Having a quiet cabin can make a world of difference. Without constant eardrum bashing, drivers are less likely to become fatigued, and there’s a greater chance to recognize a potential mechanical problem or looming hazard on the road. Indeed, these kind of things can make a big difference behind the wheel, which is why Consumer Reports tests for noise levels in the cabin. Now, CR is recognizing the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox as one of the quietest compact SUVs it’s ever tested.
“We evaluate interior noise as part of more than 50 objective and subjective tests,” Consumer Reports explains. “We listen to the wind, road, engine, and tire noises that often penetrate the interior.” Through its testing, CR put together a list of the top five quietest compact SUVs on the road right now, which just so happens to include the Chevrolet Equinox.
Consumer Reports describes the 2020 Chevrolet Equinox as “one of the roomiest compact SUVs available,” adding that it had “a subdued engine hum, and there’s little road and wind noise. We found that the ride absorbed bumps and pavement imperfections quite well. Handling is responsive and secure.”
Also on the list of quietest compact SUVs were the Mazda CX-5, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Kia Sportage.
As for the Chevrolet Equinox, CR lists the Price Range between $23,800 and $35,700. The Chevy also achieved fuel returns of 25 mpg overall, with 17 mph in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. CR ranked the Equinox at sixth place among 33 entries in the compact sport-utility vehicles segment.
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox is the third model year for the latest third-generation vehicle, which arrived for the 2018 model year. The engine lineup includes the turbocharged 1.5L LYX inline four-cylinder, which is tuned to produce 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, as well as the turbocharged 2.0L LTG inline four-cylinder, which is tuned to produce 252 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The LYX is paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the LTG connects to the GM nine-speed automatic. The Equinox’s previous 1.6L turbodiesel LH7 engine is no longer offered.
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Source: Consumer Reports
Comments
That’s a nice thing to read, especially coming form C.R. Normally they don’t seem to like anything that’s not a Japanese brand. One of my biggest things (most important) in a new vehicle is how quiet the interior is while driving. It’s one of the things I appreciate the most with my 2018 Buick Encore. To be honest, I’m kind of surprised no Buick made this list. However, they may not have tested one?? Article is not clear about the list or how they came up with it. I noticed they also mention the Mazda CX5 (of which I sell), and I can tell you they are much more quiet than the previous generation! But it’s still not as quiet as my little Buick nor is the CX5 near as comfortable.
Of course. I just tried to look up that article from C.R. on the above tests. No luck. As always, they are busy selling their biased magazine, so unless you “belong” to C.R. already or are willing to “sign up”, you aren’t worthy of seeing the results or what cars were tested or how they did the tests.
Just another example of why I dislike C.R. and refuse to ever be a part of their biased reporting magazine. Someone at Chevrolet must have sent that check in to get the Equinox on this list. lol
Chevrolet’s Equinox is not unlike the high-volume sellers of yesteryear as the Equinox offers a high amount of bang for the buck and why it’s a sales leader.
GM does have interior noise under control in most of their new vehicles. Between insulation, isolation with bushings, shields and seal.
Even the glass has been changed to control noise.
The greatest thing on the new Nox vs th3 last is it is smaller but better packaged, the old one had hard points that intruded into the interior as it started as a smaller platform that grew.
CR just reconsidered the award, it went to the Camry…..
I have a 2019 Equinox LT we bought new 15 months ago. I am astounded at the road noise…Michelin Premier LTX tires make constant humming, at only 14K miles, and have since new. How anyone can say this is one of the quietest SUV’s is a complete mystery to me. My 2017 Cruze is absolutely limo-like quiet in comparison. My Equinox was built in Ingersoll.
I totally agree with that .. I too have a 2019 and the road noise drives me crazy.. I don’t want to drive it cause it gives me a headache.. it has 11,000 miles and it’s now 3/13/2021..
I miss my 2003 top of the line Impala.. although it started acting crazy when there were more than 1 adult in it.. the Chevy Shake is what I called it.. it had 132,000 miles on it purchased new..
2021 Equanox, excessive road noise, seems like tires. Has approx 5k miles on vehicle. Bought 5 months ago for my wife, and I don’t ride in it much, but heard it last week. I turned radio down ,and ask, do you hear that. I don’t hear well, so it’s loud. She said it’s been like that since new, could it be the tires tread, louder when faster. Had completed vehicle checked at shop, no noise when in air on lift.
It’s not the tires… the noise drove me crazy.. driving on grass, dirt, concrete or black top didn’t matter. There is nothing in the under carriage to drown out the road noise..
I now have a 2022 Blazer.. there is no noise, the seats aren’t rock hard.. 9 speed transmission and it’s turbo charge..
I don’t miss that equinox.. I hated that equinox!
I had a 2015 equinox that I traded in for a 2021 equinox LT . I have 4000 miles on the new Equinox and I have to say this has to have the loudest road noise of any car I have ever owned . Dealers say they are all like that when bought new . Could be the Michelin Primacy a/s tires . The 2015 was a very quiet car with Michelin latitude tires .
Purchased a 2021 AWD Equinox new, has 15k on it, I’ve had it for 2 years now. I am completely satisfied with it, However, driving at highway speeds (60-80mph) while trying to carry on a conversation at a normal voice level is difficult, as the bottom of the vehicle is apparently extremely thin with minimal noise barrier under the carpet.