Consumer Reports Review of the 2017 Chevy Equinox
The Car Connection Practiced Review
Managing Editor
June 5, 2017
Likes
- Inline-four is frugal
- Space is configurable for cargo or people
- Plenty of ability in V-half-dozen
- Exterior style has been improved
- Relatively good tech
Dislikes
- No premium audio to speak of
- Rear visibility is a claiming
- Safety marks not quite top tier
Buying tip
features & specs
AWD 4-Door LS
AWD 4-Door LT w/1LT
AWD 4-Door Premier
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is a solid compact crossover SUV. What it lacks in advanced powertrains, it makes upward for in available tech.
The Chevrolet Equinox has struck the right chord for many compact crossover buyers. It offers a range of powertrains, including front- or all-wheel bulldoze; information technology can be fuel efficient; and it'due south relatively large.
We recollect it's getting a little tired, which is why it scores a half-dozen.5 out of 10 overall. (Read more almost how we rate cars.)
Merely a new Equinox is on the manner for 2018, so stay tuned since the 2017 is scheduled to be a short model year.
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Chevrolet Equinox styling and performance
It has been a sales success for Chevy, so why fix what isn't cleaved?
Respond: they haven't. This year, the 2017 Chevy Equinox carries over largely unchanged from last year. For 2016, the model received important safety equipment and a calorie-free "fluff and vitrify" from the automaker: a forepart-fascia here, a niggling chrome at that place—zippo controversial. The issue is a brighter, slightly meliorate wait for the Equinox.
The Equinox'due south pick of engines and drivelines is a copy-paste from final year, which is totally fine past us. Its base 2.4-liter inline-4 with direct injection boasts a 32 mpg rating from the EPA, making it one of the most fuel efficient meaty crossovers coin can purchase. It and the optional three.6-liter V-6 are paired to six-speed automatic transmissions. All-wheel bulldoze is bachelor on every trim, except the base L.
To us, the Equinox reads from the outside more like a scaled downwards version of the big Chevrolet Traverse, which isn't a bad thing. The Equinox is a lilliputian chunkier, maybe with a few more styling elements stolen from Chevy'due south trucks and wedged into its more upright flanks. The Equinox is still distinctly more than auto-like than truck, and fits alongside the brand'due south sedans with adept-looking proportions and abrupt, careful details.
Chevrolet Equinox comfort, safety, and features
Classed as a compact SUV, the Chevrolet Equinox is slightly larger versus other vehicles in the segment, translating to a great residuum between cargo and rider utility for those seeking a bit more space. The plus sizing likewise makes the Equinox an platonic family unit vehicle, enhanced further with a sliding second-row seat. You'll have 31.four cubic anxiety of space in the cargo area if you leave the rear seats in their upright and locked positions, simply that increases to nigh 64 cubic feet if yous drop downward those second-row seats.
Front seats provide an first-class, car-like driving position, while back seats offer enough space for 2 sprawling adults. Additionally, the seat backs are adaptable for rake, bringing even more comfort to second-row passenger. You also become plenty of cubbies for smaller items, as well as a deep middle console and two wells, a retractable cargo comprehend, and a stretchy net for grocery bags betwixt the two deep cargo wells in dorsum. Chevrolet offers tablet holders that attach to the rear of the front seats.
The Chevrolet Equinox was designated as a Peak Condom Pick concluding year by the IIHS. In testing, the agency gave the crossover meridian "Practiced" scores in all categories, including its small-overlap crash test. The IIHS only gave the optional crash-mitigation systems in the Equinox a "Basic" score.
Federal testers weren't as kind. This year, the Equinox managed a four-star overall rating, including four stars on frontal- and rollover-crash protection. Nosotros await both ratings to carry over into 2017.
Nosotros are happy to written report that Chevy has made standard a rearview photographic camera on all trim levels for 2016, which somewhat alleviates our previous complaints about the poor rearward visibility. The 2016 models besides received newly optional active-prophylactic items that bring the Equinox in line with its competitors. We expect many of those features to become more available for 2017.
According to the EPA, the base of operations inline-4 manages 22 mpg city, 32 highway, 26 combined when paired with front end-wheel bulldoze. Those numbers make the base Equinox one of the better performing non-hybrid crossovers in the segment. Make the move to all-cycle drive (AWD) and those numbers drop to 20/29/23 mpg. 4-cylinder models are equipped with an "Eco" button that dials back accessory power describe such as ac operation, optimizes shift points for better fuel economy, and locks upward the torque converter earlier for efficiency.
The EPA rates the 3.6-liter V-six at 17/24/20 mpg for front-wheel-drive versions. We look far more than V-6 buyers will opt for AWD, which is rated at sixteen/23/18 mpg.
The Equinox is yet relatively handsome after a makeover last year.
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is the less-ambitious-looking twin to the GMC Terrain. The Equinox received a minor facelift for 2016, with a more than modern forepart-finish await and closer resemblance to the residual of the Chevrolet lineup. It'southward an easy half-dozen out of ten for styling. (Read more about how nosotros rate cars.)
To us, the Equinox reads more like a scaled down version of the big Chevrolet Traverse, which isn't a bad thing. The Equinox is a little chunkier, perhaps with a few more styling elements stolen from Chevy's trucks into its more upright flanks. The Equinox is still distinctly more than motorcar-like than truck, and fits alongside the make'southward sedans with good-looking proportions and abrupt, careful details.
The Equinox'southward fashion is less bearding and features the dual-port grille bestowed on other GM vehicles. In improver to the new nose, its lower fascia is more sculpted. New reflector-style headlights with LED running lamps were added to LT and LTZ terminal twelvemonth, and LTZ models received new fog lamps. V-half dozen models were additionally bestowed with chrome frazzle outlets, while updated wheels and more exterior brightwork updated the look all around. The taillights borrowed a ii-foursquare look like most other Chevy models, and new chrome trim adorns the tail for LTZ editions. Aside from the tweaks, the handsome Equinox continues on with the same basic sheetmetal it'due south worn since 2010—which we believe has anile quite well, because.
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The base inline-4 is respectable, and the V-6 is our choice for towing.
The Equinox hasn't mechanically changed since 2010. Chevy's minor crossover makes do with acceptable dynamics and mid-pack power from either the base inline-four or optional V-6, coming in at a 7 out of x. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
The base of operations 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-iv is remarkably avant-garde for its course, and with direct injection, variable valve timing and a 6-speed automatic, it'due south fairly thrifty too. Operation isn't bad either; according to GM the base Equinox can run up to 60 mph in around nine seconds.
That's in the same ballpark equally the Honda CR-5, a car that as well does packaging better than performance.
Passing requires some preparation—fifty-fifty with passengers on board—but our simply real gripe with this engine is that its direct-injection-related clattering is more prominent than in competitors' engines.
The iii.6-liter 5-six is the choice for towing, hauling, or performance—if there is such a matter in a compact crossover. It'southward one of few Five-6 options available in the segment; competitors are choosing turbocharged 4-cylinders rather than bigger V-vi engines. The 5-6 makes 301 hp and 272 pound-feet, and information technology's considerably thirstier than the inline-iv. It'due south rated to tow upwardly to 3,500 pounds (compared to i,500 pounds for the inline-4) and should give virtually families what they're looking for from the segment.
Both engines tin can be paired to all-bike bulldoze, and that drivetrain adds roughly 100 pounds to the overall mass.
With a rather depression first gear, for quick takeoffs, plus taller cogs for the upper gears and highway fuel efficiency, the 6-speed automatic covers the bases—although it'southward non as smoothen equally in other vehicles in this form. With either engine, shifts can be rough, and the transmission can feel hesitant on hills or on-off throttle situations. Manual shifts aren't made though steering bike paddle shifters or a split up gate, rather through little plus or minus toggle buttons that for 2016 were moved to the acme of the shift knob.
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A sliding second-row seat helps maximize interior space for passengers or cargo in the Equinox.
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is adequately big for a compact crossover, and it is versatile for families that don't need iii rows of seats. It's more than maneuverable than the much larger, three-row Chevy Traverse and less macho than the mechanically related GMC Terrain.
The Equinox's interior is pleasant but forces some compromises, rating it a 7. (Read more about how we charge per unit cars.)
The front passengers—especially the driver—take the best seats in the house. The seats are upright and supportive, regardless of trim, while the cross-stitched, dual-tone perforated leather on pricey LTZ models accept an upmarket luxury look and feel.
In dorsum, in that location is developed-sized infinite for two with practiced head room and decent leg room. The seat dorsum is adaptable for rake and tin can slide fore and aft 8 inches to maximize space for carrying people or cargo. Information technology's handy for children who don't necessarily need much leg room, but do require a small mount of gear per child for long-distance road trips.
We've establish in previous generations that the interior materials are skillful quality and non typical parts-bin affairs. The light refresh last year took intendance of many cheaper-feeling materials, and upgraded the base cloth seating in L and LS models.
Nosotros were pleasantly surprised by the sophistication of the cabin in the Equinox—it's closer to what you'd picture a Buick or Cadillac to be. There's a clever racket-cancellation organisation that quells sounds, thrums, and mild vibrations in inline-4 models after you lot're underway; there are some coarse rhythms at idle, all the same. Current of air noise is well close out, with triple door seals and drinking glass with integral sound damping.
Ride quality is good too, and there'south plenty of stow space for larger and smaller items, which altogether makes the Equinox a good family vehicle for highway trips and vacations. A retractable cargo cover, stretchy internet, and two deep cargo wells all help keep items in place and out of sight, and there's a deep center console for electronics and purses.
The only downside, we think, is that the cargo flooring is merely a little besides high—or at least higher than nosotros might expect.
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Crash-test scores for the Equinox are good—but not great
The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is nearly identical to the 2016 version, which allows u.s. to describe reasonable conclusions about its safety.
It scores a half-dozen out of ten considering it lacks automatic emergency braking, has then-so visibility, and isn't tops in the federal government's crash testing. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
The good news: The Chevrolet Equinox was designated as a Peak Safe Choice last year past the IIHS. In testing, the bureau gave the crossover top "Good" scores in all categories, including its small-overlap crash test. The IIHS only gave the optional crash-mitigation systems in the Equinox a "Basic" score.
The bad news: Federal testers weren't equally kind. This twelvemonth, the Equinox managed a 4-star overall rating, including 4 stars on frontal- and rollover-crash protection.
We are happy to report Chevy added a rearview camera to the standard-equipment listing on all trim levels terminal yr, somewhat alleviating our previous complaints about poor rearward visibility. The 2016 models too go newly optional active-prophylactic items that bring the Equinox in line with its competitors.
The Equinox makes standard many safety systems that could be life-saving in a crash. Iv-cycle disc brakes, electronic stability control, caput-curtain and pelvic airbags are all standard in the crossover, equally are OnStar emergency systems.
While many of those systems are nearly universal in all new cars, information technology's worth agreement how those systems are used—especially in a vehicle aimed toward families such as the Equinox. Lane-departure warning and forwards-collision alarm systems are available more widely on inline-four and V-6 models, and standard in the LTZ. The 2016 model added available blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic warning systems for LT and LTZ trims.
We've plant that outward vision is still a challenge in the Equinox. Its thick rear pillars were constantly in our way. Nosotros still recommend paying close attending to field of view on a examination drive.
Chevrolet has kept the Equinox in the mix thank you to good tech and impressive options.
Chevrolet isn't expected to dramatically change the 2017 Equinox from last year. We're still expecting a long features list, with adept bachelor applied science and convenience features—even a few advanced agile safe options too. For that reason, and that Chevrolet has made standard more equipment, the Equinox is even so a good value at just over $22,500 to start.
Yous tin can build upward a agglomeration of a Equinox trim levels, but it doesn't quite offer equally many features as some rivals. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Last year the available models were streamlined to just L, LS, LT, and LTZ trims. All models come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment with Bluetooth telephone pairing—LT and LTZ models receive the MyLink system that enables Bluetooth streaming. MyLink likewise integrates Pandora and Stitcher internet-radio streaming, plus hands-free controls and navigation connectivity.
Base L models come up with basic animal comforts, but are front end-drive only.
All-wheel drive is a $1,750 selection on LS trims or higher. A rear-seat entertainment organization, navigation, leather, heated seats, steering-wheel controls, a sunroof, 17-inch wheels and remote start are all options on the LS.
Mid-trim LT models are gear up autonomously by 17-inch alloy wheels, anti-theft, keyless ignition, a leather-trimmed steering bike with mounted audio controls, and new buyers are given an extended 1-yr trial to GM's OnStar service versus the normal six-calendar month thing.
Simply if you desire all the bells and whistles, opting for the LTZ trim brings a laundry list of options to the Equinox, including leather seats, retentivity seat settings, automatic climate control, universal remote, and both forward collision alarm and lane departure warning. But you'll take to tick a few actress boxes for blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic warning systems equally they're still optional extras on both LT and LTZ models.
Chevrolet's in-automobile wi-fi hotspot is standard across the range and includes a trial for 3 months or 3 GB. Boosted information is available via subscription.
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The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox posts impressive figures with its inline-4, but real-world mileage is another story.
According to the EPA, the base inline-iv manages 21 mpg city, 31 highway, 25 combined when paired with front-cycle drive. Those numbers make the base of operations Equinox i of the amend performing non-hybrid crossovers in the segment. Make the motion to all-wheel drive (AWD) and those numbers drop to 20/28/23 mpg, scoring a 6 out of ten. (Read more nigh how we rate cars.)
Those 4-cylinder models are equipped with an "Eco" button that dials back accessory power draw such as air-workout performance, optimizes shift points for meliorate fuel economy, and locks up the torque converter earlier for efficiency.
Unlike many of its competitors, the Equinox offers a Five-6 selection that'southward predictably thirsty, but has the power to tow and pass on steep mountain grades. The EPA rates the three.half dozen-liter 5-6 at 17/24/20 mpg for front end-wheel-drive versions. We expect far more V-6 buyers will opt for AWD, which is rated at sixteen/23/18 mpg.
We recommend the inline-4 if your Equinox is a driver car for several reasons, simply it comes with a caveat: A light pes and avant-garde planning is required to achieve those figures. Matching estimates with real-world economy (especially at altitude) can be elusive.
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Keep Reading
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Source: https://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/chevrolet_equinox_2017
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