2005 Chevrolet Equinox
by Gary S. Vasilash

While some vehicle manufacturers are hell-bent to create SUVs that accentuate the 'sport,' the 2005 Chevy Equinox puts the accent on the utility. The eminently forgettable Tracker is to be replaced with a large (wheelbase: 112.5 inches, width: 61.6 inches) compact vehicle that essentially appears to be a TrailBlazer that has undergone the “Honey, I Shrunk the Truck” treatment. Presumably, the notion is to provide as big a small vehicle as possible.

While the TrailBlazer look is evidently resonating in the market right now, a question is whether it will matter as much in early ’04, when the Equinox will go into production.

The real appeal of the Equinox is found on the inside. One of the more clever approaches to a rear seat is employed: Just as front seats can be adjusted fore and aft, the rear seat can move nearly eight inches for passenger comfort , or to provide additional cargo space. There is all manner of amenities in the back, including the now cute-ute obligatory fold-out picnic table: when did people suddently decide their need to dine in parking lots or forests? The switches, knobs, and other adjustable interfaces on the IP and thereabouts are well designed, combining a technical look with a high level of functionality (too often there is the show and not the go).

The compact ute market is certainly competitive, with products available from essentially everyone. Will Chevy’s big-truck appeal translate to those who are looking for something significantly smaller?

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