Recently, we told you what we loved and hated about the Chevy Cruze. Now, it’s time to do the same for the Chevy Equinox.
1. Exterior Styling
While some have said that the ‘Nox’s rear-end makes it look like a tall wagon, the rest of the crossover is well-proportioned and has tasteful lines with a rugged edge. Add some bling, courtesy, of the LTZ trim, and you’re suddenly attracting stares from even the most unexpected folks.
2. Interior & MyLink Infotainment System
During our extensive time with three Equinox testers, we couldn’t find anything wrong with the crossover’s interior. Sure, some components — such as the dash and door arm rests — are of the hard-touch variety… but they’re put together in a solid fashion that produces no squeaks or rattles. What’s more, the cabin’s ability to keep road noise out is nothing short of impeccable. Add to that the intuitive steering wheel-mounted audio controls and the new Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, which is standard on 2012 model year Equinoxes, and what you get is a great interior made even better by the latest technology in the biz. Oh, and did we mention the fact that the ‘Nox has 18 storage areas?
3. Second Row Flexibility
Speaking of the interior, the Equinox’s Multi-Flex sliding rear seat offers the most rear-seat legroom in its class by having nearly eight inches of sliding space, resulting in up to 39.9 inches of leg room for back-seat passengers. With the second row pushed all the way back, simply tilt those rear seatbacks backward and enjoy the ride! Need more cargo space? Simply slide that second row forward and you reclaim valuable trunk space.
4. Driving Characteristics
What’s the benefit of engineering a vehicle that’s a bit heavier than its classmates? Solidity — the concrete and planted feeling of certainty while driving. And that’s exactly what the Equinox provides, even in windy mountainous areas such as the Colorado rockies, where wind speeds are high and gusts are aplenty. We like to call it solidly planted — and it’s a good thing.
5. OnStar, RemoteLink, FamilyLink
We don’t need to extoll the praises of OnStar, since it’s common knowledge that it’s the best automotive telematics system on the planet. If you don’t think so, go ahead and try the copycat systems of the competition… and then get back to us. But what makes the experience even better is the OnStar RemoteLink app, which offers the ability to remotely start, lock/unlock the vehicle as well as enable its horn/lights as well as retrieve vital information such as the odometer reading, fuel range, and average MPG — all from a smartphone (iOS and Android devices only). RemoteLink also supports finding a destination on the mobile device and sending it to your vehicle, where it will be ready with voice navigation guidance. And to top it all off, OnStar FamilyLink — currently in beta — is an irreplaceable tool for keeping tabs on families and young drivers and making sure your loved ones have reached their destination safely.
Later this week, we’ll bring you the five things we do not like about the Theta II-based crossover. In the meantime, share your favorite aspects of the Equinox in the comments below!
Comments
I have to admit, the MyLink Infotainment system just sounds awesome. When the time finally comes to get a new Equinox, I’ll be the first in line for this feature!
Very nice article. I think (hope) a mid cylce refreash is coming soon. Also the MyLink infotainment system that you show there is NOT currently available.
I custom ordered a 2012 Equinox last week. The only question that the dealership couldn’t answer was, would my Equinox have MyLink or the standard radio. Its targeted for delivery in mid Jan. to early Feb. due to all the Holidays coming up. My order was for a LTZ FWD 4cyl. Also they said that I could order it in “Cardinal Red Metallic” which surprised me due to reports that red would be discontinued according to some of the articles I have read on this website about the 2012 Equinox.
Hey JF — your Equinox will have MyLink — as it’s standard in the vehicle.
The Red looks to be returning if the dealer ordered it for you. The reason it wasn’t available at first for MY 2012 was due to a shortage of certain components that make up the paint. We haven’t heard anything about it on our end, though — so you may have just broken the story! 🙂
MyLink is NOT standard, nor is it even available. It is on the way but has not been released. A 7″ touch screen IS standard, though it does not offer Pandora or Stitcher streaming via Bluetooth (which is a large part of the MyLink app).
We literally confirmed this yesterday with officials at GM: MyLink is shipping on all 2012 units. I guess they’re incorrect… I will reach out to them again right now.
I got a 2012 LTZ in Silver Ice last month. My salesman told me that he could order 1 Equinox in Red.
They are misinformed. I sell new Chevrolets and not one has MyLink. Again, they all have a 7″ touch screen. But the major components that make up the MyLink system are not there.
Interesting. We’ve sent in another inquiry. Let’s see where we get.
You were indeed correct – Dan. Looks like the folks at GM made a mistake when getting back to me.
Here are the facts: MyLink will not ship on the Equinoxes until December. I’m trying to find out whether owners of 2012s without MyLink will be able to upgrade via a software update.
I don’t think that the LS has the 7 inch display though only on the LTZ
Your right the LS does not have the 7″ screen. Though 1LT-LTZ does, though still not equipped with MyLink.
I think that goes the same with the Terrain even though the SLE-1 has the display standard
My order workbench has a code (UFU) for my audio system. I read your article on this website that anounced the the equinox will be getting the MYLINK in sprint of 2012. That article also mentioned the same code (UFU) for MYLINK. Could my car coming in early 2012 be considered the time frame for MYLINK thus explaining why cars arriving this fall on the dearership lots don’t have it yet? Thanks for the feedback and the searches you guys are doing to try to answer my question. Love this site for all the info you provide.
The code for the current radio is UFU….They may use that for the MyLink radio but we wont know forsure until they release the RPO codes.
we have 2010 equinox wy we get one first the back seat is high ,,,something gm keep whit the new design…..is bad they dont use whit all is suv…..on thing y dont like the passenger seats not adjustable need to fix this problem….good engine v6 all wheel drive need to be more up date compare to some suv..
Just went to what I was told by a Chevy service rep is the new Chevy My Link website at https://www.myconnectedradio.com/web/chevrolet/. After registering my vehicle by VIN number, I have an 2012 2LT AWD Equinox, I found that there was “no MyLink manual downloadable for this specific vehicle” and that there was as yet no downloadable software update.
While my salesperson thought that MyLink was offered on the 2012 when I ordered to build obviously it is not. Since it was a principle selling point for me, Chevrolet better make good on an upgrade or I, for one will be a very angry customer.
Hi David — yes, MyLink is not available yet. We will have a feature running this morning about this very fact.
I’ve been in touch with GM corporate and here’s what I’ve learned (link to our forum):
http://gmauthority.com/forum/discussion/comment/164#Comment_164