There’s a lot to like about the 2019 Chevrolet Equinox, even if the best configuration requires a careful hand on the order sheet.
Pros Wide range of engine, trim choices Comfortable interior Good ride and handling Gas engines provide solid performance
Cons Diesel misses the mark Advanced safety gear costs extra—too much extra Some awkward design angles 9-speed automatic can feel confused Deceptive base trim level
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox ranked #10 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Chevrolet Equinox has a score of 8.1 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 21 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Above-average fuel economy Supportive, roomy seats Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons Unimpressive cabin build quality Below-average cargo capacity Limited maneuverability in cramped spaces
The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox stands out by bringing high-end luxury features and a couple of distinctive engines to this typically price-conscious class.
Pros Three engines to choose from, including a fuel-efficient diesel Smooth ride over most road surfaces Excellent handling characteristics
Cons Interior materials quality is disappointing considering the price The base gasoline and diesel engines don't feel very lively Wallet-friendly base L trim is special order only Smaller cargo area compared to most of its competitors
The first-generation Chevrolet Captiva offered buyers a lot of car for their money. It was a large, seven-seater SUV with powerful diesel engines and decent off-road capability thanks to its four-wheel-drive system. A facelift in 2011 brought revised looks and simplified the engine line-up down to just a single diesel. Two models are available: an entry-level, five-seat, two-wheel-drive version and a high-spec, seven-seat, four-wheel-drive one. Although all Captivas are comfortable and well equipped, they don't lead the class when it comes to efficiency and the range-topping LTZ specification can be quite expensive.
Despite its name, it seemed like the Chevrolet Captiva was merely content as the wallflower of the compact crossover segment. While everyone else boasted head-turning good looks or formidable performance (or both), the Captiva had an available diesel variant and seven seats. Sure, it was enough for a select few to part money for one, but the vast majority of Filipinos passed on it. Well, Chevrolet has finally understood that having a diesel and seven seats maybe good for few, but an updated styling and some spec tweaks are much more important. Enter the 2015 Captiva, a compact crossover that’s now slicker than your average. While it’s not a real fuel miser, at least it handles tidily. Along with the new engine, the 2015 Captiva receives a re-tweaked suspension. Chevy calls it a soft ride suspension, but it feels firmer than the pre-facelifted version. It sharpens the road manners, but the flip side is the ride isn’t as relaxed as it should be for this class. Bumps get easily transmitted into the cabin which isn’t helped by the less than solid feeling body structure. It doesn’t flop or flip through corners, but the overall experience is still very pedestrian. The steering isn’t as quick and feels rather numb, mainly because it still relies on a non-variable ratio hydraulic assist steering, but at least there’s still good grip. Unlike more modern offerings, it doesn’t have stability control to speak of and this causes the front tires to chirp at full throttle. But at least the torque steer is largely controlled.
