2016 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L AWD Features

The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L AWD is mechanically indistinguishable from its immediate predecessors. It has the same all-wheel-drive system, the same six-speed automatic transmission, and the same base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque. The transmission does offer a manual-shift option, achieved via a thumb switch atop the shift lever, which is very awkward to operate. We suspect owners will try it once or twice and then dismiss it. Max power comes on at 6700 rpm, and hearing this engine strain for peak revs is not at all inspirational. Although the 2016 Chevy Equinox is exceptionally quiet at freeway cruising speeds, the sound issuing from beneath the hood at wide-open throttle is quite coarse. The fade-free braking performance is slightly below average for this class in terms of distances. It’s worth noting, though, that the average can’t be called good. Average does apply to the Equinox&lateral grip (0.79 g), and overall it stacks up as competent. Still, let’s not confuse competent with engaging; there’s nothing about this vehicle that’s likely to provoke a Sunday-morning excursion for the sheer enjoyment of driving. But if the Equinox is short on joie de drive, it has a good many other virtues. The 2016 Chevrolet Equinox&freshened exterior continues to be attractive among these compact boxes. The interior looks good, particularly in this fancy LTZ trim with its heated leather seats, navigation, upscale audio system, and...