The two-tone interior of our 2019 Chevy Equinox tester give it an upscale vibe. Fast Facts
› Model: 2019 Chevy Equinox AWD Premier 2.0T› Exterior color: Pacific Blue Metallic› Interior color: Jet Black/Brandy› Engine: 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder› Horsepower: 252› Transmission: nine-speed automatic› Fuel economy: 28 mpg highway, 22 mpg city› Local Dealer: Integrity Chevrolet, Mountain View Chevrolet› Price (as tested): $37,745
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV competes in one of the hottest segments in the auto business, going up against the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester, among other models.
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To create its own space in the segment, the Equinox is designed conservatively to take advantage of Chevrolet's vast, heartland dealership network. The Equinox, which was completely redesigned last year, offers handsome (but restrained) styling, loads of interior space and an available turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that wrings 252 horsepower out of a small displacement powerplant.
The result is a vehicle that optimizes towing (up to 3,5000 pounds) and has 63-square-feet of cargo space to accommodate trips to Costco (or a couple of tuba cases).
The Equinox slots just under the mid-size Traverse in the Chevy SUV hierarchy, and it's one of the most popular models at Chattanooga-area Chevy dealerships. Late last week, Mountain View Chevrolet in downtown Chattanooga listed 37 Equinox units in digital inventory and Integrity Chevrolet on Chapman Road listed 19.
Chevrolet sold almost a third of a million Equinox SUVs last year, so it must be doing something right with the vehicle.
WHAT IS IT?
The Chevy Equinox is a five-passenger, compact SUV that comes in four trim levels with three available engines, including two turbo-charged gasoline engines and one turbo-diesel engine.
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Our tester is a top-of-the-line Equinox AWD Premium model that has an MSRP of $37,745, including more than $2,100 in options. A base Equinox starts at $23,800. Our Premium model, provided for a one-week test drive by the manufacturer, has such upscale amenities as LED headlights, heated front seats, 19-inch wheels and a whole suite of safety-tech features.
WORTHWHILE OPTIONS:
The Confidence and Convenience II package ($2,145), is a good value and includes ventilated front seats for summer days, a heated steering wheel, a lane-keep assist feature, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking and a surround-vision camera for easier parking in tight spaces.
SELLING POINTS:
Our log-book's list of "likes" includes the two-tone interior, an expressive grille, the Pacific Blue Metallic paint, the roomy cargo area and the punchy engine.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTS:
Our only regret is that the $37,745 price tag on our tester may put it out of reach for a lot of middle-income families, who might want to look at a more economical trim level.
IT'S GOOD FOR CHATTANOOGA BECAUSE:
There's a big selection of Equinox SUVs on local dealer lots and its conservative styling fits the city's working-class image.
BOTTOM LINE:
Don't let your compact SUV shopping begin and end with imports without test driving an Equinox.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.