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2019 Chevrolet Equinox Review By Larry Nutson


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SEE ALSO: Chevrolet Equinox Content Archive

2019 Chevrolet Equinox
Chevy’s number 2 best seller

By Larry Nutson
Executive Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

The Equinox name has been a part of the Chevrolet portfolio for near 15 years. Around 2 million have been sold. Chevrolet did a bit of size-shuffling in 2018 with the Equinox getting smaller and the Traverse getting larger.

This made room for the new, reincarnated Blazer to fit in between the two.

In its new compact SUV size the Equinox is shorter and lighter than the previous generation. For 2019 new option packages are available, the infotainment touch screen has been improved, front pedestrian braking and adaptive cruise control are available, and there’s a couple new colors.


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The two-row Equinox is offered in L, LS, LT and Premier trims. Front-wheel drive is standard with available all-wheel drive.

Standard is a 170-HP 1.5L turbo engine and available is a 252-HP 2.0L turbo as well as a 137-HP 1.6L turbo-diesel. The 1.5-L and the diesel have a six-speed automatic and a nine-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 2.0-L turbo. The engines are paired with various trim levels.

Base prices range from $24,795 for the 1.5-L, to $30,595 for the 2.0-L, with the 1.6-L Diesel at $30,495, including shipping.

Along with the seating for five, there’s just about 30 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second row that expands to 63.5 cu.ft. with the rear seat folded, which is fairly adequate. Tow rating is 3,500 lbs. for all engines.

EPA test-cycle fuel economy ratings range from 22 to 28 city mpg and 28 to 38 highway mpg for the three engines. As I’m sure you can figure, diesel is at the top with the 2.0-L at the bottom and the 1.5-L in the middle of these numbers.


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For my week’s time with the 2019 Equinox I drove a Premier AWD with the 2.0-L engine. Base price was $35,700. Installed options included the Confidence and Convenience package II for $2,145 that added an 8-way power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, heated steering wheel, low speed forward braking, forward collision alert, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with full speed stop and go, front pedestrian braking and a few more items.

A power sunroof added $1,495, Cajun Red paint cost $395. With the $1,195 destination charge the bottom line hit $40,930.

The Equinox can be equipped from a basic level to a premium level. So there is good flexibility to provide something for nearly everyone’s wants and bank account. Of note, the Equinox does have a compact spare tire. It comes with GM’s teen drive monitor and uses a haptic (seat vibration) safety warning in the driver’s seat rather than audible beeps that can annoy passengers. GM’s Onstar, a wifi hotpot, Sirius XM, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, USB ports and wireless charging will keep you connected and entertained.


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I thought the Equinox to be comfortable and adequately roomy for its size. Its overall dimensions make it very friendly for urban, big city driving. Getting in and out doesn’t require too much climbing as in larger SUVs. Once seated there’s good outward visibility and controls are well placed. Rear visibility is often compromised but the rear view camera makes up for that. The cargo space is versatile and there are plenty of cubbies for small items.

The 252-HP 2.0-L combined with the nine speeds in the automatic made for some decent all around good driving. Engines today are quite good but the advances in automatic transmissions have really contributed to all around very satisfying driving experiences in many new vehicles. I haven’t driven the other two engine choices but their lower output might be a drawback if you often carry full loads or drive in hill country.


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On a fifty mile highway loop that I drive I got 29 mpg which compares nicely to the EPA rating of 28 highway mpg. While on this drive loop I didn’t pick up any excessive wind or tire noise.

More detailed information and specifications can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

There are many very fine choices in the compact SUV segment these days. There’s something for everyone’s taste, style, and pocketbook. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox will fit very well into many a household. Depending on the size of that household it could be the only vehicle or the second or the third. Both my children drove compact SUVs in their last two years of high school. I would recommend the Equinox for any teen driver with all of its available advanced driver assistance safety features helping to keep them safer.

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© 2019 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy