2008 CHEVY EQUINOX SPORT REVIEW DRIVER
2008 CHEVY EQUINOX SPORT REVIEW WINDOWS

2008 CHEVY EQUINOX SPORT REVIEW DRIVER

The twin-cam 3.6L V6 (essentially lifted from the Cadillac SRX crossover) brought 264 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque at a very low 2,300 rpm, while the revised suspension and lower centre of gravity sharpened the response to driver input without making the Sport too firm for everyday use. This model brought a much sweeter engine, a sport-tuned suspension, a bolder body kit, P235/50R18 tires and a lower ride height (down 25 mm). In 2008, GM raised the bar when it introduced the Equinox Sport. Anti-lock brakes, StabiliTrak (a sophisticated traction and stability control system) and tire pressure monitoring became standard across the board, while drop-down side curtains were added as an option. While the new front and rear fascias, standard 16-inch aluminum wheels and revised instrument panel brought a fresher look, it was the safety upgrades that made the bigger difference. In 2007, the Equinox received a significant facelift. While the system was never designed to deliver any real off-road ability, it certainly added enormously to the on-road driving experience. The transition was such that the changing power split did not upset the Equinox’s handling characteristics. If the system detected wheelspin, it automatically sent some of the power rearward.

Under normal driving conditions, all of the power was directed through the front wheels. The optional all-wheel-drive system functioned well. If your used vehicle budget will stretch to include a 2007 model, it is money well spent. Worth noting is the fact GM increased the powertrain warranty on all of its 2007 models to five years/160,000 km (up from three years/60,000 km). If the condensate has a light pinkish hue to it, it usually means coolant is getting into the engine, which is never a good thing. It does, however, pay to have a technician check for the most obvious sign of trouble - a condensate that forms on the underside of the oil filler cap and/or inside the rocker cover. Over the years, GM made several modifications that more or less eliminated the problem. However, in its earlier years (1995-2003), the 3400 V6 earned a bad rap for blowing intake manifold gaskets. The engine and transmission worked well together with very few problems reported.

Both times were more than competitive the Honda CR-V required 10.3 and 8.7 seconds, respectively, to achieve the same speeds. The V6’s 185 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque delivered a crisp turn of speed - the Equinox could accelerate to 100 kilometres an hour in 9.1 seconds and bridge the 80-to-120-km/h gap in 8.5 seconds. GM’s ubiquitous 3.4-litre (dubbed the 3400) pushrod V6 and a five-speed automatic transmission was the only powertrain originally available. It also sharpened the response to steering input - the 20 models’ electric-assist system had a somewhat wooden feel. GM tweaked the suspension in 2007 and again in 2008, which improved both the SUV’s ride and handling characteristics. In short, it was more than up to segment standards. Likewise, the P235/65R16 tires kept understeer out of the picture until liberties were taken. Nobody was going to thrash one through a long, loping on-ramp, but when driven with purpose, the suspension kept body roll well within acceptable limits and it did so without sacrificing ride quality. The Equinox also boasted decent road manners. The modest increase in price makes the LT the better used purchase.

2008 CHEVY EQUINOX SPORT REVIEW WINDOWS

Where the base LS was nicely attired (air conditioning, power locks, windows and mirrors and so on), the LT added a six-way-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, premium cloth seats, deep-tinted rear windows, 16-inch aluminum wheels and traction control for the front-drive models. The rest of the interior lived up to the Equinox’s early billing. Sadly, the shelf became an option in 2006. It acted as a privacy cover, provided two-tier storage and, when the built-in leg was deployed, it doubled as a table for a tailgate party. A removable shelf (carpeted on one side and plastic on the other for those messy moments) could be set in several different positions. Folding down the 60/40-split rear seats revealed a flat floor and 68.6 cu. With the rear seat in its forward position, the Equinox accommodated 32.2 cubic feet of stuff, which allowed it to out-cargo the 2005 RAV4 by a substantial 8.3 cu. The sliding rear seat (it moved fore and aft by 203 mm) allowed either an increase in cargo capacity or back-seat passengers to max out legroom. This not only provided needed passenger space (the headroom allowed would-be cowboys to wear Stetsons), it delivered plenty of cargo space. Riding on a long 2,857-millimetre wheelbase, the Equinox boasted better-than-average interior volume. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

2008 chevy equinox sport review