It takes a lot to be a “triple-threat”, especially in the automotive industry. Being good at three things and wrapping it up in a complete package doesn’t happen to often, but when it does it is always a welcome occurrence. The want for a vehicle that can haul multiple people and stuff, achieve good fuel economy all while being comfortable is the whole reason why the mid-size crossover SUV was created. Easily one of the most popular segments in America, it takes a lot to be a stand out mid-size crossover. For 2011, Chevrolet has decided to give it a try with the Equinox.
Based on General Motors’ Theta platform, the Equinox shares its suspenders with the GMC Terrain and not too far away, the Cadillac SRX and Saab 9-4X. Since the Pontiac Torrent and Saturn VUE are now defunct, the Equinox, Terrain, 9-4X and SRX are the only Theta vehicles in America. The front wheel drive with all wheel drive option platform was first seen in 2002 and has seen a stretch in wheelbase since then. The 2011 Equinox rides on a longer 112.5 inch wheelbase and benefits from increased interior space over its previous generation. The current generation, which debuted in 2010, features two new direct injected engine options and all Equinox models use a six speed automatic.
Our tester was a 2LT with standard front wheel drive and the new, 2.4 liter direct injected DOHC Ecotec four-cylinder. With a high, 11.4:1 compression ratio, the engine makes 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. Along with this engine, our Equinox included standard features such as automatic climate control, Pioneer premium eight speaker stereo system with XM radio and MP3 integration, rearview camera, Stabilitrak-stability control, 17 inch alloy wheels and integrated fog lamps. Standard MSRP was $25,970 but our tester featured the optional $1,295 rear seat entertainment system, $495 power lift gate and $800 leather appointed seats. Wrapped in Mocha Steel Metallic and featuring a Jet Black/Brownstone interior, our Equinox rolled off the Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada factory floor with a final MSRP of $29,305 with destination charge.
Our tester’s most striking feature was its outward appearance. The classic, “chocolate-brown” blends ever so nicely with the second generation’s smoother lines. Gone are the previous generation’s sharp angles which were a little too harsh and in their place are bulging fenders and bold panels. The Equinox does not look small in any sense, but its looks are a little on the subtle side: it’s a very un-offensive looking vehicle. Once the door is opened, the optional $800 leather seats make themselves known. They work very well with the exterior color and have a much higher quality feel than the standard cloth seats. The comfort level of these seats is so exceptional that anyone considering buying an Equinox shouldn’t even think twice before paying the extra cash for them. They are easily worth their $800 price tag.
It is not just the seats in the Equinox that create a cozzy interior. The ergonomics are nicely set up and nothing was found to be out-of-place. The stereo was easy to operate and the controls were in an optimal location which made driving rather simple. The sound quality is nice, but nowhere near as good as other General Motors vehicles that we have sampled. It did do a quality job at covering up the engine noise, which was rather harsh when pushed. Getting up to highway speeds did not sound too good and made us think that the engine was struggling to haul around the Equinox’s 3770 lb curb weight. Truth be told, it was.
The powertrain of our tester was a little on the lazy side, but it only really became a bother while trying to merge on to the interstate. Once at highway speed, the Equinox did a fine job at holding steady. Four cylinder Equinox models feature an “Eco Mode” button that manipulates the transmission’s shift patterns in order to increase fuel mileage. If left on while on the freeway, everything is fine until a pass is needed. More than once did we feel almost no kick-down or increase in power when the pedal would get closer to the floor on the highway. With “Eco Mode” turned off, the six-speed was much more willing to change down gears: which is almost needed in the heavy weight Equinox. “Eco Mode” was partially responsible for our tester’s average fuel mileage of 23 mpg in mixed driving. This is a big advantage in a segment where the average entrant can’t get out of the high teens for miles per gallon. The 2.4 liter may be underpowered for the Equinox, but it does deliver at the pump.
With comfort and fuel economy checked off the list, the Equinox needs one more plus to become a “triple threat” success story. The mid size crossover is meant to be a family vehicle and the Chevy should be able to haul around people and gear with ease. Fortunately, the rear seats fold down in seconds and the power lift gate is surprisingly fast. Even with the rear seats still up, our tester swallowed this driver’s recycled goods without hiccup. Loading access is efficient too as the Equinox isn’t too tall or too low. Passengers commented on the leg room in both the front and the back and the rear seat entertainment system actually showed signs of quality instead being an afterthought. This Equinox was made to haul around people and it does so very well.
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a very humble vehicle. Nothing is too radical or offensive but nothing really stands out. The interior is made up of very high quality materials and the seats are easily the best from GM that we have sampled in a while. The fuel economy was high enough to overcome the slight lack of power and the actually act of driving was so easy that no one could get confused behind the wheel. The hauling capacity was realistic and the ride quality was right in the middle between too harsh and too soft. Competitively priced within its segment, the Equinox does an excellent job at being a mid size crossover SUV. It can also be considered a “triple-threat” as it is efficient, comfortable and spacious. The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is a vehicle that will last the test of time, offend no one and never get in the way of family fun.
