2017 Chevrolet Equinox

Adventure awaits

Nobody wants to be limited by their vehicle. That's why savvy shoppers continue to flock to the Chevrolet Equinox. No matter where you want to go, the Equinox is ready to take you there. A modern SUV for an ever-evolving world, the Equinox shines thanks to a unique combination of style, versatility, and available active safety technologies. 

For 2017, the Equinox is better than ever. There's a sleek new Midnight package that features black paint, wheels, exterior accents, and interior leather trim. It's joined by a Sport Package that comes with the same great features but swaps the Midnight package's black paint for white.

Performance

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is available with two engine options, both of which feature fuel-saving direct injection and continuously variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment with both, along with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The standard Equinox is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to its small displacement and a special Eco mode for the transmission, the four-banger achieves an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive,* and 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*

If you’re looking for more power, a 3.6-liter V6 with 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque is also available. Chevy says it features best-in-class horsepower and one of the lightest weights of any comparable V6 too. An integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold design saves 13 pounds, while a composite intake manifold saves about 5.5 pounds.

EPA-rated fuel economy for the V6 is 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive,* and 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*

Features 

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is a five-door, five-seat compact crossover. It’s available in four trim levels (L, LS, LT, and Premier), with prices starting at $23,100.**

Even the base Equinox L model comes well equipped, with features like 17-inch alloy wheels, audio auxiliary jack, USB port, front bucket seats, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench, tilt and telescopic steering column, and a number of standard technology features, including Bluetooth® phone connectivity, OnStar®, and a seven-inch touchscreen interface. A rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system are also standard. 

Upgrading from the L to the LS gets you more features. Most notably, all-wheel-drive, satellite radio, and an Exterior Appearance package that includes different 17-inch alloy wheels, body-color bumpers with gray trim, and body-color door handles.

The next step up is the LT model, which incorporates all of the applicable standard features from the L and LS, and adds the Chevrolet MyLink interface, Bluetooth® audio connectivity, voice controls, and smartphone integration for Internet radio apps. LT models also come with heated mirrors and LED daytime running lights. 

The top Equinox model is the Premier which, in addition to the applicable standard features from the other models, includes a power programmable tailgate, leather seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, a memory system for the driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, a model-specific exterior appearance package, and much more.

There are also a number of optional packages available for the various trims, including the new Midnight and Sport packages. 

Design

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox features a chiseled exterior that combines traditional SUV styling cues with design elements from Chevy’s car line. It stands out with Chevy’s two-tier grille and “Bowtie” badge, multi-dimensional hood, bulging fenders, dual round taillights, and short front and rear overhangs.

Those elements can be accentuated with optional chrome trim, 19-inch wheels, projector-style headlights, and other upscale styling features.

On the inside, the Equinox offers plenty of space for both passengers and cargo. The standard MultiFlex rear bench slides up to eight inches fore and aft, and has a 60/40 split-fold. Chevy says this configuration provides best-in-class rear legroom (up to 39.9 inches), plus a useful 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox includes anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak® stability control, traction control, rollover mitigation, and six standard airbags. A rearview camera and GM's excellent and award-winning OnStar® emergency communications system are also standard. Optional features on LT and Premier models include rear parking sensors and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. The Premier can also be equipped with forward collision alert and a lane departure warning system.

Verdict

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox is a powerful, feature-rich compact SUV that boasts great styling and performance -- all at an affordable price. 

Be sure to contact us online or visit Lynch Ford Chevrolet at 410 Business 30 SW, Mt Vernon, IA 52314 to schedule a test drive.

*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.

**The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment. Includes destination freight charge and gas guzzler tax.

Image: Chevrolet