crossover Archives

2016 Chevy Equinox LTZ AWD

2.4 L 4-cylinder engine
6-speed automatic transmission
All-wheel Drive (AWD)

182 horsepower
172 lb.-ft. of torque

Starting at $26,795
This one $37,995

You know me – function over fashion, forever – so I like the look of this Equinox.

That’s not to say I think the Equinox is ugly, not at all. In fact, the model you’re looking at remains mostly unchanged since its debut in 2009. As in – this vehicle will age well.

A fast way to differentiate previous model years from this 2016 is the new grille and headlights.

Available in 3 trims – LS, LT, LTZ – this is the top LTZ.

Remember, this Equinox is a people-mover; it’s not supposed to press you back in your seat, it’s a work horse, and it does that well. Pickup is decent off the launch, and while your foot will be to the floor while merging or passing, it’ll get there. While towing 1,500 pounds too.

Steering and suspension follow suit – tuned for comfort – and during it all the cabin is quite quiet.

AWD is available in each trim, another +$2,200. And it’s possible to opt-up to a 3.6L V6 engine which outputs 301 hp and 272 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel economy is rated at 9.9 L / 100 km (combined,) and I achieved a 9.7 L / 100 km. Not sure I’ve ever typed a that I achieved a lower rating before; I drive like a pig remember.

The centre console controls are easily learned, and there’s so many hard buttons! YES.

Features include remote start, a backup camera, cruise control, 8-way power front seats that are heated, and the cabin’s climate control is automatic.

A + $2,325 sees the addition of a sunroof, higher quality speakers and a navigation system.

The backseat is roomy, one of the largest in the segement, and ready – the rear seats recline. Nice eh.

This makes the cargo area slightly smaller than some of its competitors, but no matter, fold down the 60/40 seats and it’ll be fine.

Like most GM products, standard on all trims is the ability to connect the car to the internet.

Using OnStar with 4G LTE and a built-in WiFi Hotspot, passengeres can connect via the dashboard. Learn more here.

Chevy is great at storage.

Like the two-tiered centre stack cubbies, and the deep armrest storage compartment that easily holds your Happy Meal Spiderman driving glasses.

A + $1,250 Driver Confidence Package adds the en vogue driving aids – blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, rear park assist and forward collision alert. That’s a well priced package.

However, see the below photo? That orange bar is the forward collision alert, which I found a bit sensitive. Why is it lighting up when I’m passing on the highway?

If I owned this SUV, a piece of electrical tape would go overtop.

You’re going to start seeing these Equinoxes everywhere.

Look on your drive home tonight. It’s not that I pointed them out, but because this is Chevy’s 2nd best-selling vehicle (1st is a pickup truck.)

Saved the best fact for last…
the Equinox is built in Canada!

The Oshawa, Ontario Assembly plant produces SUV.

Blog tag = Chevy

Introducing Honda’s all-new subcompact crossover, the HR-V (non car-nerds: all-new means this car has never before existed, more here)

In Honda’s lineup, this HR-V is larger than the Fit, but smaller than the CRV.

Honda invited my blog to test it out in Miami, FL (more about that here.)

2016 Honda HR-V

1.8L 4-cyl CVT engine
141 hp
127 lb.ft of torque
Transmissions: 6-spd manual and AWD
Starting at: low $20,000s

Manual! Nice one Honda.

I tested both, and while driving impressions are embargoed until April 30th, what I will say is: it drives like a Honda, that is a compliment.

Clockwise from top left:

– steering wheel controls, and a clean instrument cluster
– driver’s door controls
– good-looking elongated vents eh
– a minimal centre console

Before beginning the design process, Honda conducted extensive research and found buyers wanted the styling of a coupe, with the utility of an SUV. I’d have given up at that point, that’s a total dichotomy.

But Honda pulled it off. For more on how, I interviewed Hayato Mori, Honda’s senior Product Planning Manager, read it on Autonet.

A dedicated phone area – storage, and all the outlets.

Here comes the one bad thing… can you spot it?

Missing is a hard button for volume control. There’s one on the steering wheel, but nothing replaces a knob to quickly decrease the stereo’s volume.

But if that’s my biggest complaint, that’s nothing.

Plus the rear seats more than make up for it, and are a big part of what will separate this HR-V from its competitors: Honda’s Magic Seats.

Same seats found in the Fit.

They fold down practically flat (a rarity), and when in the up position, massive cargo will slide inside.

Available in 3 trims – LX, EX, and EX-L

The LX standard list of features is strong: heated front seats and mirrors, , 3 power outlets, body colour handles and mirrors, hill start assist, a backup camera with 3 angles (see animated gif here), Econ mode, and all riding on 17″ alloy wheels.

Bump up to the second trim – EX – for a moonroof, LaneWatch, side mirror turn signals and keyless entry.

The EX-L top trim provides leather-wrapped steering wheel and seating trim, navigation, XM radio and a bunch of en-vogue driving aids I’ll never get behind. Choose the base or mid-level trim, forget this trim.

Prediction: this HR-V is going to dominate the segment. The styling is sharp (look at that aggressive grille), the functionality of the rear seats, it’s a Honda (reliable and fun to drive), and it’s available in manual come ON.

Competitors: Nissan Juke, Kia Soul, Mazda CX-3, Chevrolet Trax, Jeep Renegade