2006 Chevrolet Equinox Baltimore MD

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Here's the latest poster child for the minivan backlash the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox is the latest in the growing parade of do-all vehicles that aren't quite cars, but aren't quite SUVs either.

Based on a chassis designed for crossover vehicles, the all-new Equinox fits into Chevy's SUV lineup more or less between the tough-as-nails TrailBlazer on the truck side, and the extended-sedan Malibu Maxx on the car side. Technically, Chevrolet calls it a compact SUV, but it's the largest small sport-ute out there, and it's certainly not an off-roader.

At a glance, the Equinox seems reluctant to own up to which side of the car/truck equation it falls on. It looks like a sport-ute, and the Equinox shares the more modern, flush-fit styling of Chevy's SUVs. Look close, however, and you'll see that this "truck" is bred for city life, not mud. There's no question about brand identity; a broad chrome Chevy bowtie bar runs across the front end, and there's another one bisecting the tailgate. The taillights are handsome, crystalline units with clear faces. The longish wheelbase and sloped backlight are minivan-ish design cues.

The interior is comfortable and geared toward suburban adventures, with tall seats and a high console. The view forward is framed by the thick A-pillars and long, sloped hood.The dash is a handsome two-tone unit, with a convenient console that brings the shifter into easy reach.A rubberized surround is big enough to hold a cell phone in place, and mesh pockets on either side of the console keep small items in easy reach.The rear seats and the front passenger seat fold flat to carry long cargo.The Equinox will make a good companion for smaller errands, with lots of space for small items in nets on the sides of the tall console.The rear seats are set higher than the front for improved visibility, and the rear doors open wide enough for easy ingress and egress.Coolest of all, the rear seats slide almost eight inches fore and aft, for improved rear legroom when needed.We also like the cargo cover, which can be mounted at one of three different levels or flipped for use as a picnic table.There are even small cubbies in the tops of the rear suspension towers.The Equinox is a good errand-runner, with space to spare.For drivers who have minivans for their flexibility but don't carry more than four passengers, this little sport-ute is a great alternative.

The Equinox hits the streets with Chevrolet's familiar 3.4 liter V6 under the hood.This engine puts out 185 horsepower, and provides decent, if somewhat tepid, motivation for Chevy's new crossover.In these days of elevated gas prices, the 25-mpg freeway fuel economy rating isn't bad, either.The 3.4 V6 isn't as smooth as the fours and sixes in the competitors, with a bit more noise and growl at low speeds than in Ford's Escape or Kia's Sorento.On the other hand, the Equinox is easier to pilot around town.A five-speed automatic transmission is standard, with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive.A properly equipped Equinox will tow up to 3500 pounds.

It's not intended as an off-roader, so the Equinox rides on MacPherson struts up front and a four-link independent rear.This trucklet is ready to tackle back roads and highways with aplomb, but the Equinox is no rock-crawler.Available anti-lock brakes and traction control improve on-pavement performance when the weather is bad.The power steering's variable boost is pronounced, with finger-light control at low speeds and a comfortably firm feel on the freeway.

The Equinox is just arriving at dealers now, and pricing is competitive with the rest of the segment with a two-wheel drive Equinox starting at $21,955 and the all-wheel drive models about $2000 more.Our test truck was an Equinox LS, with a decent standard equipment list, anti-lock brakes and traction control for just $22,495.At that price, we think a lot of minivan owners might find themselves looking at Chevy's compact SUV instead.

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