There's also a deep storage bin in the center console for larger items you don't want loose in the cabin. Two, deep wells in the cargo area and a retractable cargo cover keep your belongings out of sight of prying eyes and a stretchy net ensures it stays where it should once you hit the road. Ride quality is good, too, and there's plenty of storage space for family vacations and highway jaunts. Wind noise is well shut out, with triple door seals and glass with integral sound damping. Thanks to a clever noise cancellation system that actively helps eliminate coarse sounds and even mild vibrations, four-cylinder models feel nearly as quiet and refined as V-6 models once you're underway (you do head the clatter of the four a bit more at idle). The level of cabin refinement and quiet in the Equinox is perhaps closer to Buick or Cadillac standards, so you're likely to be pleasantly surprised. You won't find the Equinox all that much fun to drive, but it handles well enough for what it is the electric power steering is a low point-just too numb and light-and we've noted over several drives that on the highway you're making too many adjustments. Manual shifts can be made not though steering wheel paddle shifters or a separate gate, but through little plus or minus toggle buttons on the side of the shift knob. With either version, shifts can be rough, and the transmission can feel hesitant on hills or on-off throttle situations. With a rather low first gear, for quick takeoffs, plus taller cogs for the upper gears and highway fuel efficiency, the six-speed automatic transmission covers the bases-although it's not as smooth as in other vehicles in this class. It makes 301 horsepower and while it's considerably thirstier than the four, you might consider it a worthwhile upgrade. And if they need some added grunt for full loads and mountain grades, the 3.6-liter V-6 is smooth and very strong. The engine and driveline choices should provide for most family-duty needs and wants. Additionally, the Equinox has achieved four- and five-star scores in federal government tests. While it hasn't yet been tested in the new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety small overlap frontal test, the safety organization has named the Equinox a Top Safety Pick. 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.ĭetailed below, the Equinox has been solid safety-minded option since its introduction. Two adults can sprawl out in the spacious back seats and find true comfortable with reclining seatbacks. LTZ models even add some luxurious flair to its interior with dual tone, cross-stitched, perforated leather seating. The 2014 Chevy Equinox feels designed for the ins and outs of family use, from the seating layout to the up-close details. 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. It's unobtrusive, agreeable, and smooth at idle-even if it suffers from the typical tick-tick sound of nearly all direct-injection engines. The 2.4-liter four produces 182 horsepower and returns an exceptional 32 mpg on the EPA's highway test cycle. We recommend most shoppers at least try a four-cylinder Equinox. Inside, the look is a little jazzier, with vents book-ending primary controls on the dash and more of the look that Chevrolet cars have recently been given. With crisp, somewhat sporty styling, and proportions that line up partway between Chevy's trucks and cars, the Equinox looks as it should: handsome but inoffensive. And among all the compact (to mid-size) crossovers, the 2014 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 vast interior, plenty of safety and tech features, and more refinement than you might expect. Size it up for a moment, and you won't be surprised why vehicles like it have become the family sedans of today. The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox offers up plenty of what matters to parents and families-like flexible seating and cargo space, plus impressive maneuverability and reasonably good fuel efficiency.
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