Tuesday, December 20, 2011

The Chevrolet Equinox line of small sport utility vehicles is a well-established series of family transport automobiles. The models produced for the 2012 model year retain the good features of previous years while incorporating new technology. The result is a particularly impressive Equinox for 2012.

2012 Chevy Equinox Performance

While the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox performance may not set any standards in its class, many reviewers find that its silent ride and low fuel usage to be benefits worth the price. Its standard four-cylinder engine and the V6 available as an option provide exceptional fuel economy.


The vehicle's solid structure and pleasant ride are attention-getters. Light steering and subdued engine noise are unfortunately counterbalanced by high levels of road noise. Wind noise, in contrast, is almost absent. While the four cylinder engine has a raspy sound at the highest levels of acceleration, the V6 never loses its refined smooth sound. At cruising speeds, both engines make no noise at all. All Equinoxes are equipped with low-rolling resistance tires for increased fuel economy, but these same tires produce an audible hum on coarse surfaces.


The 2012 Equinox's ride is another positive point. The vehicle delivers the sort of stable ride to be expected of a larger SUV.


The engine options for the Equinox include the standard 2.4-liter 182 horsepower straight four and an optional 3.0 liter 264 horsepower V6. Equinoxes equipped with either type of engine are built with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6, unavailable with the base model, offers a slightly more forceful acceleration. While reviewers are pleased that a V6 is available, the actual engine is not truly comparable to other engines on vehicles in the same class such as the Toyota RAV4's. Even the Equinox's four-cylinder standard is powerful enough to meet the needs of most buyers and offers the additional benefit of good fuel economy.


According to EPA figures, a four-cylinder two-wheel drive model can achieve 22 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway, while the four-cylinder AWD model gets 20 and 29 mpg respectively. V6 Equinox models reach less impressive mileage ratings of 17 mpg for FWD and 24 for AWD. Both engines can burn E85 ethanol. With this fuel they average up to 15/22 mpg.

2009 Chevy Equinox towing capacity

The entry-level Equinox LS is equipped with a standard six-cylinder engine. The maximum 2009 model Chevy Equinox towing capacity is rated at 3500 pound for both front and all-wheel-drive models. 

2010 Chevy Equinox towing capacity

The 2010 model Chevy Equinox is an improvement over the 2009 in a number of areas. However, the Chevy Equinox towing capacity is not one of them. The LS trim lever is now equipped with a standard four-cylinder engine and can tow up to 1500 pounds. If the unit is equipped with the V6, it raises the Chevy Equinox towing capacity up to 3500 pounds.

2011 Chevy Equinox towing capacity

Drivers who need not great towing capacity will find the four-cylinder engine more than adequate. The smaller engine can drag up to 1500 pounds, while the V6 can tow up to 3500 pounds.


The four cylinder 2011 Chevy Equinox towing capacity is rated at 1000 lbs, assuming the installation of an after market trailer hitch. Only by purchasing the V6 do buyers get a factory-installed towing package including engine oil and transmission coolers and a hitch. With the package and the V6 the Chevy Equinox towing capacity increases up to 3400 lbs. While the four cylinder engine will pull a trailer, the transmission may be damaged. There is also the possibility that the driver will be unable to stop the trailer.

2012 Chevy Equinox towing capacity

The decision on which to the Chevy Equinox's engine options to order depends on the purchaser's priorities. The four-cylinder 2.8 liter engine yields reasonable acceleration as well as first-rate fuel economy, but the actual EPA estimate may be difficult to reach. The V6, at 3.0 liters, offers much better performance for daily driving and also offers an increase of towing capacity to 3500 lbs from the 1500 for the four cylinder.