As we make our way through Southeastern Michigan’s picturesque countryside in the freshly redesigned 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, the gorgeous farms and homes – both large and small – dot the landscape and remind us why many people from Michigan, never leave Michigan. But despite the pleasant surroundings just far enough from Detroit, a question lingers.
Why is General Motors, attempting to progress through Chapter 11 reorganization due to an excessive glut of vehicle choices, among other factors, introducing yet another choice for buyers?
Just a few minutes in the Equinox, which replaces the less-than-stimulating old version with a new, more stylish follow-up, makes it obvious that after all these years, GM is finally in tune with the times. Let’s start with the ‘ute’s fuel economy to answer queries from Congress.
(article and photos continue below video)
The Equinox comes standard with a new version of GM’s seemingly ubiquitous 2.4-liter Ecotec engine. The architecture has been in place for a few years, but this one is direct injected and manages 182-horsepower and 172 lb-ft. of torque while getting a class-leading 22-mpg city and 32-mpg highway in front-wheel-drive configuration. The EPA estimates 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway for the AWD version. Chevrolet says to expect up to a 600-mile range of highway driving on a tank of gas.
That 32 mpg highway figure is 1 mpg ahead of the Ford Escape Hybrid, 7 mpg more than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and, perhaps most impressively, 1 mpg better than a four-cylinder Honda Accord.
But we are getting way ahead of ourselves.
Tightened and toned
The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is a five-place crossover that carries forward with the new corporate identity by way of a split grille. A crisply creased one-piece side stamping makes the boldest statement while a C-pillar channels Mercedes-Benz’s M-Class. Clean, sleek curves wrap around the rear with a spoiler on the top of the liftback to aid with the aerodynamics. Wide wheel flares impart a bulldog-like stance that in all honesty, could accommodate up to 22-inch wheels instead of the 19-inchers that are offered as the largest factory option.
The interior is nicely appointed, whether in monotone or contrasting colors. Either way, it follows the pod-style design that was first seen in the latest Malibu. A binnacle with speedometer and tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges outlined in contrasting silver trim are reminiscent of the gauge housings in the new Camaro. A vertical stack houses the navi and audio controls and offers a good overhang that cuts down dramatically on the glare that shows up on other screens.
The layout is optimized to provide ample room throughout. Even with six-foot passengers in the rear, there was plenty of room to stretch without touching your knees to the back of the driver and passenger seats. The width may be another story: to our eyes, the rear bench seat seems fit for two-and-a-half men rather than three full-size occupants.
One of the test vehicles featured very handsomely stitched leather seats, while another one came equipped with fabric surfaces. Trust us: go for the leather option. The cloth seats had an unusual two-tone color scheme with a rather unattractive layered mesh appearance. Single color cloth seats would be fine, but these might even make vegans opt for the leather.
Extra attention to details really pays off in this new Equinox. The ride is exceedingly quiet, thanks to details like triple sealing on the doors and moving the windshield forward about three inches to cut the wind. Rocker panels are now part of the doors, which is an assist to those who repeatedly find themselves swiping dirt on their pant legs. Above the Equinox’s beltline, chrome strips surround the windows, and add contrast to the roof rack helping to dress this Chevy up.
On the road again
The four-banger and six-speed automatic is similar to the package found in the entry-level Malibu – and that’s not a bad thing, as we recently discovered. This Equinox can be optioned with the direct injection 3.0-liter DOHC V6 that puts out to the tune of 264-horsepower and 222 lb-ft. of torque. That engine, in FWD configuration coupled with the Hydra-Matic six-speed, is good enough to bring in mileage figures, according to EPA estimates, of 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. In AWD, expect 17 / city, 24 / highway. Not quite as impressive as the four-cylinder, but still towards the top of the class.
The V6 provided plenty of power for the Equinox to cruise comfortably all day on the interstates and would be the better package if all-wheel-drive were a must-have on your CUV shopping list. Despite the availability, the General expects that about three in four Equinox buyers will opt for the 2.4-liter, front-wheel-drive package.
The Michigan roads we rumbled our way through in the Equinox had enough tar patches and pothole fixes to cause the suspension to almost hum along at a 60 MHz frequency. But the reality was that this crossover displayed great road-handling abilities and was firm without being jarring. Pushing it through a cloverleaf-style interstate on-ramp showed little sway or wallowing while gaining speed to merge into high-speed traffic. But at this point, the four-banger is letting you know the engine room is at full throttle. Once at speed, it will cruise comfortably all day long.
A strut-type front suspension with tuned coilovers, stabilizer bar and hydraulic bushings in front, and multi-link setup with coil springs, trailing arms and stabilizer bar help to keep the Equinox sorted. My driving partner thought it felt a little truck-like. This writer? I liked it just fine for its combination of firmness, and lack of skittishness while negotiating the lower-Michigan highways and backroads.
I suppose it’s not that the manufacturers based here pay to keep these roads in the pockmarked condition they are in, as much as the state has no money to repair them. But on the other hand, perhaps the state government can turn it into a positive by having the convention and visitors bureau market it to enthusiasts (“Come to Michigan, Where Every Road is a Thrill Ride!”).
Leftlane’s bottom line
By combining utility and style with top-notch fuel economy and impressive attention to detail, GM has the makings of a hit on its hands. Let’s hope that the automaker’s perilous financial situation, which wasn’t quite as public when the Equinox was under development, doesn’t overshadow this thoroughly impressive redesign.
2010 Chevrolet Equinox LS base price range, $23,185-$28,790.
Words and photos by Mark Elias.
06/24, 1:24 PM
posted by:
sprockkets
Another stupid vehicle that had to add an drop to the headlamps to make it more “stylish.”
That little touch does such wonders for crap like the Sebring and Pacifica.
06/24, 1:37 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Another piece of crap from GM. Why do they bother. Will never sell. Fugly. No way gas mileage will be better than the hybrid escape. GM will be out of business before one is built. Quality will suck like all GM vehicles no matter what data you look at. Horrible name just like all GM names. Just a rebadged something. Meets Barneys requirements and owned by the government so I will never buy. Should have been a Pontiac. Why did they kill Pontiac instead of_______. What a POS. All GM 4 cylinders are POS. Will not be able to get out of its way. Good luck with that. Interior is terrible, I will get back on you with more complaints once I actually see one. JD Power data is BS. MPG should be better. This will be as successful as GM _____.
Did I miss anything?
06/24, 1:38 PM
posted by:
CV
The new Equinox is much better looking than the old one.
I wonder if GM has considered taking the 2-mode hybrid engine it developed for the now discontinued Saturn Vue 2-mode hybrid and dropping it into the 2010 Equinox?
06/24, 1:50 PM
posted by:
lemonade
Congrats GM on a solid vehicle. Mileage numbers are incredible! Well done. Luv to hear all the GM hater-babies cry everytime GM puts out a great product. Carstuff wouldn’t know a good automotive product if it bit him in the ass.
06/24, 1:53 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Good question. Wonder what the MPG would be? The Saturn V6 hybrid got 28/31 while this 4 cylinder gets 22/32. Some difference but not a lot. Now a 4 cyl 2 mode would make quite a difference and would probably get something like 32/36.
06/24, 1:54 PM
posted by:
carstuff
lemonade, you must be new here. Wait for the comments,
06/24, 1:55 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
LLN guys, just want to say again those videos are great. When does the syndicated TV show start?
I suppose I’m starting to think like Borat but if this had a diesel option it would be a rig I might consider. My wife had Monday off and drove an ‘06 Liberty with the 2.8 CRD. When she took it up our ‘test hill’ near home she couldn’t believe the power and since she spends frequent time behind the wheel of our Mustang GT I have no reason to doubt her. And that’s why the 4 banger in this Equinox just wouldn’t be up to the task we would demand of it especially with the AWD. I’m sure the 6 would do just fine but the mileage penalty when you don’t really need the extra oomph makes it less appealing.
A year or two ago I thought I’d never say this but our long anticipated Tracker replacement is probably going to be a diesel and that means it isn’t going to be wearing another bowtie.
06/24, 2:01 PM
posted by:
moparsalesman1
I own a 2005 equinox awd and have just under 100k on it. It has been a good vehicle for me. Not too much had to be done. Sway bar links at 85k, carrier bearing at 60k. Only thing I was not happy about was head gasket went this winter. Makes me more upset is 05 didnt have the 5yr 100k powertrain and the head gasket was not covered due to my mileage. All said and done 4 yrs and just a 100k, it has only cost me $2,000 is repairs. I am very hard on my cars and their is a Chevy store in our group and I would consider the Equinox again.
06/24, 2:09 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
carstuff:
You should have waited to see how many people thought you were serious. I bet you could have got atleast five people to think you were for real.
06/24, 2:19 PM
posted by:
reedfast
Its definitely prettier than the last Equinox, but it is still pretty ugly for my tastes, and i think that GM cheated a bit with those MPG numbers, i mean, 172 lb-ft and 180 HP is just pathetic for a small sedan, but this is an atrocity for an SUV.
06/24, 2:27 PM
posted by:
fx22
carstuff and sprockkets are retarded. this car is amazing, muuuch better than the RAV4 and CR-V. the interrior is awesome and so is the exterior. good job GM
06/24, 2:30 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Heh, I got one right away!! Of course he was new here and did not know any better.
Now GM is cheating on EPA MPG numbers!! Missed that one. Guess the government is really helping GM by fudging the EPA MPG numbers. They do have a V6 if you want it.
06/24, 2:31 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Theres two!!! But he is new here also.
06/24, 2:34 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Ok Mark, what’s with the video in reverse down the highway between 1:19 and 1:24?
Honestly guys, This’ll sell. I’m no fan of the New GM at all and will never buy one due to how it came about, but this is a pretty good vehicle with damned good mileage in its base powertrain. Of course I am curious as to whether such mileage is achieved in reality, but if it is even close that casically Civic mileage. Plus it holds more, has elbow room, and you can throw your empty McMeal Deal bags all over the place and still look normal in it.
06/24, 3:15 PM
posted by:
sj79
car stuff:
You forgot to mention how this vehicle cant go 300k miles with no repairs like Toyota and Honda products. You also forgot to say that the NEXT RAV4 and CRV will be way better and will get 35mpg easily once they add better transmissions and direct injection and other stuff. Oh, better yet mention taxpayer money and GOVERNMENT MOTORS to distract people from the competence of the vehicle. Overall good job at beating the USual Suspects to the punch and stealing their thoughts.
“This’ll sell. I’m no fan of the New GM at all and will never buy one due to how it came about, but this is a pretty good vehicle with damned good mileage in its base powertrain. ”
How did it come about? This vehicle was developed before the bailout. If you want to avoid bailout vehicles dont buy anything coming out in 2010 or later.
06/24, 3:25 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Just making sure that everyone acknowledges that a certain someone will come on the forum and talk about how this just isn’t good enough for the “class leaders” like Toyota.
If only it wasn’t government motors, but sorry! Can’t help represent that!
06/24, 3:27 PM
posted by:
lemonade
carstuff, still waiting for your brilliant comments oh wise and verteran looser of the interwebs…
do de do…. still waiting…..
06/24, 3:28 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Really carstuff?
If I was looking for a crossover with good gas mileage that had the looks and personality to match, this is it. It will sell not only sell well, but be the #1 crossover in the next year. I’ve already told my dad, who loves SUVs bu who’s company doesn’t pay for gas anymore (instead it’s cost per mile) to get this for his next ride.
I’m the pickiest SOB this side of the Mississippi, so that’s saying a whole heck lot.
06/24, 3:53 PM
posted by:
sj79
I dont think carstuff was being serious. He was mocking some of the knee jerk reacting Toyota lovers who live on this site.
06/24, 3:54 PM
posted by:
TornadoGTI
This looks like a real solid vehicle from GM. I have had some experience with the outgoing model and that thing was terrible. It was ugly, slow, and wasn’t appealing in any way. This one looks a lot better.
As for all of you quality clowns. I DO NOT like GM and American cars in general but they have come a VERY long way in the last 5 or 10 years. They are increasing quality and reliablity of their cars at a significantly faster pace than anyone else. Toyota and Honda lovers, don’t let that ONE good trait go to your head. It did with the Big 3 and look where they are now. It is important that you don’t get too comfortable with your status and I do see Honda and Toyota doing that. Heck here comes VW and their quality and reliability is mediocre at best and they are going to outsell EVERYONE in the world this year. Honda and Toyota needs to kick it up a notch. ALL cars are very reliable when compared to cars just 5 or 10 years ago. They need something else going for them…
Just my thoughts and I like the new Equinox.
06/24, 4:20 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Yep, Jake makes three and I cannot believe it. He has been here awhile.
SJ, I could not remember EVERY repeated comment. I mean everything I said comes up every time GM is mentioned here on LLN. Does not matter what the article is about. It could be that God came down and presented the perfect vehicle for GM to sell and it would still be Fugly or have the wrong name.
06/24, 4:26 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Some “misleading” GM quality data points:
Thirteen models ranked in the top three of their segments, two more than last year and all but one are associated with New GM
Chevy TrailBlazer and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL earned segment awards
Cadillac ranked 3rd, with a 19 percent year-over-year improvement and is now statistically tied with Lexus
Chevrolet is statistically tied with Toyota, Honda, Ford and Mercedes-Benz
According to J.D. Power, domestic and import quality is exactly the same for cars.
Oshawa Car earned the Silver Plant Award
Bowling Green tied for the Bronze Plant Award
Seven of the top ten North American plants were GM
06/24, 4:39 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
carstuff:
Congrats on number 3, 2 more and you prove that I didn’t know what I was talking about.
Jake: Why did you let carstuff get you? Your usually on point man.
06/24, 4:42 PM
posted by:
CADDY-V
carstuff:
I’m sure you already know this but there is a guy on this site that should show up in a bit to let you know that GM and all American companies are crap and how what you said about GM is BS and how you can’t prove any of it, but that’s nothing you didn’t already know.
06/24, 4:54 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Darn you carstuff! – sometimes I have a hard time remembering who’s with who. It gets sort of blurry past NMOFGM and 1115… Maybe I should stop drinking on Tuesday nights.
06/24, 4:55 PM
posted by:
DeepSeaBlue535i
this thing is such ****. seriously, chevys seriously needs some original style, the camaro looks good, but this is hideous. the headlights look like an eye infection. The features of the care are far to large for a vehicle of that size. I cant believe government motors thinks this looks good. chevy need some designers that aren’t 50 years old, and who know what the term “classic” means. this will go out of style in a few…o wait, it was never in style.
06/24, 5:54 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
It’s a good video LLN. I wouldn’t mind seeing more like it in the future, on a more dedicated and better organized site. This open bar forum thing it not working to well.
The New Equinox design it young and maybe a bit too cute for some. But then those looking at Japanese equivalents get the same face-full of Kawai,”car cuteness”. Not as robust and sporty looking as the SATURN VUE looks, but not a bland little box either. Although I’m not fan of the overly expressive “cartoon eyes” headlights, I don’t see them as a deal breaker.
This will be a good “City Ute”, especially when the VOLTECH version makes it to market.
DeepSeaBlue535i,
I only have one exception to your statement about designers who are not 50 years old. Most designers are well under 50 and DO NOT have the slightest idea what “classic” styling is. If you mean designers like those at MERCEDES-BENZ, for example, keep in mind the company keeps a very tight leash on their designers demanding only evolutionary styling updates, with the once in a decade or so shift. It only looks classic because they aren’t allowed to do anything really, really new.
Nothing wrong there, but GM has settled on its general design language and, as with MERCEDES-BENZ, it doesn’t work well on everything. Honestly I like the new style of grill but yeah the headlights need to be less cartoony. It’s a gripe I have with the DODGE CHARGER, among others.
06/24, 6:11 PM
posted by:
DeepSeaBlue535i
@Blakkarr
Most designers may be under 50, but a fact is that many at GM are. Anyways, i believe the styling of Mercedes is for people over the age of 50.
06/24, 6:21 PM
posted by:
carstuff
Deep sea, are you saying the GM designers are mostly under of over 50? And do you have any proof? I know most of them, including the leaders (Welburn, the head is over 50, but not by much) are much less than 50. We could go person by person by I doubt you want to do that. Too much data.
06/25, 1:12 AM
posted by:
Architect
VERY nice looking interior.
06/25, 1:46 AM
posted by:
steve333
Looks great, Chevy should sell plenty of them, irregardless of the few imbeciles who trash talk GM for absolutely no reason.
I just wish the designers who produced this vehicle, the Malibu, and Traverse also designed the Cruze (Ugh, that name) instead of GMDAT.
06/25, 2:02 AM
posted by:
saske_202
holy crap…. i am extremely sorry car stuff. i totally didn’t even realize that u were not bashing GM at all but u were stating all the comments that people would say. dude i am sooo sorry.
06/25, 8:10 AM
posted by:
sj79
Where are all my GM bashing peeps? I was really looking forward to thier stupid commentary. I guess its hard to come up with barbs when talking about a new GM product with class leading features and mileage and hp. It really doesn’t leave a lot of material to work with.
06/25, 8:44 AM
posted by:
lemonade
; )
06/25, 8:58 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Excellent job as always GM! Once again, you have put out a vehicle that not only continues to make the imports look like outdated pieces of sh1t, but you have once again fueled the American desire for General Motors to wipe the rest of the auto industry off the map.
For those who want the best quality, the best performance in a vehicle that will last hundreds of thousands of trouble free miles, only GM builds such vehicles. Time to trade in your POS import that just blew another engine or transmission in its first 10 thousand miles, and buy a real car.
Buy American. Buy GM. It is you patriotic duty.
06/25, 3:48 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
“peeps”? Really ??? “Class leading ” HA That was funny –yea go on about nonsense that doesnt matter
Wow after the Tracker and the last Equinox GM fionally decided to make a halfway decent vehicle. I guess Im supossed to be impressed ? If it is anything like the old GM it will be recalled and be an unreliable pile …….oh wait the “new” GM’s are the same way
I cant wait to hear all the GM loverz who will claim that this is a quality vehicle equal to years of proven quality by Toyota and Honda despite not having valid proof.
Oh they have posted already bc they love domestics no matter what they put out no matter if the roof flies off or it catches on fire
06/25, 4:30 PM
posted by:
l.sanchez
32 Mpg outa the 4cyl is impressive. I thought Ford was pretty good at 28mpg. Catch up time!
And the way i look at it, would I rather roll in one of these or a Rav4 or CRV??? Which is actually a small cuv that I’d like to be caught driving in?? Yep…the Chevy. =)
06/25, 5:10 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
32 in front wheel drive w/ driect injection and when the geese fly west on Tuesday afternoons
28 is the real figureso please dont exxagerate. The Ford Fusion Hybrid CLAIMS to get 41 but when Edmunds tested it it barely got 37 so dont believe everything American car companies say
06/26, 12:34 AM
posted by:
biff152
Fool, valid proof is a GM or Ford won’t rust out in 7 years. Haven’t been in the new Equinox yet, but the interior’s gotta be better than that cheap crap Honda uses. And it probably starts when it’s below zero.
07/10, 8:34 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Good job, GM
Better than Ford Escape
Competitive with Rav4 for best in class
Need to work on those cloth seats, doh
DrFill
07/10, 10:57 PM
posted by:
Kanucko
Wow amazing ! Now I can choose between 12 different SUV’s ! not including the ones from Saturn and Hummer or Pontiac.
How is this vehicle different than the Traverse or GMC Terrain ? Why don’t they have 1 smaller SuV instead of like 4-5 ?
I love how GM and LLN consider 22 combined MPG ‘top notch fuel economy’.
What ever happened to a CR-V or Rogue sized SUV from this sad company ? 3800 lbs is the lightest SUV they have.
Seeing vehicles like this make me wish GM had gone 6 feet under even more.
07/11, 1:15 AM
posted by:
anyclearer
kanucko, this is small then the traverse….. and the terrain is smaller then the traverse to. Seeing vehicle like this make you wish they went 6 feet under more????? this is a replacement of a model thats been out for years, and is far better then the last gen was………why hate it. its a great improvement.
07/11, 7:24 PM
posted by:
anyclearer
and to say that gm has soo many suv…..they dont……. toyota has more.
07/12, 1:21 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
biff152-Fool, valid proof is a GM or Ford won’t rust out in 7 years.
Haven’t been in the new Equinox yet, but the interior’s gotta be better than that cheap crap Honda uses. And it probably starts when it’s below zero
—WTF are you talking about ? If you havent been in it yet how can you be sure. More than likely the Honda is better based on the history of both companies
07/12, 10:29 PM
posted by:
411leftlane
This is considered nice compare to the crap they have been producing in the past. Good job!! About time…
07/17, 11:18 AM
posted by:
looneeii
I’m still in awe how a 4-bagner AWD is getting 20/29 when my 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix GT V6 (well tuned and maintained at 295,000Kms) is still getting 21/31. Someone pease help me understand this…
07/19, 9:09 PM
posted by:
anyclearer
tripleonefive, you say based on the histry, true i undertand that, ……..but if you havent been in this either…… you really cant be soooooooo sure that your correct either. Honda hasnt always had the best interior of cars. Ive owned 2 honda and can say while it wasnt horrible, i wasnt blown away either. I never though now this is better then the handful of domestics cars ive owned.
07/20, 9:43 AM
posted by:
sj79
loon:
I would hope you know the EPA changed the ratings in 2008. Under the old system the Equinox would likely be 24/35.
07/20, 5:01 PM
posted by:
AlchemicalReaction
I don’t have a problem with this car – but I do have a problem with the GMC terrain. Selling the same car under a different name does nothing for GM. They should have built the Hummer HX concept and called that the GMC terrain.
07/27, 6:34 AM
posted by:
AutoCritical
Engineering aside, I’m a bit confused with its aesthetic design. The front end looks like a cheeky small car, and the body side suggests some aggression. The rear of the car is neither cheeky or aggressive.
I wrote a bit more here http://www.autocritical.com/blog/2009/07/2010-chevrolet-equinox-%E2%80%93-a-mixed-bag-of-cute-aggression/