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9/3/2007 | Chevrolet
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 options list is a suburb-friendly one, with
side-curtain airbags for safety, an in-dash CD changer, XM satellite radio and
MP3 player for entertainment, and heated seats for comfort.
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.
The Fact Box:
All specs are for the 2006 Chevrolet Equinox.
Length: 189.0 in.
Width: 72.1 in.
Height: 67.0 in.
Wheelbase: 112.0 in.
Base price: $21,955
Engine: 3.4 liter OHV V6
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel
drive
Horsepower: 185 @ 5200
Torque: 210 @ 3800
Fuel capacity: 16.6 gal.
Fuel economy: 19/25
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