You’ve probably heard someone described as a jack of all trades, and, more likely than not, it wasn’t a compliment. Apparently, the phrase used to go like this: “A jack of all trades is a master of none but oftentimes better than a master of one.” In the car world, crossovers are the epitome of this, and, considering their popularity, if someone ever called you a jack of all trades, there’s a good chance they probably drive one. Crossovers don’t stand out for being the best at any one thing. Generally, they can’t fit as much cargo as an SUV or run on as little fuel as a hatchback or sedan, nor do they provide driver engagement like a sports car. They shine in their ability to be pretty decent at all of these things, which is what many drivers are looking for. The 2023 Chevy Equinox is a crossover that proves being a jack of all trades is far from a bad thing.
Ample Cargo Space
The Equinox has sedan-like seating: two rows that accommodate up to five occupants. Where it surpasses sedans is its SUV-like, flexible cargo space with a capacity of 63.9 cu.ft. That 63.9 cu.ft. is the maximum, so you’ll only get that with the rear seats completely folded, leaving space for the driver and one passenger to sit. If there are five passengers in tow, the cargo capacity is a notable 29.9 cu.ft. Fortunately, you have the option to manage your cargo space and passenger seating in several different ways. Those rear seats have a 60/40 split, meaning that you can fold down one or two seats in addition to folding them completely. So, you always have the ability to maximize your cargo space based on the number of passengers with you.
Aside from the 60/40 seat split, the Equinox has some clever features that add to its convenience. First, it has hidden storage under the rear cargo mat, so whether you need a bit more space or you have valuables you don’t want on display, you’ve got some hidden extra room there. Secondly, it has an available hands-free liftgate. If equipped, a logo will project onto the ground beneath the tailgate once you and the key fob get within six feet of the vehicle. Just wave your foot where the logo is, and voila! The tailgate will open, leaving your hands free to pack groceries, boxes, or the children’s sports equipment.
Exceptional Fuel Efficiency
Like crossovers, SUVs are one of the top vehicle choices in the United States. While they can provide great passenger volume, cargo space, and towing capability, SUVs have one major downfall: fuel efficiency. Those big, powerful vehicles require the same from their engines, so there’s a hefty gas bill that comes along with that power. Crossovers tend to be more compact, with smaller engines that aren’t as thirsty at the pump. The perfect balance of space and efficiency is typically what drivers are looking for in a vehicle.
The Equinox can come in all-wheel drive (AWD) or front-wheel drive (FWD) and is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine for both. Equinox models with FWD will be the most efficient, getting 26 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. If you opt for an AWD Equinox, fuel efficiency drops slightly to 24 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. No matter which configuration you’re looking for, the Equinox delivers impressive fuel economy for a mid-size crossover.
Tackle the Road With Confidence With All-Wheel Drive
Speaking of AWD, this is another Equinox feature that can relieve stress while out on the road. If a vehicle is equipped with AWD, the engine sends power to all four wheels and substantially boosts a vehicle’s traction, which means better handling when driving in snowy or rainy weather or on uneven surfaces. An Equinox equipped with AWD will grip the road better but will also come at an increased price tag and be less fuel efficient. On the other hand, FWD vehicles only send power to the front tires, which is fine for many drivers, depending on where they live and the capabilities they’re looking for. So, if it’s mostly sunny skies and neatly paved roads for you, a FWD Equinox will be an economical choice.
Innovative Driver Assistance Features
The exponential improvement of driver assistance technology is one of the best things that’s happened to cars in the last decade. It makes driving easier and safer and is a stepping stone to a future where cars are fully autonomous. While we aren’t there yet, the 2023 Equinox comes standard with these five driver assistance features that make life easier and safer:
• Forward collision alert and automatic emergency braking warn the driver when a potential front-end collision has been detected, allowing them to take evasive action. Emergency braking kicks in when the situation warrants it, enhancing the driver’s braking to help avoid or reduce the severity of a front-end collision.
• Front pedestrian braking uses cameras to detect pedestrians and automatic braking to avoid or reduce the severity of a collision. We can’t see everything, so it’s nice to have an extra set of eyes looking out for us and those around us.
• Lane keep assist with lane departure warning alerts the driver if they are unintentionally drifting outside their lane and will steer automatically to keep the vehicle within the lane.
• Following distance indicator encourages drivers to maintain a safe following distance between their vehicle and others by displaying that distance in seconds. It detects vehicles traveling ahead and displays the number of seconds it would take for your vehicle’s front bumper to reach that vehicle’s rear bumper. Keeping a following distance equal to or greater than three seconds is a good rule of thumb.
• IntelliBeam auto high beam assist automatically flips the vehicle’s high beams on and off depending on the driving conditions, which is undoubtedly easier than having to manually do it yourself.
Chevy MyWay Takes Online Shopping to the Next Level
The way we shop for vehicles has changed. Gone are the days when stopping in at a dealership was the sole option for purchasing a car. While this is still available for those who prefer to see a vehicle in person, shopping online has increased in popularity due to its convenience.
While it’s great to be able to buy a new car entirely from the couch, it’s a big purchase that should only be made by informed buyers and exclusively doing research online may not paint the whole picture. That’s where Chevy MyWay comes in. It’s a service offered by Chevy that allows potential buyers to tour vehicles virtually. This can be done in a personalized one-on-one video chat with a specialist or in a more-anonymous group setting. All you have to do is schedule a tour right on the Chevrolet website!
The 2023 Chevy Equinox Is a Master of Many
In a perfect world, everybody could have five cars, each specializing in a specific type of driving; a car that gets 50 MPG, a car that can tow 20,000 lbs, and a car with a manual transmission that can zip through curvy roads with ease. One for driving in the winter, one for driving in the summer, and so on. For most of us, our reality is that we drive around in one car, so we need it to be able to do everything. Driving a crossover like the Chevy Equinox makes life easier because it manages to do this without feeling like a compromise. Jack of all trades everywhere, rejoice; this SUV is more than a master of just one.
