While about the same size as its predecessor, the 2010 Chevy Equinox features a more attractive look. This LTZ version boasts chrome trim on the mirrors, door handles and wheels.
The small sport-ute category is dominated by Toyota and Honda. So it's big news when a new compact SUV comes out that can compete with them, and that's exactly what the new Chevy Equinox has done.
While the first-generation Equinox bested those competitors in terms of size and space, it was an ill-handling beast with an interior completely compromised by too many cost-cutting measures.
Redesigned for 2010, the second-generation Chevy Equinox keeps its size advantage while adding class-leading fuel economy, much-improved handling and an upgraded (but still a little chintzy) interior.
Model Lineup
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is offered in LS, LT1, LT1 and LTZ trim levels, each with front- or all-wheel drive. Notable standard features of the LS include cloth upholstery, XM Satellite Radio, power accessories, 17-inch alloy wheels and one year of the OnStar Safe and Sound plan. The 1LT adds upgraded cloth upholstery, heated mirrors and a roof rack. The 2LT gets automatic climate control, a 250-watt Pioneer audio system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a rearview camera display, Bluetooth connectivity, remote engine starting, an 8-way power driver's seat and fog lights. The top-of-the-line LTZ model adds leather upholstery, a rear cargo cover, memory for the driver's seat and mirrors, heated front seats, rear park assist, automatic headlights, a power rear liftgate and chrome exterior trim.
Available options include a rear DVD entertainment system with two screens, a navigation system that is paired with a 40-gigabyte hard drive to hold music and picture files, a sunroof, a towing package and 18- and 19-inch wheels and tires.
Standard safety equipment includes dual threshold front airbags, curtain side airbags, front side airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, hill start assist, traction control and GM's Stabilitrak electronic stability control.
Video: Consumer Reports Chevy Equinox Review
Under the Hood
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is available with two engine choices: an upgraded four cylinder and a new V6. The base engine is GM's Ecotec 2.4-liter four cylinder, now with direct-injection technology that improves horsepower from 164 to 182 ponies and torque from 160 to 172 lb-ft. Fuel economy is also improved, as Chevrolet quotes EPA fuel economy estimates of 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway with front-wheel drive and 20/29 mpg with all-wheel drive. The lone transmission is a 6-speed automatic with an "Eco" feature that alters the shift program to increase fuel economy by about 1 mpg.
Also offered is a 3.0-liter V6 that replaces GM's 3.6-liter V6. A derivative of the 3.6, this engine also features direct injection and delivers 264 horsepower and 222 lb-ft of torque. GM quotes fuel economy estimates of 18/25 mpg with front-wheel drive and 17/24 mpg with all-wheel drive. The V6 also comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission, but it adds a manual shift gate.
Compare: Chevy Equinox vs. Honda CR-V vs. Toyota RAV4
Inner Space
Chevrolet benchmarked the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V when developing the Equinox, including the tawdry interiors. While Chevrolet says the Equinox's cockpit is inspired by the interior of the successful Chevy Malibu midsize sedan, it doesn't have its stable mate's soft-touch surfaces or flourishes of chrome trim. What it does have, though, is an attractive double-cockpit-style dashboard made entirely of hard plastic.
Discuss: Will the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox live up to customer expectations in a post-bailout world?
If Chevrolet really wanted to best the competition, it would have made the dashboard richer, with soft-touch surfaces, tighter gaps and some wood, aluminum or chrome trim. That's not too much to ask, considering that the Equinox's price can reach $36,000. The available "ice blue" ambient lighting is a nice feature, though, and the Equinox does offer some amenities not expected in the class, including dual-zone automatic climate control, a hard-drive audio system and a dual-screen rear DVD entertainment system.
