To make the most of it, Chevrolet includes a slide-out, three-position shelf, à la the Chrysler PT Cruiser, which can double as a cargo security cover or table.
The cargo area needs the help the rear strut towers take up much of it, covered by big plastic towers. The front passenger seat folds flat, and like the Malibu Maxx, the clever rear 60/40 folding seat can be slid on its tracks 5 cm forward and 15 cm back, giving the option of more legroom or more cargo space. The Equinox’s interior is roomy and practical, although the seats are hard. The electric-assist steering gains needed resistance on the highway, but it’s vague at lower speeds, often to the point that the steering wheel doesn’t feel connected. The Equinox rides well, but experiences some harshness over sudden bumps. The vehicle is capable of towing 3,500 lbs. It’s basically meant for urban off-roading – snowy streets, or a gravel path to the cottage. The Equinox comes in front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel system that powers the front ones until they slip, whereupon it sends torque to the rears. The sole transmission is a five-speed automatic. It’s pushrod technology, but there’s nothing wrong with that it accelerates smoothly and has plenty in reserve when it’s needed. Unlike the Vue, which is available in four- or six-cylinder configuration, the Equinox comes only with a 3.4-litre V6. It’s a cousin to the Saturn Vue, riding on GM’s Theta platform as the Saturn does, but with its wheelbase stretched 150 mm, and with a different engine.
Although Chevrolet bills it as a compact SUV, it’s quite large – it’s only 77 mm shorter than a Trailblazer. All new for 2005, the Chevrolet Equinox pushes the 2004 Tracker out of the line-up, although with the Tracker’s smaller size and true four-wheel-drive capability, it’s not a direct replacement.
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