2008 Chevrolet Equinox

Inside, the Equinox has a “clean, industrial-looking design," according to Edmunds. The "large, clear gauges surrounded by faux aluminum accents" are "warmed up by imitation wood" on upscale models. At the top of the ladder, the "Equinox Sport is specially outfitted with exclusive blue-lit instrumentation and ebony accents." ConsumerGuide agrees that the "gauges are easy to read," and adds "climate controls are simple and handy." That said, they note the "power window switches [that] are inconveniently staggered around the center console shift lever." Cars.com says, “Instruments and controls are standard GM-issue, which is fine,” but adds “inside, the Equinox still has some interior trim that belongs on a less expensive model.” Reviewers at Kelley Blue Book are less complimentary. They characterize the Chevrolet "Equinox's well laid-out interior" as one that "begs for more in the way of color and contrast" and note its "ill-fitting plastic, ho-hum cloth upholstery and a general lack of sophistication."

The Chevrolet Equinox Sport model gets its name from its updated appearance and the arrival under the hood of a new V-6 engine with 263 horsepower, teamed to a six-speed automatic. The automatic has tap-shift controls for semi-manual gear changes. Chevrolet offers the Sport in front- and all-wheel drive, and in general, it's a more enthusiastic performer capable of accelerating to 60 mph in about 7 seconds. Car and Driver is enthusiastic about the Sport trim, with its "3.6-liter DOHC engine with 264 horsepower and a six-speed automatic transmission." Cars.com says, “This engine, optional on the new Malibu, has plenty of punch, nicely delivered through the six-speed automatic transmission.”

“Though the Equinox is not meant for serious off-road duty, consumers who live in snowy climes will be glad to know that both trims may be purchased with all-wheel drive,” Edmunds notes, adding the SUV can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

There's almost no fuel economy penalty; the AWD Sport gets 16/24 mpg, while the front-drive Equinox with the base engine musters 17/24 mpg, according to the EPA.

The base Chevy Equinox rides on an independent suspension, and its road manners are anything but athletic. It's far from a sloppy mess, but it takes no joy in cornering, and the tires on base versions howl at the slightest corners. The steering feels vague, too. Edmunds “noted considerable body roll around turns, and the truck's electric power steering is sluggish and offers little feedback,” while Car and Driver praises the "relatively agile and carlike" handling, especially when "compared to SUVs with body-on-frame construction." Kelley Blue Book is also not impressed with the steering, saying the 2008 Equinox's "electric power steering system of the LS, LT and LTZ trims" provide "little feedback and an unnatural feel." Kelley Blue Book reports that with "a 40-foot turning diameter," the 2008 Chevy Equinox feels "like a full-size SUV in just about any parking lot." The Equinox Sport, however, shines in reviews from across the Web: “The ride is firm but compliant,” Cars.com asserts, “and handling is better than I thought I'd ever see in an Equinox.”

Behind the seats, though, the cargo area is about the size of that in the smaller Ford Escape. Families are sure to like the "height-adjustable cargo shelf [that] serves as both a security cover and a picnic table," Car and Driver says. Elsewhere inside, Chevrolet augments the front console with several "hidden storage compartments," Edmunds reports, and in the back, space is further increased by "integrated storage bins." The storage capacity of the interior is also singled out and praised for "69 cubic feet of total cargo capacity," placing the Equinox "among the class leaders."

Edmunds says the Chevy Equinox delivers a "quiet, well-insulated cabin." However, most remain unmoved by "subpar interior materials" and workmanship. That’s a common complaint among several reviewers; Car and Driver says "less than impressive interior materials make Equinox feel less refined than its competitors." Kelley Blue Book reports, “As for materials in the Equinox, Chevrolet has created an "interior marked by ill-fitting plastic, ho-hum cloth upholstery and a general lack of sophistication." MyRide.com bemoans "stalks for the turn signals and wipers felt brittle when used."

Noise is another common grievance. "Wind noise is obvious at highway speeds," says ConsumerGuide. The poorly insulated 2008 Chevy cabin is further assailed by "tires, which roar on smooth road surfaces."

Cars.com points out the Equinox has "optional side curtain airbags," (they’re actually standard on LTZ versions), and adds that front airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control all are standard.

While most safety features on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox are lauded, the visibility beyond some basic design elements is criticized by ConsumerGuide. They are unimpressed by the way its "thick front roof pillars obscure visibility at stop signs." And, while necessary for vehicle integrity in rollover accidents, "rear vision is hindered by thick side and rear pillars."

Some of the favorite options on the 2008 Chevrolet Equinox, according to Cars.com reviewers, include "heated front seats, leather upholstery and a moonroof." Kelley Blue Book notes optional leather and heated front seats, an AM/FM/six-CD/MP3 audio system with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Some other features in demand include DVD navigation, a rear-seat entertainment system, remote start, XM Satellite Radio, and an electrochromic rearview mirror. The 2008 Chevrolet "LTZ Appearance package" is also replete with leather and chrome throughout.