![]() ![]() But if you're searching for a roomy two-row crossover at a reasonable price, the 2017 Chevrolet Equinox may still merit a closer look. We're also fans of the redesigned Kia Sportage, which rivals the Equinox's rear-seat hospitality and adds extra style and fun. The Ford Escape gets a number of upgrades for 2017 in a bid to keep it fresh, while the Toyota RAV4 was similarly updated last year. Perennial standouts among affordable small crossovers include the well-rounded Honda CR-V and the sporty yet fuel-efficient Mazda CX-5. ![]() There are some positives here, but we advise weighing your priorities and thinking about whether the Equinox gives you enough of what you're looking for. If you're getting the sense that the 2017 Equinox is a mixed bag, you're onto something. But the Equinox's ride should be sufficiently smooth and quiet to please any shopper in this class, and the capacious backseat slides and reclines to accommodate different physiques. Other drawbacks include mediocre interior materials and the limited availability of Bluetooth audio, which puts this Chevy behind the times. On the bright side, the optional 301-horsepower V6 is the strongest engine offered in this segment, so if you're willing to pay more for spirited performance, the Equinox certainly delivers. Moreover, this engine lags behind leading four-cylinder alternatives in terms of both acceleration and refinement. Although its EPA fuel economy estimates are fairly impressive, we haven't been able to reproduce those numbers in real-world driving. The base four-cylinder engine is one thing that gives us pause. But with the low price of E85, that still is cheaper per mile than using regular and getting the better mpg. On flex fuel, it has been a combined 21 mpg. Vehicle DIC showed a life mpg of 25 mpg when we got it. We live more rural, so the acceleration of the 2.4L is more than adequate since we are not trying to go from 0 to 80 in 100 feet on an on ramp. Ours is flex fuel capable and E85 has been $.80 to $1 less than regular gas on our area for two years, so all we have put in the Nox thus far is E85. ![]() Handles our muddy gravel roads where we live very well. I did the transfer / differential / transmission … fluid changes, cleaned the MAF and Throttle Body, and did a intake valve cleaning procedure. It had 35,000 miles on it so I did a round of maintenance on it for good measure. Can't really praise the dash and DIC, but then, most all vehicles today have a lame dash / DIC and controls. Picked up a very clean, well maintained 2017 Equinox 2.4L AWD Premier in March 2019. So glad it has the V6 as Chevy discontinued the V6 Equinox. Everything functions as expected and the interior still looks fresh. Yep, I'd buy one! 12/03/16 UPDATE: I bought a 2017 Equinox Premier Edition in the Patriot Blue color and remote start option for our cold climate! 02/21 UPDATE: This car still runs like a top with 70K+ miles. Really seems to be a great SUV with a peppy power plant. The interior was nicely appointed and not cheap looking. I'm a fit 5'10" and the seats are very comfortable and adjusted perfectly to my liking. Had plenty of room for two large rolling duffle bags and backpacks and was a pleasure to drive - with or without gear. This Equinox had the sunroof option - quiet operating and quick. At home in the high mountains out West I drive a 1 ton Dodge 4x4 pickup and a Toyota FJ 4x4 equally off road and on pavement so I pay close attention to unusual noises, etc. The car was tight and had no … unusual or annoying squeaks or vibrations. Had 10K miles on it so it's been used but I was really impressed with the throttle response and handling in Boston area traffic and going up and down East Coast highway 1. I rented the 6 cylinder model (the review options didn't have the 6 cylinder option available to select) two weeks ago for my week long trip to Maine from Avis at Boston Logan airport. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |