As we shop around for a new vehicle, we generally focus on three main attributes: performance, safety, and technology. Sure, these are each broad subjects, and they could be interpreted in different ways. However, in the simplest terms, those are the three major things we’re looking to check off our list. Few nameplates manage to knock it out of the park when it comes to each of these attributes, but one vehicle has continued to impress: the Chevy Equinox. It’s more of the same when it comes to the 2019 variation, as the SUV truly delivers everything you could possibly ask for in a brand-new ride. The performance specs from the three major engines are incredible, while the safety functions will keep occupants safe and secure. Of course, the technology continues to keep both driver and passengers entertained and content. Below, we’ve explored each of those major attributes as it pertains to the 2019 Chevy Equinox: performance, safety, and technology. Take a look at how this nameplate manages to get an A+ when it comes to our pre-purchase check list.
Check #1: Performance
Power? Efficiency? Regardless of what you’re seeking from your SUV’s engine, you’ll surely find it in one of the nameplate’s three available offerings.
“Chevrolet continues to lead with technologies that offer customers more choice,” Steve Majoros, the marketing director for Cars and Crossovers, said last year. “Our three-engine turbo-charged Equinox lineup means we can provide drivers more options for the performance and efficiency they desire.”
The 1.5-liter turbo engine may be the smallest of the bunch, but that doesn’t mean it should be disregarded. Rather, the system still manages to pump out incredibly impressive specs, including 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Plus, thanks to the 32-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency, drivers will even be able to save a couple of bucks when they visit a gas station. We’re going to guess you weren’t expecting that when it came to your new SUV.
The next offering on the list is the 2.0-liter turbo engine, which is clearly for those seeking optimal power from their new vehicle. Accompanied by a nine-speed automatic transmission, the unit can ultimately crank out up to 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, all leading to a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Speaking of towing, engineers cleverly included their Tow/Haul mode to the Equinox, so you should never have any concerns about lugging any cargo.
Finally, the 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine is for those seeking, well, a diesel engine! The system combines power with efficiency, delivering one of the brand’s most impressive engines. Ultimately, drivers can anticipate 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque, as well as an awe-inspiring 39-mile-per-gallon highway fuel efficiency. The diesel engine may be small, but it has also proven to be one of the brand’s most versatile offerings.
“It is very fun to drive, with torque on demand at all speeds,” Dan Nicholson, the vice president of Global Propulsion Systems, said in regards to the same 1.6-liter engine included in the 2018 variation). “In fact, the engine delivers 90 percent of peak torque between 1,500 and 3,250 rpm. The strong torque provides the feeling of a larger engine, with exceptional smoothness and quietness.”
Regardless of what engine you opt for, one thing is certain: you’re going to be happy with the results. Therefore, it’s worth your time and effort to explore which engine offering best fits your needs.
Check #2: Safety
You’ll never have to worry about you or your passengers’ well-being when you’re behind the wheel of the 2019 Chevy Equinox. That’s because the SUV is equipped with a number of high-quality safety features, assuring that drivers won’t even find themselves in an accident to begin with.
The Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking can detect when an accident is imminent, and it can adjust the brakes to avoid or lessen a crash. Of course, that shouldn’t be an issue, as the Forward Collision Warning would have already alerted you via the audible and visual cues (or if you prefer, the brand’s innovative Safety Alert Seat). Meanwhile, the Front Pedestrian Braking will be useful when traveling in the city, as it can adjust the vehicle’s brakes if something suddenly crosses in front of the Equinox.
The Lane Keep Assist assures that the driver is remaining on their intended path at all times, and the accompanying Lane Departure Warning will alert the driver if it’s unsafe to switch lanes. The Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert will play a similar role, assuring occupants’ safety when traveling on the highway.
Speaking of the highway, the Adaptive Cruise Control system is one of the more innovative inclusions. The technology will allow the driver to take a brief break without worrying about safety, as it’ll acclimate the Equinox’s speed based on the flow of traffic. That way, you can relax without having to keep your (entire) focus on the road.
The Equinox even helps drivers when they’re in a parking lot. Inclusions like the Rear Vision Camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Park Assist will help drivers avoid those pesky (and potentially dangerous) fender benders.
The 2019 Chevy Equinox is clearly a versatile vehicle, and the array of impressive safety functions play a major role when it comes to this sentiment.
Check #3: Technology
When drivers complete their morning commute, they’re more than willing to run out of their cars. You might find yourself spending a few extra minutes in your ride after you’ve taken a stroll in the 2019 Chevy Equinox. After all, the SUV is fully stocked with notable technological amenities, assuring that occupants remain entertained throughout their journey.
The brand included their Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, which takes the navigation and radio offerings to a whole new level. The technology also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing occupants to quickly and easily connect their smartphones. If you want to keep that phone charged, you can simply rely on the available wireless charging station (there are also six optional USB ports).
Meanwhile, you’ll always have the ability to stay on the grid when you’re behind the wheel of the 2019 Chevy Equinox. Thanks to the available 4G LTE Wi-Fi, drivers will always have a strong wireless internet connection. That way, if you’re required to complete work while you’re on the road, you don’t have to worry about finding a restaurant with decent internet connection.
Some of the technological inclusions also have an impact on convenience. For instance, the hands-free liftgate makes it more than easy to load your cargo inside of the SUV. Add in the 60/40 split-folding rear seats, and drivers will never have any excuse to not take advantage of the incredible 63.5-cubic-feet of cargo space.
Performance, safety, technology… those are basically the three main things we look for as we’re shopping for a new vehicle. Chevy has managed to knock it out of the park when it comes to each of these attributes. The 2019 Chevy Equinox delivers everything you could possibly desire from a new ride, making it one of the most impressive SUVs in the entire class. This is also a big reason why the nameplate earned perfect marks when it came to our three-step checklist.
