2005 Chevy Equinox Review and Test Drive

GM calls the Equinox an SUV but to most people it looks more like a minivan. And that’s the idea. GM wanted the functionality of a minivan with the styling clues of an SUV. Besides being practical, this mid-size crossover is also quite stylish, in a minivan kind of way. While it’s adequate as a highway vehicle, it’s at its best on the mall/daycare/Sundays-at-Grandma’s circuit. The Equinox comes in two trim levels (LS and LT) as well as FWD and AWD. Priced from $21,785; Base warranty: 3/36,000.

First Glance

There’s no getting away from it. The SUV body style speaks to something visceral in Middle America. I leave it to others to explain why this is so. But the fact is SUVs are not nearly so practical as the car companies would have you believe. They’re hard to park in normal-size spaces, they’re pigs on gas, they’re a pain to get into and out of, and they don’t hold anywhere near what you think they will. The Equinox was designed to address these issues. And it has done so surprisingly successfully. It has much of the functionality of the minivan--the most practical passenger vehicle ever invented--while still managing to look like an SUV. The signature Chevy bowtie mounted on a single heavy chrome bar stretching across the darkened grill proclaims its Chevy-ness. With the wide wheels moved out to the far corners and the bulging wheel arches, it always seems hunkered down and ready for athletic action. The rear façade is also quite attractive. From the A-pillar aft, the roofline seems to be lifted directly off the new Lexus RX330 or the Kia Sorento. As these are two of the more attractive SUVs out there, that’s not really such a bad thing. All things considered, this design ranks among Chev’s best efforts in decades.

In the Driver's Seat

Entry into and exit from the slightly raised rear seats is easy thanks to both the low floor and the huge rear door openings. Unfortunately, there are no roof mounted grab handles to assist you. The rear seat will move fore and aft about eight inches. This is hugely useful for carrying extra cargo that just won’t fit easily into the already fairly large rear storage space. The interior features today’s ubiquitous titanium-colored plastic inserts on the centre console and on the doors. They add a sporty look to the otherwise somewhat bland interior. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable. This is a welcome change from Chevrolet’s standard seating in the recent past. The back seats are also surprisingly comfortable. They are slightly raised, in theatre style. This valuable feature has become more and more common in newer automobiles. Even with the slightly raised rear seats, headroom remains more than adequate. I’d venture to say I had at least four inches between the top of my head and the roof liner back there. Of course, there are ample cupholders and storage places including a very useful pouch on the driver’s side of the center stack. All in all, functionality rules this well-executed interior.

On the Road

The Equinox is available in both front wheel drive (FWD) and all wheel drive (AWD) versions. We tested the upscale LT model with the more economical FWD. The Equinox shares a platform with the Saturn Vue. But while the Vue offers the sophisticated and powerful Honda 3.5L, DOHC V-6 as an option, the Equinox comes with one engine only, GM’s venerable 185hp, 3.4L, pushrod V-6. Will the average Equinox buyer care or even notice? Likely not, so long as their Equinox starts in the morning and runs with minimal hassle. The workhorse 3.4L has done just that over the years for well over a million owners. Actually, the 3.4L performs quite nicely in this vehicle. It propels it from 0 – 60 mph in under 9 seconds, which is pretty darn fast for the relatively heavy Equinox. The 3.4L is the only engine offered. Only one transmission is offered as well, a 5-speed automatic. If I were buying this vehicle and even if there were ten engine and transmission choices offered, I’d very likely pick this very combination. It offers both efficiency and reliability. Well, I would unless GM ever sees fit to import something like its powerful and fuel efficient 2.2L common rail diesel made in Europe by GM’s Opel subsidiary.

Journey's End

The Equinox is at least as much minivan as SUV. But it’s hard to criticize something that is so functional and that works so well. However, it’s neither a performance vehicle, nor is it a status symbol. What it is is an automobile designed for the busy family person who needs something that will start and go everyday in all kinds of weather. It’s for someone who needs a practical vehicle with lots of useable space - space that you can just chuck stuff into without having to fold seats or move partitions. The Equinox fits this bill exactly. It’s large, roomy and loaded with functional features and storage areas. It comes with front passenger and side curtain air bags and scores well on the IIHS and NHTSA frontal and side crash tests. One essential safety feature, ABS braking, is unfortunately only available as an option in the base LS model. On the plus side, it’s a low cost option. Electronic stability control, which is especially helpful for saving the butts of multi-tasking family drivers (who have a frightening tendency to land in increasing numbers upside down at the side of the road) is only available as an option. Stability control is as important in an Equinox as it is in a Porsche. Don’t forget to order it.