Styling: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Once upon a time, the Chevy Equinox was a droll SUV that did little to stand out from the pack. However, times have changed, and the vehicle's current design is often viewed as a good balance between refinement and utility. One of the most notable strengths of the Chevy SUV's design is passenger comfort. While most compact SUVs struggle to offer enough room for those stuck behind the driver, the Equinox boasts a sliding rear seat that delivers plenty of legroom.
One downside for the 2012 Equinox is a slightly below-average availability of cargo room. With rear seats folded flat, the Equinox offers 63.7 cubic feet of space. The typical compact SUV offers somewhere around 70 cubic feet.
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Performance: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox The base engine for the 2012 Chevy Equinox is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is good for 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft. of torque. For this power plant, the EPA predicts mileage figures of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. When compared to other compact SUVs, these figures make the Equinox tough to beat in the category of fuel efficiency.
Base models also receive a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is available as an option). While reviewers tend to be satisfied with the vehicle's performance, the Equinox does feel a bit stiff when compared to top competitors.
For more power, a 3.0-liter V6 engine is also available. This upgrade delivers 264 horsepower and promises 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
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Safety: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Forward collision alert and a lane-departure warning system are now available as options on the Chevy Equinox. Standard equipment includes antilock disc brakes, brake assist, traction control, stability control, OnStar, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are also available.
In crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2012 Equinox earned a best-possible rating of "Good" in all categories.
Pricing and Features: 2012 Chevrolet Equinox Base price for the Chevy Equinox is listed at $23,530. For this price, you'll get 17-inch wheels, full power accessories, air conditioning, height-adjustable driver's seat, sliding/reclining rear seat, cruise control, steering-wheel audio controls, six-speaker stereo, CD player, satellite radio, auxiliary input and Bluetooth. Notable options include 7-inch touchscreen, remote vehicle start, automatic climate control, heated front seats, premium stereo and power liftgate. The top-of-the-line LTZ model starts at $29,220.
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