Overview
The latest version of the popular five-passenger Chevrolet Equinox benefits from a variety of class-leading safety technology and comfort as well three available powertrain configurations, including a remarkably fuel-efficient diesel engine. Not only that, but the ‘19 Equinox is stylish, smooth, and a joy to drive. It comes in four distinct trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier, and it provides premium luxury items not found in most other crossovers.
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Engine Configurations
As briefly mentioned above, the latest Equinox offers a base engine plus two optional powertrain configurations for drivers. The standard powertrain is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder (170 horsepower and 203 pounds-feet of torque) paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Then there’s a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter powertrain (252 hp and 260 lb.-ft. of torque) mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission; with this powertrain the Equinox can tow up to 3,500 pounds. The third engine option is a particularly fuel-efficient 1.6-liter diesel that generates 137 hp and 240 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers an EPA-estimated 39 mpg on the highway.
Comfort and Convenience
As one of the higher-end SUVs in its class, the Equinox comes fully loaded with some enticing amenities even on the base trim. Its standard features include fuel-saving start/stop technology, heated side mirrors, and keyless entry/ignition. The LS provides the same features available from the L, although there is an optional LS Convenience Package that includes a power driver’s seat and rear privacy glass. Opting for the LT adds the equipment from the LS Convenience Package in addition to a sunroof and roof rails. A Confidence and Convenience Package is also available, which includes remote engine start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. With the high-end Premier trim, all of the previous options packages (the rest are listed below in detail) are included with the addition of driver-seat memory settings and perforated leather upholstery. The Premier also gets its own pick of options packages, such as the Confidence and Convenience II Package, which boasts a heated steering wheel, a power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, and heated rear outboard seats. Then there’s the Sun, Sound, and Navigation Package, which consists of a panoramic sunroof and some advanced technology features.
Active Safety and Technology
This latest Equinox features an abundance of available technology and active safety features. For both the L and LS trims, drivers can enjoy access to Bluetooth, OnStar services with 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a six-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The LT, though, adds an upgraded information display and satellite radio, as well as two options packages. There’s also the Infotainment Package, which adds an 8-inch touchscreen interface and navigation, as well as a Confidence and Convenience Package that includes rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring.
With the luxurious Premier trim, all of these features are bundled together in addition to the inclusion of a wireless smartphone charging device. The Confidence and Convenience Package II adds automatic high-beams, a 360-degree parking camera system, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, a meter that measures the distance between the driver and the car in front of them, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. A seven-speaker premium Bose audio system and navigation can be added with the Sun, Sound, and Navigation Package.