Introduction
The Chevrolet Equinox is a midsize crossover SUV, suitable for light off-roading. It made its debut for the 2005 model year. The Equinox is available in four trim levels: base LS, 1LT, 2LT, and LTZ. Chevrolet stresses the vehicle's design, proportions, and roominess. The Equinox's main competitors include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and the Toyota RAV4. The 2013 model is a refreshed version of the second generation of the Equinox.
Exterior Features
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is available in 11 exterior colors, some of which are offered at extra cost. The base LS trim features 17-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry. The 1LT trim adds rear privacy glass, roof rack side rails, and a rearview camera, while the 2LT adds remote ignition and fog lights. Automatic headlights are standard on the LTZ trim, which also adds a power liftgate, rear parking sensors, and an updated, firmer suspension. Larger wheels (18-inch and 19-inch styles) are optional.
Interior Features
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox offers seating for up to 5 occupants. A sliding and reclining second-row seat allows more leg room for rear-seat passengers, or more room for cargo, as needed. Base Equinox models feature cloth upholstery, air conditioning, Bluetooth phone connectivity, keyless entry, cruise control, 6-speaker sound system, and full power accessories. The 1LT trim upgrades the cloth upholstery and the sound system, and adds a touch screen and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The 2LT includes an 8-way power driver's seat, automatic climate control, heated front seats, and an 8-speaker Pioneer sound system, while the LTZ trim includes perforated leather upholstery (in black with black, grey, or brown inserts) and an upgraded power driver's seat. The Equinox offers 31.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
Optional Features
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox offers option packages that add many of the features found on upper trim levels to lower trims. Available features and packages include larger wheels, a navigation system, upgraded audio, power sunroof, rear-seat entertainment package, trailering package, fuel door, hood protector, and splashguards.
Under the Hood
Chevrolet Equinox models are fitted with one of two different engines. Base Equinox models feature a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. The optional engine (available on all trim levels but the LS) is a 3.6-liter V-6 rated at 301 horsepower and 272 lb.-ft. of torque. The standard transmission is a 6-speed automatic. Chevrolet Equinox models are offered with both front- (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrains.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox are:
- Equinox with 4-cylinder engine and FWD: 22/32/26 mpg (city/highway/combined)
- Equinox with 4-cylinder engine and AWD: 20/29/23 mpg
- Equinox with V-6 engine and FWD: 17/24/20 mpg
- Equinox with V-6 engine and AWD: 16/23/19 mpg
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox include front-seat side air bags and side curtain air bags, and GM's OnStar system. Upper trim levels add a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, and rear park-assist sensors.
In government crash tests, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox received an overall rating of 5 (out of 5) stars, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Chevrolet Equinox received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for frontal-offset and side-impact protection. Roof strength results from the Institute were also "Good."
Technology
Chevrolet's proprietary MyLink system includes the latest mobile technology. It works with any compatible smartphone and Bluetooth wireless technology to stream content to its 7-inch, high-resolution touch screen. It works via voice commands or touch controls to connect to Pandora or Stitcher SmartRadio or a flash drive or MP3 player through the USB port. The Gracenote technology will organize a music library by incorporating song information and album art.
