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2019 Chevrolet Equinox 2019 Chevrolet Equinox

2019 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox is Chevrolet's second best-selling model; it's only topped by the Silverado. It's not difficult to see why. It's spacious, efficient, and it offers plenty of standard equipment.

Overview

Visually, the Equinox falls in line with Chevrolet's current design language. The look is characterized by a sharp, two-part radiator grille with a thick chrome frame, elongated headlights, and sculpted sides. It looks more upmarket than its predecessor. All told, the redesign thrusts Chevy into modernity, even if it falls short of head-snapping flair.

The changes are more than skin-deep. Notably, the 2018 Equinox is up to 400 pounds lighter than the model it replaces. It shares its basic platform with other members of the General Motors family including the GMC Terrain and the Buick Envision. Designers have done a superb job differentiating the Equinox from its platform siblings. The Chevrolet corporate grille integrates nicely into the prow, and a slanted C-pillar is unique among the trio. The Equinox manages to be friendly and unassuming while the GMC Terrain looks upscale and tough and the Buick Envision upscale and organic.

 Life aboard

 The Equinox is finished in a welcoming blend of soft-touch surfaces and vibrant fabrics. Nicely sculpted door panels and contrasting tones make for a cabin that feels pleasant and natural rather than synthetic. 

On the center console, knobs and buttons are organized and spaced out well enough that your fingers rarely have to hunt. A multifunction touchscreen is blissfully easy to navigate by avoiding the cardinal sin of too many menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an LTE Wi-Fi subscription, are available at any trim level. If fully optioned out, a wireless inductive charging pad for your smartphone, no less than six USB charging ports, and an 8-inch screen (a 7-inch comes standard) ensure you're never lacking in tech.

 Trunk space checks in at 29.9 cubic feet with every seat up and 63.5 cubes with the rear seats folded flat.

Under the hood

Buyers have three engine options to choose from. The base unit is a turbocharged, 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 203 pound-feet of torque between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm. It shifts through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Next up is a 2.0-liter turbo four good for 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It's bolted to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Finally, buyers can select a segment-exclusive 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder rated at 137 horsepower and a stout 240 pound-feet of torque. It shifts through a six-speed automatic.

Front-wheel drive comes standard regardless of which engine is under the hood. All-wheel drive is offered at an extra cost on all three variants.

Trim level breakdown

Chevrolet offers the Equinox in four trim levels named L, LS, LT, and Premier, respectively.

The list of standard features includes the 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, keyless entry, a push-button ignition, a 7-inch touch screen for the infotainment system, carpeted floor mats, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required), power windows, a 12-volt outlet in the trunk, LED daytime running lights, halogen headlights, heated and power-adjustable mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and active noise cancellation technology.

Stepping up in the trim hierarchy brings more features. LS models get rear floor mats and a compact spare tire, for example. Premier models benefit from leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Every Equinox save for the base model is available with extra-cost option packages. The LS Convenience package for the LS trim adds deep-tinted windows and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, among other features. The Chrome package adds -- you guessed it -- chrome trim.

Occupant safety

Every Equinox comes with dual front, front side, and curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems. The model also boasts OnStar and a teen driver function.

Key competitors

The Chevrolet Equinox competes in the same segment as the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Jeep Cherokee, the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Ford Escape, among other family-friendly crossovers.

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