2011 CHEVROLET Equinox

2011 CHEVROLET  Equinox, is one 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the LS 2WD to the LTZ AWD. Upon introduction, the LS 2WD is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 182-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 32-mpg on the highway. The LTZ AWD is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 182-horsepower engine that achieves 20-mpg in the city and 29-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

GM is also offering the new Chevrolet Equinox with a 3.0-liter V6 delivering 264 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque as an optional upgrade. Also featuring direct injection, the motor has an isolated fuel injector system that promises quieter operation than other DI engines. Rubber isolators are used with the fuel rail to eliminate metal-to-metal contact that would otherwise transmit noise and vibration from the high-pressure fuel system. GM says that engine will achieve 25 mpg on the highway and 18 mpg in the city. The 3.0 offers the same horsepower rating as the old 3.6-liter V6.

The Equinox’s interior has been significantly improved over its predecessor. It represents a consistent design theme across all of Chevy’s new models, plus seems to reinforce GM’s commitment to building better cockpits after years of being trampled by its Asian competitors in material quality and fit finish.