General Motors totally redesigned its popular Chevrolet Equinox in 2018, but this week we look at the 2019 version, which is pretty much unchanged except for a few new colors, 19” wheels, and an updated HD rear view camera.
This third-generation Equinox has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that is turbocharged. Together with its 9-speed automatic transmission, the new Equinox is producing 252-horses and 260 pound-feet of torque. There is also a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder available, and a 1.6-liter diesel. Equinox comes as a front-wheel drive SUV, but my tester has the optional all-wheel drive system.
Handling is good on the Equinox, it is quiet inside, and has more than ample acceleration. The overall driving experience with the Equinox is extremely enjoyable, especially with the 2.0-liter engine.
My test vehicle looks great in the Cajun Red color, and the 2019 Equinox looks sleek and aerodynamic and takes styling cues from Chevy Malibu and Cruze.
As good as Equinox looks on the outside, it’s really the interior that is going to wow people. This is the top-of-the-line Premier package that features a two-tone interior that really grabs you.
Everything is soft to the touch and you’ll find stitching everywhere on the seats and dash area. In the center of the gauge cluster, there is a driver information center that allows you to see info on fuel economy or speed. You can also look at audio info, or scroll down through phone and navigation information and change some of the vehicle’s settings under the options tab. All this is controlled from the steering wheel.
The center console is nicely done with the shifter in the middle, two cup holders, and a cubby hole which houses a built-in phone charger, USB ports, and a power outlet.
In the center of the dash is an 8” color touchscreen that operates Chevy MyLink. From there are easy to use apps to operate the Bose HD radio, sync your phone with Bluetooth, and an app to operate the navigation system. There are also app settings for the vehicle, the Wi-Fi Hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The back seat of the new Equinox has a lot of legroom and headroom and is split in a 60/40 fold down configuration. There are air conditioning vents for the back seat occupants.
As you go to the rear of the Equinox, the lift gate is power and you can operate it from the remote or by waving your foot under the bumper. Reach inside and there are two latches to lower the second row seats for more cargo area. The load floor folds flat unlike some SUVs I’ve seen.
The Premier package comes well-equipped. At no charge, you get remote start, keyless entry from the door handles, rear park assist, blind spot warning, and lane keeping assistance. Other free items include leather heated power front seats, heated rear seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Two free features I want to spotlight are Teen Driver, which lets you set parameters for your teenagers and even gives you a report card on how they drive, and also a rear seat reminder that will remind you to look in the back seat when you turn the SUV off, if you've opened either back door. This is a lifesaver for children and pets.
This Equinox has the $2145 Confidence and Convenience package that includes cooled front seats, low-speed automatic braking, lane keep assist, safety alert seat, adaptive cruise control, and an HD surround view camera. There is also a $395 charge for the color.
Total MSRP as equipped on this one is just over $39,000.
Fuel economy is 22 in town and 28 on the highway, but it is actually doing better. It does have the start/stop system that cannot be deactivated, but I have to say it is among the smoothest I’ve ever had.
I did find a cheat for the start/stop system. When you come to a stop, simply pull the gear shifter back one click, and the system will go off. When you start to roll, click it once forward into drive.
If you are shopping compact SUVs, this one should be considered.
