2011 Chevy Equinox LT1
MSRP $23,910
The 2011 Chevy Equinox is a small crossover SUV. This is a highly competitive market, but the Equinox is up to the challenge. Chevy has gone out of its way to make the interior of the Equinox very attractive, functional, and entertaining.
The Equinox LT1 is the second of four trim levels. The others are the LS, LT2, and LTZ. It comes with a 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine that puts out 182 horsepower. It has 17-inch alloy wheels, and a 6-speed, front wheel drive, automatic transmission. It is rated at 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. The engine can also be upgraded to a 3.0 liter V6 that gets 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The LT1 has a leather-wrapped, tilt-telescope steering wheel, tinted windows, a sliding and reclining back seat, a power front seat, full power accessories, cruise control, and standard air conditioning.
The audio system has 6 speakers, a CD/MP3 player, iPod input, an audio jack, and satellite radio. It is also wired for bluetooth.
The Equinox LT1 also has the standard safety features: stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, side front airbags, and side curtain airbags. Like all GM vehicles, it also has the GM OnStar system. The Equinox received all five stars in government crash testing.
Conclusions and driver feedback:
First of all, the interior is so attractive and high-quality that it is almost stunning. Chevy has gone all out to provide a very nice riding and driving experience in the Equinox. The available color schemes are very nice, and everything is made with premium materials. The dashboard has even been described as “elegant.” A lot of test-drivers find it hard to believe they are in a vehicle that costs around $24,000.
Both the front and rear passenger areas are very roomy and comfortable. The ride quality is excellent, and the smaller engine provides good gas mileage without sacrificing a lot of acceleration. There are extra storage bins, and the back seat can be folded for more cargo space. The ride is very quiet.
As for the negatives, there are a few, but nothing that can be seen as a real “deal-breaker.” While the passenger space is plentiful, the cargo space could be larger. Some may see the ride as a bit firm. Some drivers complain of a mushy feel to the brakes, and some see the steering as “unresponsive.”
All in all, though, other than the mushy brakes, you would expect most of this in a crossover SUV. Vehicle types all have their trade-offs, and most crossovers, unless they are luxury crossovers for quite a bit more money, have a bit of a firm ride.
With all that the Equinox has to offer, the negatives are tolerable. The mushy brakes may be a deal-breaker to some, but they aren’t dangerous.
The verdict: the Equinox is near the top of a very competitive market.
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