Chevrolet Equinox First Drive

The Chevrolet Equinox is a compact SUV that has been a popular choice for families and individuals looking for a blend of style, practicality, and performance. Here’s an overview of the first drive experience with the Equinox:

1. Exterior Design
The 2023 Chevrolet Equinox has a sleek, modern look. The exterior is marked by clean lines, a prominent front grille, and LED headlights, giving it a more refined appearance compared to previous models. The rear features a more angular design, and it offers a range of exterior colors that give it a dynamic, youthful vibe.

2. Interior Comfort
Inside, the Equinox is comfortable with spacious seating for five passengers. The cabin features high-quality materials, with soft-touch surfaces and user-friendly controls. The layout is simple, with an intuitive infotainment system that includes a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim level. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, which is a nice touch for connectivity.

Cargo Space is also generous, offering ample room for gear or groceries, and the rear seats can be folded down flat to maximize space when needed.

3. Performance
The Equinox offers two engine options: a 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 252 horsepower. The first engine is more common and adequate for daily driving, offering good fuel economy and enough power for most urban and suburban conditions. The 2.0-liter turbo engine, which is available on higher trims, provides a more engaging and powerful ride, making the Equinox feel quicker and more confident on highways.

The smooth 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, with a 9-speed automatic available in the higher trims. The front-wheel drive (FWD) setup is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available, making the Equinox capable of tackling rougher terrains or inclement weather.

4. Driving Experience
The ride quality of the Equinox is generally comfortable and smooth, even on rougher roads. Its suspension system is tuned for comfort, and it absorbs bumps well. It isn’t the most thrilling SUV to drive, but it’s certainly composed and well-balanced for its class. The steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in city traffic or tight parking spaces.

Noise isolation is also well-executed for its price range, with minimal road noise creeping into the cabin.

5. Technology and Features
Infotainment: The infotainment system, as mentioned, is user-friendly, with easy access to Bluetooth, smartphone integration, and navigation. Higher trims offer a larger 8-inch screen, plus additional features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and a premium sound system.

Safety Features: The Equinox comes with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offer more tech, such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system.

6. Fuel Economy
The base 1.5L engine with front-wheel drive gets an EPA-rated 26 MPG city/31 MPG highway, which is competitive for its class. The all-wheel-drive model sees a slight dip in fuel economy, but it’s still relatively efficient. The 2.0L turbocharged engine is slightly less fuel-efficient but offers a bit more power for those who need it.

7. Overall Impression
The Chevrolet Equinox is a well-rounded compact SUV. It balances comfort, practicality, and performance in a way that should appeal to a wide audience. Whether you’re commuting to work, going on family road trips, or just running errands, the Equinox performs admirably.

The interior is spacious, and it comes with an impressive list of standard features at a competitive price point. It’s not the most exhilarating SUV to drive, but it excels in comfort, technology, and overall value, making it a strong contender in its class.

Did you have a specific model year or trim level in mind, or were you just interested in the general experience?