There's something to be said about a brand like Chevy. While any manufacturer could get a team together and produce vehicles year in, year out, with a somewhat reliable track record, the bow-tie brand has always placed the needs of the average consumer ahead of maximizing profits. Look no further than its consistently evolving lineup of SUVs to see this practice in action. Ever since the needs of its customers shifted from sedans to SUVs, which are ideal for both the average consumer and the family-oriented, Chevy has been expanding its SUV lineup. Its tradition of offering customers a unique and versatile product at a lower than average cost continues with the 2022 Chevy Equinox LS. Although many manufacturers are placing emphasis on how exquisite their top trim levels are, Chevy's introductory offering is cost-effective and once again shows us why Chevy is the domestic brand that Americans trust. Let's take a closer look at what happens when a low price and an excellent product are made available in a single package.
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In today's market, having an engine that can go the extra mile when needed, provide more than adequate performance, and not place a drain on a bank account by way of fuel consumption or frequent repairs is more important than ever. The engine that Chevy equips the Equinox LS with is its 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. The engine, first offered on the 2018 Equinox, has proven its versatility and comes standard on the 2022 Equinox LS. Providing the Equinox with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, this 1.5L turbocharged engine certainly lacks for nothing and has enough performance and efficiency to keep ahead of the pack and away from the gas station. Of course, versatility is one of the things that Chevy is known for, so for those of you who consider yourselves the "trailering type," the Equinox LS has the ability to tow 1,500 lbs.
Because Chevy opts to equip the Equinox LS with a four-cylinder engine, it's fairly conservative when it comes to the amount of fuel it uses. Like many other SUVs in its class, the Equinox LS comes with two available drivetrain options, offering unique advantages and fuel economies. For those who call Albany home, the FWD version of the Equinox will be ideal. Along with a six-speed automatic transmission, the FWD version gets a combined 28 MPG. When fully broken down, you can expect to get 26 MPG while driving in the city and 31 MPG when you take to the highway. For the frugally-minded, that's good news.
For those who call rural areas their home, have a tendency to head the beaten path and enjoy off-roading, or simply want a vehicle to safely travel through New York winters, the AWD version of the Equinox LS has a drivetrain that doesn't hinder its fuel economy as much as you might think. Even with AWD, expect to attain 27MPG MPG combined. This amounts to 25 while in the city limits and 30 MPG when traveling on the highway. The difference between the fuel consumption is small, making the Equinox LS a highly economical choice, no matter which drivetrain you decide to utilize.
With a starting MSRP of just $25,800 for the 2022 Equinox LS, you might assume that Chevy skimped on the creature comforts and amenities that make long trips slightly more enjoyable.[a] Luckily, the Equinox LS doesn't lack comfort, and Chevy has done its best to equip its SUV with the finer things in life. Anchoring the interior is the standard 7" infotainment screen that operates the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. As far as interior design is concerned, the Equinox LS is everything you could ask for, spacious and sleek. While Chevy has based the interior of the new Blazer on the Camaro, the Equinox LS is the ideal alternative––practical with an aesthetic that gives the family vehicle enough style to feel somewhat sporty.
With comfortable seating for five passengers, the Equinox LS is the ideal taxi for the modern family. It's not so large that maneuvering around the city is impossible, and it's certainly not scaled down in size to the point of making its driver and passengers feel cramped. Behind the seats are 29.9 cu.ft. of storage space, which is double the average trunk size of a four-door sedan. When cargo space becomes the top priority, Chevy drivers will be more than pleased to have 63.9 cu.ft. of available storage space to maximize that larger than average haul.
When it comes to keeping yourself entertained when the drive is slightly more distracting or longer than expected, the bow-tie brand has your bases covered. A six-speaker audio system is standard in the Equinox LS, as is active noise control. This allows you to focus on the road ahead and have a quiet commute if you choose. You'll also have no trouble finding things to listen to, as a complimentary three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio also comes with your purchase. And because bringing your own means of entertainment is always one of the best ways to keep yourself occupied during your commute, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is another feature that Chevy has included standard.
While performance and the comfort and amenities of a nice interior are always good to consider when purchasing a vehicle, the ability to stay safe on the road should always take top priority. Chevy has consistently offered vehicles that are safe and secure, allowing the millions of drivers who depend on them to have peace of mind in knowing that they're protected.
The safety of the vehicles that are on the road isn't just the responsibility of the manufacturer, which is why organizations such as the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Association) conduct testing to assess the ability of a vehicle to maintain its structural integrity in the event of a collision. The agency awarded the 2022 Chevy Equinox the highest overall safety rating possible, which is five stars. This speaks to the continued dedication that Chevy places upon keeping its drivers safe.
One of the facts about the world we live in is that sometimes safety comes with a price. While some manufacturers have obscured important driver-assist and safety features from consumers by only placing them on the upper trim levels, Chevy equips the Equinox LS with a wide range of standard features for the benefit of whoever is behind the wheel. Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection is standard on the Equinox LS, not to mention lane departure warning and lane-keep assistance. Chevy also equips OnStar Connected Services, one of the highest-rated driver assistance programs, which provides oversight and added protection against accidents and theft.
Standard for a few years now but always worth mentioning is GM's Teen Driver program. One of the most important safety features for any family-oriented consumer, this Teen Driver allows parents to reinforce the safe and effective driving habits they've taught their younger drivers, even when they aren't there. Teen Driver allows parents to set limitations on speed and stereo volume and even supplies them with a report card to make sure that their new driver is adhering to both the traffic laws and the ones you've set for them to follow.
By making more of its safety features standard, Chevy shows the vested interest it has in the safety of you, your family, and the several people that you share the road with.