2005-09 Chevrolet Equinox | Consumer Guide Auto

Midsize SUV; Built in USA

4-door wagon

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

Good condition price range: $5,900 – $18,500*

2005 Chevrolet Equinox

Pros:	Cargo room Rear-seat room
Cons:	Steering/handling

Sloppy steering and handling make Equinox and its Pontiac Torrent cousin feel like cumbersome trucks, even though these SUVs have car-type chassis. Both also lack the mechanical finesse of competitors such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. On the upside, Equinox and Torrent have an absorbent ride, versatile interiors, and prices that undercut those of most midsize rivals.

Overview

Equinox debuted for 2005 as a smaller, less-expensive midsize-SUV companion to Chevrolet’s TrailBlazer. It shared its car-type platform with the Vue from GM’s Saturn division, but has a longer wheelbase and body, and has steel body panels in place of Vue’s plastic. Equinox seated five; no 3rd-row seat was offered. The rear seat slid fore and aft 8 inches to maximize passenger or cargo space. The one-piece rear hatch did not include opening glass. Equinox came in LS and uplevel LT trims, both with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. A 185-hp V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission made up the sole powertrain. Traction control was standard on the front-drive LT, optional as part of the ABS option on the front-drive LS. ABS was standard on all but the front-drive LS. Curtain side airbags are optional. Available features include leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, and OnStar assistance.

Yearly Updates

2006 Equinox
Antilock brakes became standard on all versions of the Equinox for 2006.

2007 Equinox
Equinox got a revised suspension and interior appearance and added safety features for 2007. An antiskid system and rear disc brakes were newly available for ’07 and were standard. A revised suspension and steering system were designed to improve ride and handling response. Curtain side airbags were optional and now included rollover deployment. Equinox’s instrument panel, radio, and climate controls got redesigned. A navigation system and remote engine start were newly available.

2008 Equinox
The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox gained a pair of new models, one bent toward luxury, the other toward performance. Added were the luxury-themed LTZ and high-performance Sport. Other models carried on with few changes, though a wireless cell-phone link was newly available.

2009 Equinox
The 2009 Equinox is largely unchanged pending a redesign for 2010.

ohv V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)	3.4/204
Engine HP	185
Engine Torque (lb-ft)	210

Avail. Trans.	EPA MPG (city/hwy)	MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic	18.5/23.5	18.0

ohv V6

Engine Size (liters/cubic inches)

3.4/204

Engine HP

185

Engine Torque (lb-ft)

210

Avail. Trans.

EPA MPG (city/hwy)

MPG avg. as tested

5-speed automatic

18.5/23.5

18.0

Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD w/17-inch wheels

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5

50%

Fuel Economy - 5

50%

Ride Quality - 6

60%

Steering/Handling - 4

40%

Quietness - 5

50%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6

60%

Room/Comfort Front - 6

60%

Room/Comfort Rear - 6

60%

Cargo Room - 7

70%

Other

Value - 6

60%

Total: 56

Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2005 Equinox 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5

100%

Front Passenger Injury - 5

100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A

N/A0%

Rear Passenger Injury - N/A

N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision	N/A
Injury	N/A
Theft	N/A

2005 Chevrolet Equinox	Pricing Effective: 06/01/2005
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD LS 4-door wagon	$ 21,320	$ 19,657	$ 565
AWD LS 4-door wagon	23,295	21,478	565
2WD LT 4-door wagon	23,035	21,238	565
AWD LT 4-door wagon	24,660	22,737	565
Price Note:

Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Preferred Equipment Group 1SB	LS	$535	$482
Cruise control, floormats, rear privacy glass, roof rack.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SD	LT	550	495
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, 6-way power driver seat, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Preferred Equipment Group 1SE	LT	3745	3371
Preferred Equipment Group 1SD plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, power sunroof, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, 235/60R17 tires, machine-finished alloy wheels.
Trailering Equipment		350	315
Receiver hitch, 4-wire connector.
Safety
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Curtain side airbags		395	356
Antilock brakes	2WD LS	400	360
Includes traction control.
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
OnStar assistance system	LT	1045	941
OnStar assistance system	LT w/1SD	820	738
Includes one-year service, steering-wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Leather upholstery	LT	545	491
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SD.
Heated front seats	LT	250	225
Requires Preferred Equipment Group 1SD, leather upholstery.
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player		135	122
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player	LT w/1SE (credit)	-260	-234
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer		395	356
Upgraded sound system	LT	295	266
Requires optional radio.
Satellite radio	LT	325	293
Requires monthly service fee after 3rd month.
Power sunroof	LT	595	535
Floormats	LS	40	36
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Roof rack	LS	45	41
Rear privacy glass	LS	275	248
Fog lights	LS	230	207
Includes color-keyed bumpers.
Special paint		165	149
Engine-block heater		20	18
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Alloy wheels	LS	375	338
Machine-finished alloy wheels	LT	295	266
Includes 235/60R17 tires.

2006 Chevrolet Equinox	Pricing Effective: 05/26/2006
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD LS 4-door wagon	$ 21,400	$ 19,945	$ 590
AWD LS 4-door wagon	22,900	21,343	590
2WD LT 4-door wagon	22,400	20,877	590
AWD LT 4-door wagon	23,900	22,275	590
Price Note:

Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
2LT Option Pkg.	LT	$1130	$938
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, automatic day/night rearview mirror, 235/60R17 tires.
Trailering Equipment		350	291
Receiver hitch, 4-wire connector.
Safety
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Curtain side airbags		395	328
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
OnStar assistance system		1045	867
OnStar assistance system	LT w/2LT Option Pkg.	695	577
Includes one year service, steering wheel radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Leather upholstery	LT	595	494
Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
Heated front seats	LT	250	208
Requires 2LT Option Pkg.
AM/FM/CD/MP3 player		135	112
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer		395	327
Upgraded sound system	LT	325	270
Requires optional radio or 2LT Option Pkg.
Satellite radio	LT	325	270
Requires monthly service fee after 3rd month.
Power sunroof	LT	695	577
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Roof rack	LT	150	125
Special paint		295	245
Engine-block heater		35	29

2007 Chevrolet Equinox	Pricing Effective: 04/13/2007
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD LS 4-door wagon	$ 22,250	$ 20,737	$ 615
AWD LS 4-door wagon	23,750	22,135	615
2WD LT 4-door wagon	23,040	21,473	615
AWD LT 4-door wagon	24,540	22,871	615
Price Note:

Overview

Yearly Updates

Engines

Road Test

Performance

Accommodations

Other

Total: 56

Specifications

NHTSA

HLDI

Trouble Spots

Recall History

Equipment Lists

Pricing

Standard Equipment
LS : 3.4-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, dual front airbags, daytime running lights, air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, adjustable split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, rear spoiler, 235/65R16 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, antilock brakes
LT adds: traction control, antilock brakes, cruise control, map lights, floormats, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rack, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control

Standard Equipment
LS : 3.4-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control, dual front airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights, air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, adjustable split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, rear spoiler, 235/65R16 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control
LT adds: floormats, fog lights, rear privacy glass, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive. Deletes: traction control

Standard Equipment
LS : 3.4-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control, dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, daytime running lights, air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, center console, cupholders, adjustable split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media connection, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, roof rails, 235/65R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive
LT adds: leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, floormats, rear privacy glass, rear spoiler, AWD adds: all-wheel drive

2008 Chevrolet Equinox	Pricing Effective: 06/04/2008
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD LS 4-door wagon	$ 23,035	$ 21,538	$ 615
AWD LS 4-door wagon	24,660	23,057	615
2WD LT 4-door wagon	23,905	22,351	615
AWD LT 4-door wagon	25,530	23,871	615
2WD LTZ 4-door wagon	27,810	26,002	615
AWD LTZ 4-door wagon	29,435	27,522	615
2WD Sport 4-door wagon	28,115	26,288	615
AWD Sport 4-door wagon	29,740	27,807	615
Price Note:

2009 Chevrolet Equinox	Pricing Effective: 02/20/2009
Model Pricing	Retail Price	Dealer Price	Destination
2WD LS 4-door wagon	$ 24,315	$ 22,978	$ 695
AWD LS 4-door wagon	26,310	24,863	695
2WD LT 4-door wagon	25,235	23,847	695
AWD LT 4-door wagon	27,230	25,732	695
2WD LTZ 4-door wagon	29,140	27,537	695
AWD LTZ 4-door wagon	31,135	29,423	695
2WD Sport 4-door wagon	29,445	27,826	695
AWD Sport 4-door wagon	31,440	29,711	695
Price Note:

Optional Equipment
Option Note:
Major Packages
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
2LT Option Pkg.	LT	$1325	$1166
Remote engine start, 6-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, fog lights, 235/60R17 tires, pearl chrome alloy wheels.
Chrome and Sound Pkg.	LT	1245	1096
Mfr. Disc.		745	656
Pioneer sound system, chrome alloy wheels. NA w/2LT Option Pkg.
Sport, Sun, Leather, and Sound Pkg.	Sport	1740	1531
Mfr. Disc.		990	871
Leather upholstery, power sunroof, Pioneer sound system. NA w/DVD entertainment system.
Chrome Plus Pkg.		845	744
Chrome side steps, chrome fuel-filler door, chrome side steps. Requires Chrome and Sound Group or chrome alloy wheels.
Sun and Wheel Pkg.	LT	995	308
Power sunroof, chrome alloy wheels. NA w/2LT Option Pkg.
Trailering Equipment	LT, LTZ, Sport	350	308
Receiver hitch, 4-wire connector. LT requires 2LT Option Pkg.
Comfort & Convenience Features
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Navigation system	LT, LTZ, Sport	2145	1888
LT requires 2LT Option Pkg.
Leather upholstery	LT, Sport	595	524
LT requires 2LT Option Pkg.
Heated front seats	LT	250	220
Requires 2LT Option Pkg., leather upholstery.
DVD entertainment system	LT, LTZ, Sport	995	876
LT, Sport require Pioneer sound system. NA w/power sunroof.
Dual-screen DVD entertainment system		1936	1704
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer	LT, Sport	435	382
Pioneer sound system	LT, Sport	395	348
Power sunroof	LT, LTZ, Sport	750	660
Remote engine start	LT	190	167
Cargo cover		158	139
Floormats	LS	95	84
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Option	Avail.	Retail	Dealer
Roof rails	Sport	150	132
Roof rack	LT, LTZ, Sport	150	132
Sport requires roof rails.