Quick Spin: 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT AWD 3.6

Story and photos by John LeBlanc What is it? Relatively large for the compact crossover segment, the five-passenger, second-generation Chevrolet Equinox went on sale for 2010. Made in Ingersoll, Ontario, the front- or all-wheel-drive Equinox shares its platform with the GMC Terrain. What's new? A refresh for 2013 sees a host of new features and a new six-cylinder engine option. A 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 182 horsepower continues as the base mill, but a new, 301 hp, 3.6 L direct-injected six replaces the outdoing 264 hp 3.0 L unit. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission available. Chevrolet’s new MyLink audio/navigation system, eight-way power front passenger seat, rear-seat entertainment system, rear park assist, programmable rear liftgate, sport suspension package and safety features like forward collision alert and lane departure warning are now available. Pricing for my 2013 Equinox tester in 2LT trim with all-wheel-drive and the new V6 started at $33,775. But $7,220 worth of sunroof, leather seating, MyLink, power tailgate, 18-inch wheels, cargo management package and trailer towing packages and lane departure warning and forward collision alert was added. What's it like to drive? My Equinox tester’s two-tone interior was one of the nicer cabins from a General Motors’ product I’ve been in recently, but it doesn’t feel like a $40k-plus vehicle. Trouble is, the Equinox still suffers from some fundamental ergonomic issues. Its seats are too soft for real support. And while the new touchscreen MyLink system has all the latest in infotainment features, it’s a long reach from the driver’s seat to use. Urban driver’s who like the compact dimensions of rivals like the Honda CR-V will feel intimidated by the larger Equinox. It’s more of a mid-size vehicle when it comes to having to navigate city parking spots. One advantage of the Chevy crossover’s maxi-compact size is its roomy interior. Especially for those in the second row. However, beware of the Equinox’s 1,803 litres of rear cargo space rating: in reality, its wheel wells intrude noticeably. While all-new versions of the Ford Escape and Hyundai Santa Fe arrived for 2013 without V6 engines, the decision to upsize the Equinox’s six seems odd. It’s rated at 13.2L 100 km city, 8.4 highway. Unfortunately, my average of 14.4 never came close to those figures. Subjectively, when you put your foot down to take advantage of the new V6’s horses, the Equinox just doesn’t feel all that lively. I’ll blame its rather hefty 1,781 kilogram curb weight and a transmission geared more for phantom Transport Canada fuel estimates than responding to the driver’s desires. The upside is a respectable 1,588 kg tow rating. Typical of its Chevrolet Malibu sedan showroom mate, in cruising mode, the Equinox is a relatively quiet vehicle (as is the new Santa Fe Sport). Just don’t expect any kind of feedback from the Chevy’s numb steering. And while the 2013 Equinox now comes with so-called “dual-flow” shocks, the vehicle still has a hard time controlling its body motions over bad payment. Rivals from Ford and Mazda offer car-like handling, yet the Chevy crossover lumbers through corners like a sumo wrestler after a big meal. Should you buy one? Essentially the same vehicle since the original arrived eight model-years ago, the 2013 Equinox is quickly showing its age in one of the market’s most hotly-contested segments. Updates to its interior, infotainment and a bump in the optional V6 power ratings simply aren’t enough if buyers step outside a Chevrolet showroom. Compared to newer competition, the Equinox’s “compact” platform is heavy and space-inefficient. Lacklustre real-world fuel economy and ho-hum driving characteristics aren’t doing the Chevy any favours either. Unless you want an old school SUV-type ride, the new Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5 are better compact crossover choices. Quick Spin: 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT AWD 3.6 WHAT I LIKED: Large interior; lots of high-tech options; relatively good towing capacity WHAT I DIDN'T: Poor fuel economy; truck-like driving characteristics; interior quality and design doesn’t match its price. Base price / as-tested: $33,775 / $42,595 Type of vehicle: 4WD, mid-size crossover Engine: 3.6 L V6 Power/Torque: 301 hp / 272 lb.-ft. Transmission: Six-speed automatic Fuel consumption (city/hwy/as-tested): 13.2 / 8.4 / 14.4 L/100 km Competition: Dodge Journey, Ford Escape, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Toyota RAV4

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