The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox comes in a variety of trim levels. These include the LS, 1LT, LTZ and the 2LT. Each of these look the same, but they differ with their features. It has good owner reviews and a design that is compact, yet spacious.
The design of the Equinox is sporty, yet it still exudes an elegant look to it.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $23,530.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.8 gallons (71l) | MPG: 22 city / 32 hwy |
| Length: 187.8 in. (477 cm) | Wheel Base: 112.5 in. (285.7 cm) |
| Height: 66.3 in. (168.4 cm) | Width: 72.5 in. (184.1 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3777 lbs (1713 kg) | Ground Clearance: 6.9 in. (17.5 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 31.5 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 4 Cylinder DOHC SIDI | Displacement: 2.4 Liter |
| Horsepower: 182 HP | Max RPM: 6700 RPM |
| Torque: 172 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic |
| Max Towing 4 Cylinder: 1500 lbs (680 kgs) | Max Towing V6: 3500 lbs (1587 kgs) |
| Option:LS AWD | MSRP: $25,280; MPG: 20 city / 29 hwy |
| Option:1LT FWD | MSRP: $25,050; MPG: 22 city / 32 hwy |
| Option:2LT FWD | MSRP: $26,870; MPG: 22 city / 32 hwy |
| Option:LTZ FWD | MSRP: $29,220; MPG: 22 city / 32 hwy |
Engine
The 2.4 L Inline 4, produces 182 horsepower @ 6700 rpm and torque of 172 ft/lbs at 4900 rpm by 16 variable timing valves. It also is helped by a Dual Overhead Cam.
The Equinox is front wheel drive and aided by 6-speed automatic and shiftable transmission. The suspension has rear and front stabilizer bars along with Macpherson struts. This Chevy takes regular unleaded gas and has a capacity of 18.8 gallons.
Performance
The Equinox gets 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. Buyers who want to save on fuel costs might want to look into the E85 FlexFuel capable option.
Exterior
For towing and hauling capabilities, there are cargo tie downs included. There is a fixed lift gate window and rear lift gate door on the car as well. A rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper and wipers are all standard as well. Alloy 17″ wheels come with P225/65R17 100T all-season tires. There is a spare tire inside the car for flat tires as well.
Interior
The driver’s seat is powered and can be adjusted for different people. The front two seats are covered with cloth and are bucket style. All the standard power features are included, like power mirrors and door locks.
Cup holders, door pockets and seatback storage make it possible to keep the car tidy without needing to take items out. Reading lights and illuminated vanity mirrors offer comfort for the driver and passengers. The entertainment options include everything from satellite radio to a CD player.
Safety & Reliability
A 4 wheel anti-lock brake system comes with the emergency braking assistance. This helps the driver stay in control when slamming the breaks. There is an anti-theft alarm system installed on the Equinox that will sound when there is a break in.
Seat belts are installed on all seats and have pre-tensioners on them for added safety. The headrests can all be adjusted for people of different heights as well. There is a tire pressure monitoring system on the car that will keep the driver aware of the inflation in the tires.
Pros
Has a nice look with chrome accents.
Spacious cabin for passengers of all sizes.
Smooth ride and easy to drive.
Cons
Controls can be hard to reach.
Similar vehicles have more space.
This is an SUV that is popular with all types of drivers. It has the appeal that families look for, but also the style the young drivers enjoy. It’s very affordable and has many standard features that come with it. There are a lot of unique options that buyers can choose from when purchasing.
Competition
The market is flooded with small/crossover SUVs much like the Equinox, those who blazed the trail include the Honda CRV (MSRP $22,495; 23 city / 31 hwy), the Toyota RAV 4 (MSRP $22,650; 22 city / 28 hwy), and the Ford Escape (MSRP $21,440; 23 city / 28 hwy). You will find what you are looking for in any one of these.
Overall Rating
78 out of 100
What others say:
“Whether you’re moving into the Equinox from a mid-size car or from a more trucklike SUV, you’ll find a lot to like in the cabin design. The driving position is excellent–upright yet carlike–and the seats are better and more supportive than those in a lot of small crossovers.”Car Connection
“Generally competent and car-like. Body lean in turns is well controlled. Equinox 4-cylinder models have electric power steering that’s designed to increase fuel economy, but it lacks road feel. The V6’s hydraulic power steering doesn’t feel much better. A surprisingly large turning radius can complicate close-quarters maneuvering. Braking is smooth and progressive.”Consumer Guide
“If you like the idea of driving a small SUV, but you want carlike ride and handling, excellent gas mileage, cutting-edge navigation, audio and cell-phone connectivity and you demand it all in a vehicle with a strong sense of style, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox will likely meet all your criteria and then some.”KBB
“The 2012 Chevy Equinox is a stylish and comfortable entry in the highly competitive small-crossover segment. RAV4 and CR-V shoppers should take notice.”Edmunds
