Chevrolet Equinox's combination of sleek styling, confident performance, a spacious interior and good efficiency continue to make a popular choice with compact SUV crossover customers. Models equipped with the standard 3.5L V-6 and five-speed automatic transmission are EPA-rated at 24 mpg on the highway - as is the Equinox Sport, with its more powerful, 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing and six-speed automatic transmission.
After a year of significant changes, including the addition of the high-performance Sport and luxury-appointed LTZ models, the Equinox arrives in the 2009 model year with enhancements to its winning formula. Head curtain side-impact air bags with rollover protection sensors are standard on all models, as is XM Satellite radio. Previously these features were optional on some models. An all-new feature for the Equinox is Bluetooth connectivity available with the OnStar system. It enables hands-free phone calling in connection with the vehicle audio system.
The Equinox is available in LS, LT, LTZ and Sport models, each available with all-wheel drive. Standard comfort, convenience and safety features on all models include five-passenger seating; head curtain side-impact air bags; power door locks with remote keyless entry; power windows; air conditioning; tilt steering; rear liftgate with defogger and washer/wiper; fold-down front passenger seat for longer cargo items; sliding rear seat with a 60/40-split seatback and two-position recline; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; StabiliTrak electronic stability control system; traction control and OnStar.
LT models add body-color details such as the door handles, outside mirrors and roof rail side bars, as well a great list of available features, including a remote vehicle starting system and a Pioneer premium seven-speaker sound system. The LTZ is differentiated from other Equinox models by 17-inch bright chrome-clad aluminum wheels, bright chrome door handles and bright chrome luggage rack side rail inserts. Standard interior features include heated front seats, leather seating inserts, AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 CD playback capability and a Pioneer premium seven-speaker audio system.
There are also three new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic and Cyber Gray Metallic. They replace Sandstone Metallic, Granite Gray Metallic and Silverstone Metallic.