2016 equinox mpg driver#
2016 equinox mpg manual#

2016 equinox mpg manual#

LOWS: Reluctant four-cylinder engine, overeager six-speed transmission, useless manual shift provision.

2016 equinox mpg driver#

Roominess is excellent and in line with the standards of this class, the seating is comfortable, and our measured interior-noise levels are at or near best-in-class-provided the driver refrains from demanding too much of the engine, that is.

The interior looks good, particularly in this fancy LTZ trim with its heated leather seats, navigation, upscale audio system, and contemporary infotainment tech, and it has acceptable fit and finish at this price point. The Equinox’s freshened exterior continues to be attractive among these compact boxes. But if the Equinox is short on joie de drive, it has a good many other virtues. 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. Average does apply to the Equinox's lateral grip (0.79 g), and overall it stacks up as competent. It’s worth noting, though, that the average can’t be called good.

The fade-free braking performance is slightly below average for this class in terms of distances. We do wish for a little more information from the steering, which is nicely weighted but short on accuracy, provoking little adjustments after the driver has chosen an initial line in a constant-radius turn. The chassis is free of quivers, body motions are moderate, transient responses are prompt if not really eager, and ride quality is agreeably firm. While this powertrain is uninspiring, the Equinox gives a surprisingly good account of itself on rural back roads, as well as on interstates.

One positive effect of the four-cylinder’s unrefined voice is that it discourages vigorous use of the throttle, which may account for our observed-fuel-economy result: 21 mpg during the course of this test versus 18 back in 2009, despite all-wheel drive and the additional mass. Although the Equinox is exceptionally quiet at freeway cruising speeds, the sound issuing from beneath the hood at wide-open throttle is quite coarse. Max power comes on at 6700 rpm, and hearing this engine strain for peak revs is not at all inspirational. Maybe the transmission is so eager to get to the higher gears because it wants to spare the driver the sound of the engine revving.