Having the ability to review different products and give
an unbiased assessment as to whether I liked or disliked it is something I have always enjoyed doing. These assessments are
in real life situations with my family in tow. They can range from food and drink to amusement parks, hotels, restaurants
and of course the auto sector.
The auto sector
is usually the one that gets the most attention around our house as a shiny new vehicle in the driveway every couple of weeks
makes the neighbours kind of inquisitive. Our latest car up for review is the all new 2013 Chevrolet Equinox in the very
busy crossover utility vehicle (CUV) category. It seems that over the years the shift has gone from minivan to CUV's to move
the family from band, soccer and ballet on to hockey, church, and the movies. No matter what the reason, the CUV's offer
a much more family friendly experience.
Also,
with everyones focus shifting towards energy conservation and fuel efficiency, the car manufacturers are in a race against
each other for market share and brand leadership. The big oil companies continue to bleed us dry of our hard earned money,
which in turn makes it even more imperative for us to look at hybrids, electrics and vehicles with superior fuel efficiency.
The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox that we tested was a delight to drive.
It was originally launched in 2010 into a segment of the industry that was already pretty crowded with competitors from all
leading brands. With a focus on interior space and functionality, it is well equipped to carry 2 adults up front and 2 adults
in the rear with great legroom for sprawling out in comfort. The engine options are pretty simple, 182-horsepower, 2.4-liter
four cylinder engine, or the upgraded 3.6-liter V6 pushing 301 horsepower. If you are shopping for true fuel efficiency,
then the 4 cylinder is the one for you. The Equinox drives very much like a car of equal size. As is always available in
the car industry, there are different trim levels to appeal to different buyer needs and concerns. The top end LTZ trim level
incorporates high end features such as double stitched leather seating. The rear retractable cargo cover, stretch net, and
two deep cargo wells in back makes the Equinox very convertible to load characteristics like smaller items, groceries or even
the family pets.
The auto sector over the
past few years has introduced several connectivity options such as USB ports, and voice activated, hands free calling features.
Chevrolet also offers up the MyLink Connectivity for control of many onboard features such as navigation, climate control
and stereo. A programmable liftgate, power passenger seat, and universal garage-door opener are also available with the purchase
of the right trim level.
If you find that
the Equinox is not quite large enough though, Chevrolet can also set you up with the "big sister" version, the Chevrolet
Traverse.
For many car enthusiasts, safety
is the most important feature of any car they are perusing. The Equinox, scored highly in the government crash tests. 4
stars overall in frontal impact and 5 stars in the side impact test. And as with all GM vehicles, you get the OnStar emergency
and mobile concierge option. Travel in confidence knowing that GM has got you covered, whether you need last minute directions
to the theatre or emergency assistance due to a flat tire.
My overall rating for this vehicle would be 7 out of 10. I liked it a lot, but I would have liked a test
vehicle with more options to test out. The true test is my 4 kids though, and they rated it higher than me, at two thumbs
up and a hearty "yessssss" when asked if we should keep the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox.
Until next time, when WonderMoms will be testing the 2013 Chevrolet Enclave.
