Chevrolet Equinox has distinct style, impressive connectivity

When it comes to compact crossovers, the market is full of them. Each one tries to offer a short list of expected essentials, but rarely is there much difference from one to the other.

The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the rarities in this segment that happens to offer a measurably different list of benefits while remaining impressively value priced with a base of $22,600. The most impressive measurable the Equinox offers is its relatively vast spaces inside the cabin. There is 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat and 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2016 Equinox has a re- aligned trim lineup that returns the base L and increases equipment to LS, LT and the top-end LTZ. The 2016 Equinox offers standard front-wheel drive (FWD) or full-time all-wheel drive (AWD).

I recently tested the LTZ, which was equipped with the 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter, inline four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, providing 172 pound-feet of torque. The 3.6-liter engine is rated at 301 horsepower and 272 pound-feet of torque.

For 2016, the Equinox gets a new front fascia and a chromeaccented, dual-port grille design. This single design change, as well as the 18-inch aluminum wheels on the LTZ trim level, lifts the Equinox’s exterior visual impact above much of the more soft-spoken competi- tion. Another plus is the premium projector-beam headlights.

Inside the cabin is where you find more difference-makers. In addition to its large spaces and outstanding material quality, soft-touch surfaces and fit and finish, it just feels more expensive than it should.

My tester featured leather seating and front driver and passenger power seating adjustments, including a great power liftgate. Rear passenger head and leg room is very good, and driver sight lines are good with plenty of glass surround.

My review Equinox LTZ offered OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The hotspot is on whenever the car is on and comes with a three-month/3 GB data trial. This setup offers a stronger signal than your cellphone can, which could be appealing if you want connectivity in poor cellphone reception areas.

My tester featured great connectivity and convenience with MyLink, which includes text message support and Siri Eyes Free. With text message support, the driver can be alerted to new messages and can have them read aloud, view and respond to them (depending on the smartphone). Siri Eyes Free enables users of iPhone 4S and later to access Siri via the steering-wheel controls and check calendar entries, have text messages read and respond to them, place calls or call up music.

Safety

The Equinox comes with six standard air bags, including dual front air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags. Also standard are four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and rollover mitigation. It also comes with a rear back-up camera.

Price

The Chevrolet Equinox LTZ delivers impressive standards at $31,490. Once you opt for MyLink radio with navigation (for $890) and the enhanced convenience package with passenger power seat and power liftgate (for $890), the price can exceed $33,000.

The bottom line for the Equinox is it offers real value and very good cabin comfort. I’d recommend the larger engine option, but the base can deliver 20 mpg city/29 highway/23 combined.