Around The Web
auxiliary audio and USB ports that support MP3 players or just thumb-drives with songs on them
Autoblog »
dual-zone climate control—not available on any Chevy Equinox
Car and Driver »
A fully loaded LTZ with all the bells and whistles should top the charts at around $35k, but nobody will buy that car, because it's totally unnecessary.
Jalopnik »
power tailgate with a user-definable opening height preset
Edmunds »
options include a rear DVD entertainment system with two screens
MSN Autos »
FEATURES | 8 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
auxiliary audio and USB ports that support MP3 players or just thumb-drives with songs on them
Autoblog
dual-zone climate control—not available on any Chevy Equinox
Car and Driver
A fully loaded LTZ with all the bells and whistles should top the charts at around $35k, but nobody will buy that car, because it's totally unnecessary.
Jalopnik
power tailgate with a user-definable opening height preset
Edmunds
options include a rear DVD entertainment system with two screens
MSN Autos
With a raft of features, the 2011 Chevrolet Equinox matches or betters competitors like the Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, though many of those new features are optional. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary input jack, cruise control, power windows/locks/mirrors, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. A rear-seat entertainment system, a navigation system, leather seating, heated seats, Bluetooth, steering-wheel audio/phone controls, a sunroof, a rearview camera, and remote start are options. On some models, the cargo hatch is powered and can be easily programmed to different opening heights (helping prevent the hatch from opening into a garage door or other structure).
Moving up the model hierarchy, the Equinox LT is nicely—if not lavishly—equipped, with 17-inch aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry and remote starting, an anti-theft system, and one year of OnStar service free. It now also includes Bluetooth, a USB interface, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls. For 2011, the 2LT model now also adds heated cloth seats,
The step-up sound system (which announces itself as from Pioneer when it starts up) wouldn't be bad for a base system, but it's probably not worth the premium. It's a little bass heavy and sounds great at a moderate volume, but sound quality deteriorates when you turn it up.
Conclusion
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox isn’t innovative or surprising with respect to its features and options, but it offers all that most shoppers are looking for.