2008 Chevrolet Equinox LT FWD Automatic Sport Utility

Model Highlights

The Equinox comes with a standard 3.4L overhead-valve V6 engine, making 185 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. The top Sport model gets an exclusive powertrain--a 264-horsepower, 3.6L DOHC V6 and six-speed automatic. Each of the four Equinox models--LS, LT, LTZ, and Sport--are available either with front-wheel drive or with an all-wheel-drive system that sends some of the power to the rear wheels when front slippage is detected. The new 3.6L engine offered on the Sport, together with the six-speed transmission, which allows gains in both performance and efficiency, can bring the Equinox to 60 mph in less than seven seconds. The Equinox has a roomy interior with seating for five adults. The Multiflex rear seat is split 60/40 and will fold forward to extend the cargo space; it can also slide nearly eight inches fore or aft, and the front passenger seat folds forward for long items. With the back seat all the way forward and the seatbacks still up, there's an impressive 67.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The base Equinox LS includes many of the expected convenience features, including keyless entry, air conditioning, tilt steering, a rear wiper and defogger, the flexible seating arrangement, and power windows and locks. The new, more luxurious LTZ model stands out with 17-inch bright chrome-clad alloy wheels, chrome door handles, and chrome luggage rack trim, plus a number of additional features inside including heated front seats, leather seat trim, and a sound system with six-disc changer. The StabiliTrak stability control system--now with electronic trailer sway control, to help restore stability caused by improper weight balance or excessive speed while towing--is standard across the line. Head curtain air bags are standard on the LTZ and Sport but optional on the LS and LT. At the top of the range, the Sport model gets new heated seats with firmer side bolsters and available perforated leather, plus a revised instrument panel, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, and a special J-gate shifter design, which enables the driver to manually tap up or down to shift gears. On the outside, the Sport gets 18-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels, along with body-colored front and rear fascias and chrome trapezoidal exhaust outlets. Noteworthy options for the Equinox include a power sunroof, Pioneer seven-speaker audio system, and heated leather seats.