Posted By Syed Shoaib Ahmed
2014 Chevrolet Equinox
2014 Chevrolet Equinox
Quick Take
The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox is every
bit as solid, spacious, and well-equipped as cost-conscious families
could expect -- and far more quiet and refined than many other models
without a luxury badge.
Compact-to-mid-size crossover vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox have,
in a lot of ways, become the family sedans of today. That's because tey
offer up more of what matters to parents and families—like plenty of
flexible seating and cargo space, plus impressive maneuverability and
reasonably good fuel efficiency. Among them, the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox
is one of the better picks; whether purposed for carpool duty, weekend
family getaways, or commuting and errands, it's fully up for such
versatile use—with an affordable price, a spacious interior, plenty of
safety and tech features, and more refinement than you might expect.
2014 Chevrolet Equinox
With crisp, somewhat sporty styling, and proportions that line up
partway between Chevy's trucks and cars, the Equinox looks like it
should: handsome but inoffensive. Inside, the look is a little jazzier,
with vents flanking the radio and climate controls and more of the look
that Chevrolet cars have recently been given.
Our recommendation for most Equinox shoppers remains the
fuel-efficient (and lower cost) four-cylinder models. With 182
horsepower, the 2.4-liter four idles smoothly, albeit with a somewhat
clattery direct-injection sound, and once underway it's agreeable and
unobtrusive. The combination comes with a stellar 32-mpg highway rating,
too. The Equinox doesn't track as confidently on the highway as we'd
like, but this is first and foremost a family vehicle. Yes, the
3.6-liter V-6 is strong and smooth, but it's also far thirstier in
real-world driving -- and frankly more than most cost-conscious moms and
dads are going to need.
The 2014 Chevy Equinox feels designed for the ins and outs of family
use, from the seating layout to the up-close details. There's an
excellent carlike driving position, while the cross-stitched dual-tone
perforated leather in top LTZ models feels quite luxurious. Back seats
have enough space for two adults to sprawl out into, with decent
legroom, and the seatbacks are adjustable for rake. And there's space
for smaller items, weekend finds, and grocery bags between the two deep
cargo wells in back, the deep center console, the retractable cargo
cover, and stretchy net.
