The World of West Chevrolet

Friday, September 2, 2022

Consumer Reports Names 2022 Chevy Equinox as a “4-Star Triumph” for Usability and Controls

With its roomy cabin, user-friendly infotainment system, and high ranking for reliability from top experts such as U.S. News, all of us here at West Chevy of Knoxville already knew that the 2022 Chevy Equinox was going to be a huge hit! Living and breathing proof that you don't have to spend a fortune to have great features and amazing handling during your daily drive time, the Equinox has now introduced a full model refresh that gleaned stellar reviews from the Consumer Reports crew for its usability and controls. 

In a recent post, Consumer Reports looked at vehicles that nailed down high scores during extended evaluations and tests and were on the hunt for the much-needed “stress-free” models. To secure this prized spot among busy parents, young professionals, and startup owners here in Tennessee, the vehicles needed to have a quiet running noise threshold, good visibility, easy-to-use controls, and a good amount of rear seat comfort. There were more than 50 objective and subjective tests, then the results were tabulated and ranked in comparison against composites. 

During this detailed process, Consumer Reports were able to identify four major categories that buyers would render as important enough to sway their purchase decision, and the vehicles that posted the best performance in these categories. After the evaluation, the 2022 Equinox scored a very high 3 out of 5 and managed an overall score of 74 points out of a possible 100. The standard engine that comes along dutifully with you for the ride is the turbocharged 1.5-liter I-4 LYX gasoline engine, which cranks out 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. 

This year’s Equinox rides on the GM D2 platform, which is expertly engineered to be very lightweight, extremely modular, and serves up top-notch driving dynamics. This platform replaced the Delta 2 and Theta architectures and provides front-wheel drive along with support for all-wheel drive, and a transversely mounted engine placement. Predicted reliability is a very sought after-trait as families want their vehicles to stay on the road in a rapidly changing economy, and hardworking Americans are demanding models that are built to last. 

The RS trim with its brand-new sporty aesthetics makes a stellar addition to the lineup, and new for this year is completely revised front and rear styling. The Motor Trend team reflected after a test drive the 2022 model looks much sharper than last year, and the 6-speed automatic has the “uncanny AI” to be right there with the next gear just when you need it for every single shift. The competition is definitely ready to rumble since the overall market is tightening up again, but the Honda CR-V, the Toyota RAV4, and the Subaru Forester will have to remain astute, alert, and always up on all fours to compete with the value proposition and sensible stance the Equinox provides!

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