The 2009 Chevy Equinox is noted for its roomy interior, powerful engines and outstanding crash test scores. With a variety of trims available to fit the needs of almost any crossover SUV buyer, the Equinox has earned a myriad of accolades from both experts and customers ... and has done so quietly and without much fanfare, compared to its better-known competitors.
Last year, Chevrolet introduced two new Equinox models: the very appealing and more performance-oriented Equinox Sport, as well as the more luxurious LTZ model. While the 2009 Equinox is largely unchanged from last year's models, side curtain airbags and satellite radio have been added as new standard features, and Bluetooth has been added as a new option.
The Equinox is a five-passenger, midsize SUV that's offered in four trims: base LS, midlevel LT, fully loaded LTZ and performance-oriented Sport.
Standard Features And Options:
Standard features on the already well-equipped base LS model include full power accessories, cruise control, 16 inch aluminum wheels, roof rack, air conditioning, tilt steering column, automatic headlights, flat-folding front passenger seat, 60/40-split-folding rear seat that reclines and slides forward and backward, driver information center, and a CD player with an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.
There's two subsets to the LT model, 1LT and 2LT. The 1LT adds rear privacy glass, premium cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and body-color exterior trim. The 2LT package adds remote engine start, foglamps, 17 inch chrome-plated wheels, power driver seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The LTZ model includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, chrome exterior accents, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, and a Pioneer premium audio system.
For performance enthusiasts, the Sport model adds a beefier V6 engine, a sport-tuned suspension, sport bolstered front seats, unique instrumentation, special exterior trim accents, and 18 inch aluminum wheels.
Available Equinox options include a rear-seat entertainment system, navigation, and a sunroof, depending on the trim level.
Engines, Powertrain And Gas Mileage:
Powering all models except the Equinox Sport is a 3.4 liter V6 engine that produces 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Sport model is equipped with one of the most powerful engines in its class, a 3.6 liter V6 that delivers 264 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque. It's coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. All Chevy Equinox models are offered in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive forms.
Even the smaller V6 gives the Equinox a 0 to 60 mph time of a respectable 8.7 seconds. The 3.6 liter Equinox shaves this sprint time to under 7.0 seconds, impressive for any SUV of any size.
Even with the differences in power output, the EPA gas mileage estimates for both engines are the same, 17 mpg city and 24 mpg on the highway, a testament to the efficiency of the larger engine. Even with AWD, the gas mileage is only 1 mpg less in the city with the 3.6 liter.
In addition, towing capacity is a competitive 3,500 pounds with either engine.
Safety:
Standard safety features for all 2009 Equinox models include antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, full-length head curtain airbags and OnStar.
In government crash tests, the Equinox was awarded perfect five-star scores in all frontal and side-impact tests for both driver and passenger protection.
Interior:
The interior of the Equinox is attractive and thoughtfully designed, featuring large, clear gauges and user-friendly features. The LT interior is enhanced with an imitation wood trim, while the Sport has blue-light instrumentation and ebony accents.
There's also ample legroom in both rows due to its longer than average wheelbase. In addition, the adjustable 60/40-split rear seat slides nearly 8 inches to provide still more room. There's also a movable rear cargo shelf that can also be used as a security cover or picnic table. Behind the rear seats, the Equinox provides 35 cubic feet of luggage space (above average). And with the second-row seats folded down, total cargo capacity is a generous 69 cubic feet.
Drive:
With its fully independent suspension, the 2009 Chevy Equinox offers a nice balance of driving comfort and competent handling. It easily handles bumps and road irregularities, and its quiet, well-insulated cabin makes long trips especially easy to deal with. But it's the Equinox Sport that should be the first choice of those driving enthusiasts seeking quickness off the line and extra sharp handling capabilities.
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower Equinox Prices:
Car sales have been weak for over a year now due to the poor economy, including Chevy's. The current combination of fierce competition and a soft market has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.
How To Buy A New Equinox At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Chevy Equinox, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.
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