While the Escape has received more attention from Ford than most of its older models usually do, the youthful Equinox just seems to be more with the times than the older SUV. But for just a few thousand dollars more, you can get a compact SUV that has it all. The only reason you might consider it over leading competitors is the slightly lower price tag, especially on the base-level L trim. It does, however, come with a lot of advanced safety features as standard, with even more becoming available as you move up the trim levels.īut, even with its respectable infotainment suite and convenience features, the Chevrolet simply isn't the best in any one particular area, and it certainly isn't an amazing all-rounder. And while you might think that it makes sacrifices in these areas to be better in others, the Equinox does not offer better fuel economy or cargo capacity than either rival. The Chevy handles remarkably well for an SUV, but it is not as refined as the Honda CR-V nor as sporty as the Mazda CX-5. But, upon closer inspection, several weak points become apparent. With a host of standard features, a decent and workable infotainment system, and very competitive fuel economy, at least with the base engine, the compact SUV certainly looks good on paper. While it doesn't do as much to stand out as many of its competitors do, the Chevrolet Equinox is a perfectly capable and amiable companion on the road. The sound-dampening is a little less impressive, with wind, road and engine noise often making their way into the cabin. The comfortable seats work in tandem with the suspension to smooth over most road imperfections, delivering a ride that is surprisingly pleasant for a car that boasts this level of dexterity despite its size. The wide turning circle is something you should keep in mind when maneuvering in tight spaces. On the road, the Equinox is well-mannered, feeling equally capable at high speeds on long, open stretches of roads, or leaning into sharp turns on the windier roads. Goldilocks brakes provide the perfect amount of resistance while not compromising on stopping power, bringing the SUV to a stop in around 115 ft from 60 mph, which is an impressive performance. At higher speeds, the steering gains some weight to provide better feedback and more driver engagement.

A test drive of the Chevy Equinox shows that the compact SUV handles much better than its larger brethren, with the steering remaining light and precise at low speeds, allowing for nimble parking lot maneuvers, although this is hindered by the vehicle's unusually large turning circle.

New 2020 chevrolet equinox review