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox lacks an emergency braking system. Although it is a bit larger than its competition, the overall cargo space is smaller. The interior style could use an upgrade, and extra air vents are needed to heat and cool passengers in the second seat.
Overall, either wait for a third-generation Chevrolet Equinox or save money and buy a used one.
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