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.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox