PERFORMANCE | 7 out of 10
Expert Quotes:
stays stable and well planted at speed
Consumer Reports
the 2.4-liter four sounds smooth and accelerates adequately, though the power doesn't really arrive until about 5,000 rpm, where a noticeable second wind kicks in
Edmunds
Those habitually hauling full loads, living in the mountains or needing to tow more than 1500 lb. need the substantially more powerful, and louder, 3.0-liter V-6.
Road & Track
The extra couple hundred pounds of [AWD] hardware seem to make it feel much less nimble than the FWD variant
Autoblog
We kept the pedal floored virtually all the time…the transmission upshifts too early otherwise, making the engine bog and feel unduly weak—like it could use a membership to Equinox, the upscale health club chain.
Car and Driver
Matched up with either engine is a six-speed automatic transmission. First gear feels quite low, enabling a quick takeoff, and in four-cylinder models the transmission lets engine revs wind quite high (3500 rpm or so) in light to moderate acceleration. After that, the cogs get progressively taller and it does a good job keeping revs down low in the fuel-efficient range. With either version, shifts can be rough, though and the transmission can feel hesitant on hills or on-off throttle situations. Manual shifts can be made not though steering wheel paddle shifters or a separate gate, but through little plus or minus toggle buttons on the side of the shift knob.
Neither engine feels short on power, but the V-6 would be the choice if you occasionally need to tow a small trailer or often drive with a fully loaded vehicle. Chevy claims that 0-60 mph comes up in under 9 seconds for the four-cylinder and under 8 seconds for the V-6, but the bigger V-6 feels more than a second faster. Significant chassis upgrades help the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox handle better than any previous model.
The electric power steering system in four-cylinder models is worlds better than it was years ago, with a heftier, almost German feel. It gives the Equinox acceptable handling and maneuverability, and a secure feel, but it's still not ideal. The steering wheel doesn't transmit much of a feel of the road but has very strong weighting that keeps it on center. Brakes are excellent and reassuring in feel, like those in most GMs of recent years
Conclusion
The 2011 Chevrolet Equinox is refined and responsive—economical, too—but not sporty or exciting.
