The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox crossover offers a blend of car-like comfort and SUV versatility, aiming to provide families and individuals with the best of both worlds. This review examines whether the Equinox successfully delivers on this promise, exploring its design, performance, utility, and overall appeal as a sport utility vehicle.
From a design perspective, the Equinox presents a handsome and well-proportioned exterior. Its sculpted lines and muscular stance give it a refined appearance, described by some as akin to wearing an “Italian suit.” The front end, fenders, and hood exhibit a confident swelling that contributes to its visual appeal. Despite its SUV classification, the Equinox maintains a compact footprint, measuring shorter in length than a Toyota Camry sedan. This manageable size makes it well-suited for navigating city streets and parking in tighter spaces.
Stepping inside the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox further emphasizes its car-like nature. The driver-centric cockpit creates an intimate and sporty feel for a sport utility vehicle. The well-equipped “2LT” version, with features like all-wheel drive, boasts a meaty steering wheel, clear and concise instrumentation, and a streamlined dashboard that houses the navigation, entertainment, and communication screen. The seating position is adjustable, offering a commanding view of the road, a characteristic often appreciated in SUVs.
Under the hood, the 3-liter, 264-horsepower V6 engine delivers ample power and a pleasing engine note, especially at higher RPMs. The steering is light and responsive, making maneuvering effortless. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a compliant and smooth ride. The overall driving experience is reminiscent of a comfortable and easy-to-drive car, reinforcing the crossover aspect of this sport utility vehicle. For daily commutes and transporting a small family, the driving dynamics and comfortable ride of the Equinox are definite positives.
However, when it comes to utility, the 2012 Chevy Equinox faces some challenges, particularly when compared to its competitors in the sport utility vehicle segment. While the rear seats offer a convenient sliding and reclining function to adjust between legroom and cargo space, they do not fold completely flat. This design limits the versatility and ease of loading larger items.
With the rear seats up, the Equinox provides 32 cubic feet of storage space. In comparison, rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Kia Sorento offer significantly more cargo room. Even smaller cars like the Honda Fit offer comparable or even greater cargo capacity. With the rear seats folded down, the Equinox offers 64 cubic feet of space, which is still less than many competitors. The rear wheel wells intrude into the cargo area, further limiting usable space. For those requiring substantial cargo capacity, a roof-rack storage box might be a necessary addition, although this could impact the vehicle’s aesthetics and fuel efficiency. The observed fuel economy in urban driving conditions was under 15 miles per gallon, which is a point to consider for potential buyers.
Passengers in the Equinox generally found the interior comfortable and well-equipped. Features like numerous cubbyholes, a comprehensive stereo and navigation system, and comfortable seats were appreciated. The interior color scheme, featuring brown and black leather with silver trim, and the black granite metallic exterior paint were also noted as attractive. However, for long road trips with a full load of passengers and luggage, the limited cargo space could become a constraint.
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, a 182-horsepower four-cylinder engine option is available, offering better mileage and a lower price point. However, this engine may not be suitable for towing heavier loads. Even with the four-cylinder engine, the Equinox’s price point can still be higher than some of its competitors. Despite its practical shortcomings in cargo space, the 2012 Chevy Equinox offers a compelling blend of style, comfort, and car-like driving dynamics in a sport utility vehicle format. Its appeal may lie in its emotional connection with buyers who prioritize design and driving experience over ultimate utility.
Price as tested: $33,640
Photo Credit: Chevrolet
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