The Equinox comes with a standard 3.4L overhead-valve V6 engine, making 185 horsepower and 210 ft-lb of torque. It's paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. The top Sport model gets a 264-horsepower, 3.6L DOHC V6 and 6-speed automatic. Each of the four Equinox models--LS, LT, LTZ, and Sport--are available either in front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive configuration.
The Equinox has a roomy interior with seating for five adults. The Multiflex rear seat is split 60/40 and will fold forward to extend the cargo space; it can also slide nearly eight inches fore or aft, and the front passenger seat folds forward for long items. With the back seat all the way forward and the seatbacks still up, there's an impressive 67.1 cubic feet of cargo space.
The base Equinox LS includes many of the expected convenience features, including keyless entry, air conditioning, tilt steering, a rear wiper and defogger, the flexible seating arrangement, XM satellite radio and power windows and locks.
The more luxurious LTZ model stands out with 17-inch bright chrome-clad alloy wheels, chrome door handles, and chrome luggage rack trim, plus a number of additional features inside including heated front seats, leather seat trim and a sound system with 6-disc changer.
The StabiliTrak stability control system with electronic trailer sway control is standard across the line. Head curtain air bags are standard on all Equinox models.
At the top of the range, the Sport model features heated seats with firmer side bolsters and available perforated leather, plus a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and a special J-gate shifter design, which enables the driver to manually tap up or down to shift gears. On the outside, the Sport gets 18-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels, along with body-colored front and rear fascias and chrome trapezoidal exhaust outlets.
Noteworthy options for the Equinox include a power sunroof, Pioneer seven-speaker audio system, and heated leather seats.
For 2009, new features on the Chevrolet Equinox include standard XM satellite radio and available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity. A rollover sensor and head curtain side-impact airbags for front and rear outboard seating positions are now standard on all models.
Sandstone Metallic, Granite Gray Metallic and Silverstone Metallic exterior colors have been replaced by Silver Ice Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic and Cyber Gray Metallic.
The 2009 Chevrolet Equinox is one of only a few compact sport utility vehicles with a standard V6 engine, and it also stands out for its flexible and well-designed interior. It ranks as a very affordable compact SUV, and with its electronic trailer sway control, it's a well-equipped for light-duty towing.
