2020 Chevrolet Equinox

The Chevy Equinox is one of the more affordable small SUVs on the market, with a starting MSRP of $23,800. The more common LS goes for $2,500 more, while the LT variant of the Equinox will cost you $27,500. Equipping the 2.0-liter engine to the LT bumps the price of the Chevrolet Equinox up to $31,600. Getting behind the wheel of the top-tier Premier will cost you $33,300 with the base engine, and $34,100 with the optional 2.0-liter. Opting for the four-wheel drivetrain will add $1,600 to the quote. These base prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and Chevrolet's destination charge of $1,195.

A test drive of the Chevy Equinox shows that the compact SUV handles much better than its larger brethren, with the steering remaining light and precise at low speeds, allowing for nimble parking lot maneuvers, although this is hindered by the vehicle's unusually large turning circle. At higher speeds, the steering gains some weight to provide better feedback and more driver engagement. Goldilocks brakes provide the perfect amount of resistance while not compromising on stopping power, bringing the SUV to a stop in around 115 ft from 60 mph, which is an impressive performance.

On the road, the Equinox is well-mannered, feeling equally capable at high speeds on long, open stretches of roads, or leaning into sharp turns on the windier roads. The wide turning circle is something you should keep in mind when maneuvering in tight spaces.

The comfortable seats work in tandem with the suspension to smooth over most road imperfections, delivering a ride that is surprisingly pleasant for a car that boasts this level of dexterity despite its size. The sound-dampening is a little less impressive, with wind, road and engine noise often making their way into the cabin.

While it doesn't do as much to stand out as many of its competitors do, the Chevrolet Equinox is a perfectly capable and amiable companion on the road. With a host of standard features, a decent and workable infotainment system, and very competitive fuel economy, at least with the base engine, the compact SUV certainly looks good on paper. But, upon closer inspection, several weak points become apparent.

The Chevy handles remarkably well for an SUV, but it is not as refined as the Honda CR-V nor as sporty as the Mazda CX-5. And while you might think that it makes sacrifices in these areas to be better in others, the Equinox does not offer better fuel economy or cargo capacity than either rival. It does, however, come with a lot of advanced safety features as standard, with even more becoming available as you move up the trim levels.

But, even with its respectable infotainment suite and convenience features, the Chevrolet simply isn't the best in any one particular area, and it certainly isn't an amazing all-rounder. The only reason you might consider it over leading competitors is the slightly lower price tag, especially on the base-level L trim. But for just a few thousand dollars more, you can get a compact SUV that has it all.

The entry-level Equinox L may seem appealing for its low base price, but aside from decent infotainment and high levels of standard safety, the Equinox is a barebones vehicle with a lackluster engine. To get the improved 2.0T engine, you need either the LT or Premier trims, but it's the latter we recommend. Not only does it add luxuries like leather seats, an eight-inch infotainment system, and additional safety systems, but the range of available options elevates it in stature to Buick levels of luxury at a discount price. But, if you're really happy to spend the money, you'd be better off looking at a well-specced Mazda CX-5.

While the Escape has received more attention from Ford than most of its older models usually do, the youthful Equinox just seems to be more with the times than the older SUV. Neither car has great power in its base guise, with the Ford offering a 180-hp, 177-lb-ft engine, but the Chevrolet's optional engine delivers better performance. The Escape has received a facelift since its release, but it still looks boxier than the sleek Equinox, and its interior shows its true age, whereas the Chevy sports modern stylings that, while not of the highest quality, still look good. Similarly, the Equinox's tech is far more up-to-date and many of its features become available much earlier in its trim levels compared to the Ford. And while the Escape might be a bit cheaper out the gate, the Equinox delivers better fuel economy, making it cheaper in the long run. Overall, despite the Ford Escape offering more cargo capacity, the Chevy Equinox is just a better all-rounder with its car-like handling, powerful performance, and modern features.

The Chevrolet Traverse is the much bigger brother to the Equinox, although it is just as young with the all-new generation released in 2018. As a three-row SUV, the Traverse naturally offers a lot more interior space, both for passengers and cargo, while still managing to be quite a decent performer on the road with its 3.6-liter V6 pumping out 310 hp and 266 lb-ft. It is also significantly plusher inside, with a serious focus on creature comforts, with the top-of-the-range models supplying supremely comfortable leather seats with multiple power points, USB ports, a premium audio system, and excellent safety features. But for all this luxury, you can expect to pay through the nose, as even the base-level Traverse will cost you around $30,000, while the top-tier trims are in excess of $50,000. It is also much thirstier, meaning it will cost you a lot more to run. If you have a huge family while still having disposable income, the Traverse would certainly suit your needs better, but the Equinox is the more affordable, everyman's SUV.