MSRP: $23,530 - $30,970
Invoice: $22,354 - $29,422
Combined Fuel Economy: 26.6 MPG
National Average Base Selling Price: $23,225
The most powerful of the compact CUVs is the Chevrolet Equinox, with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. That engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It is also super fuel efficient, at 22 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Equinox and Toyota RAV4 both "good" in frontal offset and side-impact testing. Those two, receiving the best IIHS ratings, also received an "Acceptable"rating in roof-strength tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave Equinox, as well as Honda CR-V, 5-star ratings in Front Driver/Front Passenger as well as 5-star ratings in Side Driver/Side Rear Passenger impact testing.All that pretty much puts the Equinox atop the category in safety.
The Equinox is the roomiest of our choices, and the four-cylinder engine is nothing to apologize for, while delivering terrific highway fuel economy. Styling is exceptional, and the vehicle represents Chevy's recently-honed commitment to premium feeling fitments all over the interior. In other words, it feels and looks more expensive than it is.
For being an all around pleasure to drive and live with, combined with solid hard numbers to show it means business against Asian rivals, the 2012 Equinox is, for us, pound for pound and dollar for dollar the smartest SUV to buy under $30,000 and above $20,000.
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