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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 Chevrolet Equinox

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Overview

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2010 Chevrolet Equinox Review

By KBB.com Editors

The second-generation Chevy Equinox is a strong new contender in one of our favorite vehicle categories. Compact crossovers like the Equinox offer the raised seating position and much of the flexibility of a larger crossover or SUV, but with lower sticker prices and better fuel economy. The segment has been dominated by the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, but the 2010 Chevy Equinox promises to shake up the category in much the same way the new-in-'08 Chevy Malibu impacted the mid-size sedan segment.

You'll Like This Car If...

If the newfound refinement, sharp styling or quiet and roomy interior don't grab you, perhaps the four-cylinder's 32-mpg highway fuel economy rating will.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although the 2010 Chevy Equinox is one of the larger vehicles in the segment, it doesn't offer optional third-row seating like the Toyota RAV4 or Hyundai Santa Fe.

What's New for 2010

All new for 2010, the second-generation Chevy Equinox is more attractive, more refined, more powerful, more fuel efficient and more feature-filled than its predecessor. Overnight the Equinox has gone from outdated to outstanding.

Driving the Equinox

Driving Impressions Quiet, comfort and luxury are the impressions you get from behind the wheel of the new Chevrolet Equinox. The V6-equipped version doesn't offer the sporty performance of the V6-equipped RAV4,...

the hot rod of the class, but it certainly delivers more than adequate acceleration and a comfortable ride reminiscent of a larger crossover. Those who opt for the four-cylinder-equipped version will find acceleration better than they might expect, aided by the innovative six-speed automatic transmission. The tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and power-adjustable seat height make finding a comfortable driving position simple, and rear-seat legroom benefits from the flexible seating configuration. Plus, the ice-blue ambient lighting, the surfeit of storage areas and the available perforated leather seats make you forget you're not in a luxury crossover.

Favorite Features

Height-adjustable Tailgate
If you've got low garage clearance or limited vertical reach, you can program the tailgate to open only to a safe or reachable height.

Rear-seat Entertainment
This is an option we think more vehicles in the class should offer. In the 2010 Chevy Equinox, the system features two independent seat-back-mounted screens on which one rear passenger can watch a DVD movie while the other plays a (self-supplied) video game, for instance.

2010 Chevrolet Equinox Details

Interior

The 2010 Chevy Equinox features the most stylish, most contemporary interior in the category. It's also the best-looking interior we've ever seen in a bow tie-badged car. There are some middling materials here and there, including some cheap-looking plastic-chrome accents, but they don't detract from the fact the Equinox has a luxury-grade interior. More than a looker, the new Equinox is also notably quiet and roomy. Four-cylinder versions include an active noise cancellation system (which counters sound waves with sound waves) as standard equipment. One of the roomiest rear seating areas also features seats that slide forward nearly eight inches to provide for even more cargo room in back.

Exterior

There's a lot we like about the new 2010 Chevy Equinox, but the bold exterior styling is particularly noteworthy. We're fans of the big, complex headlights, two-bar grille and clean but aggressive lower fascia. Moving around to the side, we're partial to the big fender flares, the sharp crease and the overall proportions (especially when outfitted with the optional 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels). Out back, our eyes are drawn to the perfectly sized, crisply styled tail lights. If you want to call it the best-looking vehicle in the segment, you won't hear any argument from us.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

All models have a six-speed automatic transmission, while an "eco" mode on models with the four-cylinder engine alters shift points to improve fuel economy. Standard safety equipment includes six airbags – dual frontal airbags, head curtain side airbags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side airbags - plus four-wheel disc brakes with electronic stability control and traction control. Safety and convenience are enhanced with standard OnStar, while XM Satellite Radio provides added entertainment value. The "smart" remote start feature, standard on 2LT and LTZ trims, also activates the heating and air conditioning.

Optional Equipment

The 2010 Chevy Equinox offers a rear-seat DVD entertainment system and a power liftgate, both of which are uncommon in the category. Other notable options include V6 power, all-wheel drive, a navigation system, comprehensive premium audio system, remote vehicle start (1LT), backup camera, leather seating, heated front seats and a memory-enabled driver's seat and mirror.

Under the Hood

Every 2010 Chevy Equinox includes a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine as standard equipment, and all but the entry LS trim level offers a V6 upgrade for $1,500. The engines feature direct injection technology and are matched with six-speed automatic transmissions, both of which simultaneously increase power and efficiency. Four-cylinder versions offer an "Eco" button that sets the engine and transmission programming to mileage-maxing mode. The optional V6 offers manual shift control, although we felt it could be more responsive. The four- and six-cylinder versions feature tow ratings of 1,500 and 3,500 pounds respectively.

2.4-liter in-line 4
182 horsepower @ 6700 rpm
172 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 (FWD) 20/29 (AWD)

3.0-liter V6
264 horsepower @ 6950 rpm
222 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5100 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25 (FWD) 17/24 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Chevrolet Equinox vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2010 Chevrolet Equinox Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.6

Out of 10

Based on 270 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.1/10

Quality

8.0/10
Reliability

8.2/10

Performance

7.8/10
Comfort

8.4/10

Styling

8.5/10

Best purchase!

By Cb (CA) on Wednesday, May 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Practical design in and out, drives extremely well"

Cons: "No air vents in the back"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I couldn't be happier with this vehicle. The interior design is very practical with a deep center console, adjustable back seats with a tremendous amount of room. It drives and handles fantastic in all types of weather, heavy snow, rain or high winds. My ONLY complaint is no air vents in the back seat. All in all, I'd buy this car over again. We are currently in the market for a vehicle for my husband and he can't seem to find a vehicle he likes more than the equinox.....something tells me we might end up owning two..."

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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My own Eq

By JMG (CA) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Matches it's goals"

Cons: "Not a cargo truck, or a race car, much more!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have been borrowing my father's Eq for months, now I have my own. I know it very well even though mine only has 120 miles! Mileage and modern comfort at a very reasonable price."

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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major engine issue

By Cal on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I am having engine problems and dont get any help from GM... The oil consumption is unreal! Its around a quart of oil for every 300 miles. I get it changed at the dealer and have them document the oil usage but they say that GM wont do any warranty work until a complete engine failure? Its pretty bad when a person has to carry a case of oil with every time I leave town. I'm sure if I let it run low on oil the warranty will be voided, and it appears thats what GM wants."

9 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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A great car. Excellent quality and performance.

By DC (FL) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 7,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Excelloent quality and performance. A great car."

Cons: "None. I like everything about my Equinox."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought a 2013 LTZ with the V-6 engine in September. The car has 7,000 miles and has been back to the dealer only once, for a free oil change and tire rotation. Everything works as advertised. I am very impressed with the quality, fit and finish, quietness, comfort and performance of the Equinox. The 301HP V-6 offers much better performance than the old 3 liter engine it replaced. My best mileage is 32,2 MPG on a trip while driving 75MPH. It gets 20 to 21 MPG around town. I am sure the four cylinder engine would do even better, but I enjoy the power of the V-6 The car is quick, quiet and handles really well. The brakes are superb. The leather seats are comfortable and I love the adjustable lumbar support for both front seats. This is a very nice vehicle at any price, but it is a real bargain at what Chevrolet is asking for one. This is a really nice car to drive. I am very satisfied."

2 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Great

By J.R. (SC) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "price, Mpg, looks, digital readout, reliability"

Cons: "I wish it was a hybrid, I'd like to get 40/50 MPG"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had this SUV for over 3 years and no problems. One of the best things I like is the digital speedometer with large numbers which are easy to read. The comfort, MPG, reliability and looks are great."

1 person out of 4 found this review helpful

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Lots of problems

By T. on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"This car will clean your bank account out if you drive it after the warranty is gone! I will be trading for a different make but similar model ASAP! I like the car but cant depend on it, and even if its coverd under warranty its still a big hassle haveing to go the dealer practily weekly. Mabey I got a lemmon?"

12 people out of 16 found this review helpful

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See all 270 reviews