The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Handsome, chiseled exterior
- Well designed interior
- Quiet cabin
- Very good four-cylinder gas mileage
Dislikes
- Some cheap trim details inside
- Doesn't track well on the highway
- Bad outward visibility for some
- Optional Pioneer system doesn't sound premium
Buying tip
features & specs
The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox is every bit as solid, spacious, and well-equipped as cost-conscious families could expect -- and far more quiet and refined than many other models without a luxury badge.
The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox offers up plenty of what matters to parents and families—like flexible seating and cargo space, plus impressive maneuverability and reasonably good fuel efficiency.
Size it up for a moment, and you won't be surprised why vehicles like it have become the family sedans of today. And among all the compact (to mid-size) crossovers, the 2014 Equinox is one of the better picks; whether purposed for carpool duty, weekend family getaways, or commuting and errands, it's fully up for such versatile use—with an affordable price, a vast interior, plenty of safety and tech features, and more refinement than you might expect.
With crisp, somewhat sporty styling, and proportions that line up partway between Chevy's trucks and cars, the Equinox looks as it should: handsome but inoffensive. Inside, the look is a little jazzier, with vents book-ending primary controls on the dash and more of the look that Chevrolet cars have recently been given.
We recommend most shoppers at least try a four-cylinder Equinox. The 2.4-liter four produces 182 horsepower and returns an exceptional 32 mpg on the EPA's highway test cycle. It's unobtrusive, agreeable, and smooth at idle—even if it suffers from the typical tick-tick sound of nearly all direct-injection engines. Yes, the 3.6-liter V-6 is strong and smooth, but it's also far thirstier in real-world driving—and frankly more than most cost-conscious moms and dads are going to need.
The 2014 Chevy Equinox feels designed for the ins and outs of family use, from the seating layout to the up-close details. LTZ models even add some luxurious flair to its interior with dual tone, cross-stitched, perforated leather seating. Two adults can sprawl out in the spacious back seats and find true comfortable with reclining seatbacks. And there's space for smaller items, weekend finds, and grocery bags between the two deep cargo wells in back, the deep center console, the retractable cargo cover, and stretchy net.
Detailed below, the Equinox has been solid safety-minded option since its introduction. While it hasn't yet been tested in the new Insurance Institute for Highway Safety small overlap frontal test, the safety organization has named the Equinox a Top Safety Pick. Additionally, the Equinox has achieved four- and five-star scores in federal government tests.
Considering its very affordable pricing, the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox has a very impressive set of the features that matter to price-conscious parents. There's a solid, effective set of connectivity and infotainment features, plenty of traditional convenience features thrown in, and even some optional high-tech active-safety features if you're willing to add a little to the bill. GM includes a touch-screen audio system with USB input across most of the lineup, and the voice-activated, touch-screen-based MyLink Connectivity system is an option. The MyLink package includes smartphone connectivity, integrated Pandora and Stitcher app compatibility, and hands-free controls.
For 2014, the Equinox LTZ model gets new chrome-clad wheels, while there are a couple of new exterior colors for the lineup.
2014 Chevrolet Equinox Styling
The interior of the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox is quite carlike, but you can see just a bit of influence from Chevy trucks on the outside.
In short, the design and styling of the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox aren't particularly edgy, but the look is what it needs to be considering the family-oriented mission.
Taking the whole design in from the outside, the Equinox impresses as a sort of scaled-down version of the big Chevrolet Traverse three-row crossover. If anything, the Equinox is just a little chunkier, with perhaps just a little more hints from Chevy's trucks filtering into the more upright flanks. That said, the Equinox design looks more car than truck, ultimately, and it still fits in well alongside the brand's sedans, with nicely done proportions and sharp, careful detailing.
The spacing of the headlights next to the grille help it look a bit like a tall station wagon from some angles, while edgy details over a rounded tail do help the Equinox stand out in a pack of look-alike crossover choices.
The interior of the 2014 Equinox isn't quite as in pace with the rest of the Chevy lineup; it's a little overt, and a different variation on the theme, but it fits well with the exterior. The center stack of the instrument panel, with its vents neatly flanking and framing central controls, bears some likeness to that of the Chevrolet Sonic and Cruze--and also to that of the Cadillac SRX.
The 2014 model year brings two new colors--Red Rock Metallic and Silver Topaz Metallic--and chrome-clad wheels are newly standard on top LTZ models.
2014 Chevrolet Equinox Performance
Don't expect much excitement behind the wheel of the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox; but even the base four-cylinder model performs respectably.
Although some compact crossovers have moved on to all-four-cylinder models, the Equinox still gives shoppers a choice between four-cylinder and V-6 engines. The Equinox is a bit larger than many so-called compacts, and it's essentially a modest mid-sizer. But even considering that, the base four-cylinder engine is plenty strong to move the Equinox along at a good clip.
The base 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is one of the more advanced engines in its class, and with direct injection, variable valve timing, and a six-speed automatic, you can get quite a bit of real-world performance out of it--more than the 0-60 mph time of around nine seconds might suggest. Passing power is good enough even when you have some passengers; and our only issue with this engine is that its direct-injection-related clattering sounds are more prominent than in most other modern fours.
The engine and driveline choices should provide for most family-duty needs and wants. And if they need some added grunt for full loads and mountain grades, the 3.6-liter V-6 is smooth and very strong. It makes 301 horsepower; and while it's considerably thirstier than the four, you might consider it a worthwhile upgrade.
With a rather low first gear, for quick takeoffs, plus taller cogs for the upper gears and highway fuel efficiency, the six-speed automatic transmission covers the bases--although it's not as smooth as in other vehicles in this class. With either version, shifts can be rough, and the transmission can feel hesitant on hills or on-off throttle situations. Manual shifts can be made not though steering wheel paddle shifters or a separate gate, but through little plus or minus toggle buttons on the side of the shift knob.
You won't find the Equinox all that much fun to drive, but it handles well enough for what it is; the electric power steering is a low point--just too numb and light--and we've noted over several drives that on the highway you're making too many adjustments.
2014 Chevrolet Equinox Comfort & Quality
The 2014 Equinox is by no means a luxury model, but families will find it right on message for comfort and versatility.
The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox is about the right size for most families--provided you don't need a third-row seat. Most will appreciate the spacious interior of this vehicle, which is a half step larger than most compact models while being far more manageable than the much larger Chevy Traverse.
Front seating, as well as the driving position in the Equinox, are excellent. We like the upright, supportive setup no matter what, but the cross-stitched dual-tone perforated leather on upscale LTZ have an added luxury look and feel. Adult-size space in the rear is highlighted by good headroom, legroom, and an adjustable seatback.
The level of cabin refinement and quiet in the Equinox is perhaps closer to Buick or Cadillac standards, so you're likely to be pleasantly surprised. Thanks to a clever noise cancellation system that actively helps eliminate coarse sounds and even mild vibrations, four-cylinder models feel nearly as quiet and refined as V-6 models once you're underway (you do head the clatter of the four a bit more at idle). Wind noise is well shut out, with triple door seals and glass with integral sound damping.
Ride quality is good, too, and there's plenty of storage space for family vacations and highway jaunts. Two, deep wells in the cargo area and a retractable cargo cover keep your belongings out of sight of prying eyes and a stretchy net ensures it stays where it should once you hit the road. There's also a deep storage bin in the center console for larger items you don't want loose in the cabin. The only downside, we think, is that the cargo floor is just a little too high--or at least higher than we might expect.
Cabin and materials and trims are, with a few exceptions, far from bargain-basement--although a few odd bargain-bin details here and there let it down. We're generally fans of cloth upholstery, but we're not keen on the cloth used in the base, LS-trimmed Equinox. And there are a few too many things right in sight of the driver--like the hideous plastichrome trim prominently displayed on the dash storage bin, front and center--that remind you this definitely isn't a Cadillac.
2014 Chevrolet Equinox Safety
The Equinox is one of the safer picks in its class; just consider outward visibility as some might find it limited.
The 2014 Chevrolet Equinox has a great set of safety credentials, as verified by impressive crash-test ratings; but outward visibility is one thing that keeps us from calling it the safest pick for everyone.
As far as occupant protection goes, the Equinox has a great reputation. The Insurance Instutite for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Equinox with its top distinction, Top Safety Pick+, due to its combined "good" scores in all tested categories. NHTSA's new crash testing regime scores the Equinox with four stars in front crashes, five stars in side impacts, and four stars overall.
The Equinox is filled with airbags. Seat-mounted pelvic and head-curtain airbags come standard, while four-wheel disc brakes and StabiliTrak stability control system helps you avoid accidents in the first place. However, should you find yourself in that unfortunate situation, OnStar emergency and concierge services are on-board. LT and above models are fitted with a rearview camera, while lane departure and forward-collision warning systems are now more widely available on lesser trims and standard on LTZ models.
Unfortunately neither of those systems completely makes up for one Equinox inadequacy: outward visibility. Depending on your height and driving position, you might find the rather thick rear pillar to be in the way when changing lanes. The large blind-spot mirrors do help a bit, but definitely pay attention to this on the test drive.
2014 Chevrolet Equinox Features
The advanced connectivity and active-safety features on offer in the 2014 Equinox are a step better than those found in some other Chevrolet .
Considering its very affordable pricing, the 2014 Chevrolet Equinox has a very impressive set of the features that matter to price-conscious parents. There's a solid, effective set of connectivity and infotainment features, plenty of traditional convenience features thrown in, and even some optional high-tech active-safety features if you're willing to add a little to the bill.
Standard equipment even on base Equinox LS models includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary input jack, power mirrors/windows/locks, cruise control, and tilt/telescopic steering column. A rear-seat entertainment system, a navigation system, leather seating, heated seats, Bluetooth, steering-wheel audio/phone controls, a sunroof, a rearview camera, and remote start are options on the LS.
LT models are defined by 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, remote keyless entry and remote start, anti-theft system, Bluetooth, USB input, leather-trimmed steering wheel with mounted audio controls, and a full year of OnStar service instead of the typical six-month trial. Those wanting heated seats will need to step up to the 2LT trim.
If you want to check all the boxes, LTZ models offer near-luxury features like perforated leather seats with memory settings, universal remote, automatic climate control, and forward collision and lane-departure warning systems.
Most of the lineup now gets a touch-screen audio system with a USB port, while the voice-activated, touch-screen-based MyLink Connectivity system--for easier connectivity for hands-free calling or media access--is an option. MyLink also includes integrated Pandora and Stitcher app compatibility, and hands-free controls, plus the allowance for a connected navigation system.
2014 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Economy
The four-cylinder versions of the 2014 Equinox are considerably more fuel-efficient--and the way to go for most buyers.
Go with the base four-cylinder engine in the 2014 Chevy Equinox and you'll have a fuel-efficient and frugal family wagon. The optional 3.6-liter V-6 is definitely thirstier, and it's up to you to determine whether the lower gas mileage is worth the added power and torque.
Four-cylinder models are equipped with an Eco mode, which dials back the air conditioning, uses a different shift-mapping strategy, and engages torque converter lockup earlier. On EPA test cycles, the four-cylinder Equinox with front-wheel drive achieves 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, making it one of the better non-hybrid crossovers for fuel economy. Adding all-wheel drive sees mileage scores dip to 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, which is solid for this plus-sized compact crossover.
Opting for the more powerful, 3.6-liter V-6 comes with a significant mileage penalty. V-6 models are rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway when sending power solely to the front wheels or 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway if paired with all-wheel drive.
