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Chevrolet Equinox Review - What the Auto Press Says

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox ranks 1 out of 21 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 31 published reviews and test drives of the Chevrolet Equinox, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

With high fuel economy ratings and plenty of passenger space, reviewers say that the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is a great choice for shoppers looking for a practical family SUV.

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox doesn’t have the sprightliest engines in the class and has less cargo space than some of its competitors, but even with these flaws, reviewers like the 2012 Equinox because it does a lot of things well. The Equinox is one of the most fuel-efficient models in its class and has very comfortable rear seats that slide forward and back. Reviewers are less impressed with the Equinox’s confusing center console buttons and poor interior quality, but that's not uncommon in this class.

These strengths, as well as the Equinox’s long powertrain warranty and outstanding safety scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, make it our 2012 Best Affordable Compact SUV with 2 Rows for the Money.

With such a strong resume, the automotive press thinks the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the best options for families who need a compact SUV with good gas mileage and great interior space.

Other SUVs to Consider

The Chevrolet Equinox shares a platform with the more expensive GMC Terrain. But despite the price increase, some shoppers may prefer the Terrain because it has bolder exterior styling, but still offers the high fuel economy ratings and comfortable seats that the Equinox does. The Terrain also comes with an added bonus. It offers an optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a feature that used to be available on the Equinox but isn’t anymore.

One thing the Chevrolet Equinox lacks is a third row. The Toyota RAV4 has one as an option. With the RAV4, reviewers say drivers will also get better performance, though more power does come with lower fuel economy ratings.

Details: Chevrolet Equinox

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox comes in several trims: the base LS, 1LT, 2LT and LTZ. All-wheel drive is optional on all trims, and a V6 engine is optional on all but the base model. This year, the base engine has flex-fuel capability, which means it can use regular unleaded gasoline, E85 ethanol or a combination of both.

For 2012, the Equinox gains a standard rearview camera on 1LT models, a standard 7-inch touch screen radio with a USB port on all trims but the base model and standard Bluetooth with steering wheel controls on all trims. In addition, blind-spot mirrors are standard on all models, and lane departure warning and forward collision alert are available on LTZ models with the optional V6 engine. A rear-seat DVD entertainment system was available on earlier Equinox models, but Chevrolet removed it from the optional features list.

See the full list of 2012 Chevrolet Equinox specs.

• "Equinox boasts quiet powertrains, flexible passenger and cargo accommodations, and value pricing. It's no speed demon, even with the V6 engine, and its ride and handling balance doesn't quite match that of rival import crossover SUVs. Still, this Chevrolet merits serious consideration." -- Consumer Guide
• "The 2012 Chevy Equinox is a stylish and comfortable entry in the highly competitive small-crossover segment. RAV4 and CR-V shoppers should take notice." -- Edmunds
• "We all know how much Americans love their SUVs, so when Chevrolet introduced the Equinox, a smaller, less-expensive and more fuel-efficient version of the traditional SUV, its acceptance among buyers seemed a no-brainer." -- Kelley Blue Book

Equinox Performance - 7.6 (Good)

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox isn’t impressively fast, and its steering abilities are merely adequate, but test drivers find that the Equinox’s high fuel economy ratings make up for its uninspiring performance. Read More

Equinox Exterior - 8.9 (Very Good)

In terms of exterior styling, the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox doesn’t push the envelope, but many test drivers still like the Equinox’s simple design, calling it attractive and handsome. View Photos

Equinox Interior - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2012 Chevy Equinox has comfortable seats, but its available cargo space, interior quality and confusing center console are a step behind the competition. Read More

Equinox Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)

The Chevy Equinox gets excellent scores from the federal government and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Read More

Equinox Reliability - 4.0 of 5

The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. Chevrolet offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle warranty on the 2012 Equinox. Read More