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Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda32019 Chevrolet Equinox Review
The Chevrolet Equinox continues to impress a year after the debut of its latest version. We’ve found out that it’s one of the best in 2019.
What’s New with the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox?
Chevrolet has built the Equinox into a well-loved pillar of the brand since its introduction in 2005. The Chevrolet Equinox continues to impress a year after the debut of its latest generation. For 2019, the SUV has added a bit more technology and maintains its place in the segment by offering a fantastic assortment of engines that provide everything from economy, to towing capability to power. This SUV is mature enough now to be a serious rival to the biggest names from Honda, Toyota, and Ford.
The newest generation of the Equinox was just released last year and with that in mind it’s easy to see why there are no big changes for 2019. There are some new packages like the “Lights and Brights” package that we’ll dig into below. In addition, there are more power outlets throughout the 2019 model. Adaptive cruise control is available for the first time and the backup camera has been updated to provide better resolution than last year’s Chevrolet.
2019 Chevrolet Equinox – plants.gm.com | Shop 2019 Chevy Equinox on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Outstanding ride and handling
Economy and power depending on the engine you want
Excellent interior technology
No standard advanced safety features
Lackluster warranty coverage
No truly luxurious trim level
2019 Chevy Equinox Specs
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- 170 horsepower from base engine
- 203 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 29.9 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- MyLink is a fantastic system
- Safety Alert Seat is very cool
- Powertrain Warranty runs for 5 years
2019 Chevy Equinox Powertrain
Even the base 1.5-liter engine has its charm but it’s just not the one we’d recommend. It’s a bit sleepy and less engaging than we’d prefer. The 2.0-liter turbocharged model is considerably more capable and fun to drive. It’s not slow either with a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system is the way to go in our opinion as the front-wheel-drive system does have considerable oversteer during harder acceleration.
The diesel engine isn’t quick but it’s meant for economy and in that aspect it’s fantastic. In fact, it can pull up to 3,500 pounds which adds value to those that want to haul toys and tools. When it comes to driving dynamics, the Equinox impresses there too with outstanding feedback from both the brakes and the steering wheel. Unlike many of its rivals, this Chevrolet doesn’t feel uncomfortable in fast corners and really balances itself well even when changing directions.
2019 Chevy Equinox Fuel Economy & MPG
The Equinox is a very flexible vehicle when it comes to fuel economy. The base 1.5-liter engine does a nice job and achieves a combined rating of 27mpg when paired with all-wheel-drive. The 2.0-liter engine at worst gets 24mpg when paired with all-wheel-drive, and the 1.6-liter diesel engine is a strong option at 32mpg regardless of driven wheels. Keep in mind that for both of the gas engines, performance improves if you select front-wheel-drive only.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Chevrolet continues to build cars that are far more comfortable than they get credit for and the Equinox is no oddity. Both front and rear passengers have ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder space.
The optional heated rear outboard seats are an fantastic feature that only adds to the value of the SUV. We also really loved how well the front ventilated seats functioned. Many times these kind of seats seem too weak to provide real cooling on a hot day but the Equinox will freeze you out if you let it.
Over the road, the Equinox is incredibly comfortable even on longer drives. It also feels nicer than a lot of the other products that Chevrolet makes these days. The materials are high-quality and the panel gaps are uniform and eye-pleasing. If there’s anything to gripe about it’s the fact that overall, this isn’t a very quiet car to travel in if the stereo isn’t playing something. All three engines are a bit loud and don’t sound particularly lovely.
Entertainment & Technology
Including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is a huge boost for the Equinox and when you combine those intuitive and dynamic features with MyLink this SUV becomes a real technological pleasure. When it comes to voice recognition, the Equinox does an excellent job of recognizing normal speech and reacting in the manner that you hope it will.
The base 7-inch screen isn’t bad at all but we do feel like the center control stack was designed with the larger model in mind. There’s an optional BOSE sound system and it really does sound quite premium. We also love the inclusion of USB ports all over the place.
Safety Features
Safety is a mixed bag when it comes to the Equinox. First, it’s nowhere near as well equipped as many rivals. Second, you can’t configure it with advanced safety features like lane keep assist, the safety alert seat, and automated braking unless you select the Premier trim level. Still, the Equinox did receive a 5-star crash test rating from the NHTSA so that’s reassuring regardless of advanced safety features.
2019 Chevy Equinox Trims & Pricing
L – $24,995
Despite being the base model, the L is probably the rarest Equinox as it was built as a custom only trim level. Nevertheless, it’s still pretty well equipped with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, height-adjustable front seats, LED DRLs, automatic headlights, start/stop engine functionality, 17-inch wheels, and a 7-inch touchscreen.
LS – $27,095
At the LS level you’ll find that all three engines are available as well as the ability to select all-wheel-drive. It’s possible to get rear privacy glass and a power driver’s seat if you select the convenience package at this level. The 2.0-liter will add 18-inch wheels if you select it. If there’s a trim level that we would suggest skipping it’s this one since standard equipment isn’t outstanding.
LT – $28,395
For not much more cash, the LT trim level is a better SUV. Not only does it add the convenience package as standard, but it also includes HID headlights, a more featureful driver information display, and satellite radio. Optionally, drivers now have the chance to select packages like the “Infotainment Package” that adds the 8-inch touchscreen as well as navigation and a household style power outlet or the “Lights and Brights” package which adds LED headlights, tail lights, and chrome trim.
Premier – $32,295
The Premier package is exactly what it sounds like. It adds almost every available option. It also gets a hands-free liftgate, auto-dimming mirrors, ambient interior lighting, driver seat memory, and leather upholstery. There are some optional extras available like a 360-degree camera system, and the optional advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward emergency braking, and lane keep assist.
Warranties
Warranty coverage is largely unimpressive compared to many rivals. While three years and 36,000-miles of limited warranty coverage and five years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage is better than less, it’s certainly not impressive. The single complimentary maintenance visit is similar.
What we think
2019 Chevrolet Equinox – plants.gm.com | Shop 2019 Chevy Equinox on Carsforsale.com
There’s no doubt that the new Equinox is by far the best yet. No, it’s not the safest SUV on the market, and it’s not the most plush, but for the money it might be the best handling of the bunch. In addition, it’s full of outstanding features if you have the cash to spend and there’s no question that it features some of the best technology available for everyday driving as well.
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