2013 Chevrolet Equinox Total Car Score Analysis

The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox earns an above average Total Car Score for the Midsize SUVs & Crossovers segment.  
 
Three years into its second generation, the Equinox gets a powertrain upgrade for 2013: an optional 3.6-liter V6 engine that delivers significantly more horsepower and torque than the outgoing 3.0-liter V6 while hitting the same fuel economy numbers. Order the high-end LTZ model with the optional 18- or 19-inch wheels and you’ll also get a new FE2 suspension package specially tuned to the bigger motor.  
 
Chevrolet has also bundled its MyLink infotainment system with a navigation system, so buyers no longer are forced to choose between the two. MyLink works with Bluetooth enabled smart phones to play internet radio stations, enables wireless control of the phones and also controls the Equinox’s other audio feeds.  
 
Speaking of bundles, new option groups include a Safety Package (with forward collision alert, lane departure warning and rear park assist) and a Power Convenience Package (power passenger seat, universal home remote and power-assisted liftgate).  
 
These mid-cycle tweaks have garnered mixed reviews among automotive critics. Some see the Equinox as a roomy, value-laden family hauler with all the right electronic bells and whistles, while others see a lackluster, overly hefty crossover that can’t really compete with the best the segment has to offer.  
 
If you’re shopping for a new people mover, it sounds like the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is worth a look, if for no other reason than to see which camp you fall into.

2013 Chevrolet Equinox Model Line-Up

The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is a four-door five-passenger crossover vehicle available with a choice of two engines, front- or all-wheel-drive powertrains and LS, LT and LTZ trim levels.  
 
The base engine in all three Equinox models is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque. Optional in LT and LTZ models is a new 3.6-liter V6 good for 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, and both can be ordered with standard FWD or optional AWD.  
 
Standard equipment found on base LS Equinox models includes 17-inch aluminum wheels, cloth upholstery, manually controlled air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, power windows, mirrors and door locks, and an 80-watt, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/satellite radio audio system.  
 
The LT trim level is actually broken out into two tiers: 1LT models include an upgraded audio system with a 7-inch touch-screen, premium cloth upholstery, heated outside mirrors and a backup camera; 2LT versions add to that heated front seats and remote vehicle start.  
 
The LTZ models are outfitted with a 250-watt Pioneer 8-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, eight-way powered front seats, foglamps, a powered liftgate and rear park assist. Rear-seat entertainment, navigation, forward collision alert and Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system are among the major options available for the Equinox.  
 
The EPA rates the Equinox’s fuel economy at 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined for 2.4-liter FWD versions, 20/29/23 for 2.4 AWD models, and 17/24/20 for V6 FWD models.  
 
Properly equipped, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox with a V6 can tow up to 3,500 pounds, 1,500 pounds with the four-cylinder.

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