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Cars in the City

Chevy Equinox

2/5/2025

In the past decade, the popularity of SUVs has soared. And, prices along all models have skyrocketed as well.

Do a little research, and you can still discover affordability and features found in a base model such as a Chevy Equinox.

The Equinox debuted in 2005. According to Kelly Blue Book, Equinox ranks as the 10th lowest priced compact SUV. The No. 1 lowest priced SUV — a Jeep Compass — runs about $4,000 less.

For this review, I drove a 2025 Chevy Equinox RS. The all-wheel drive loaded model rang in at $39,875. An LT model, the basic SUV, starts at about $29,000.

Stepping in the Equinox, I was surprised at all the features for less $40,000. With a remote start, the interior was already toasty. The fan blew warm air, and the steering wheel felt like it had been sitting in the sun for hours. Then I remembered this is Iowa, and no warm sun in February could heat it like that.

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The heated wiper park feature is a great enhancement. A heating element is embedded in the glass where the wipers sit. So, when ice forms under the windshield wipers, this avoids that chunk of ice attached to your blade obstructing your view.

The car senses when it is cold outside. When I first got in the vehicle, a warning popped up on the screen, ICE POSSIBLE DRIVE WITH CARE. (OK, Dad, thanks for the reminder.) It’s winter driving in Iowa, and I’m cognizant of winter weather conditions.

Approaching the interstate, I felt like Dad was nagging me again about my driving. When merging to the on ramp, the car seat vibrated, tickling my thigh. What did I do? Was I too close to the car ahead of me? I had changed lanes, and, apparently, the vehicle sensed that I was going off course. 

While driving, I noticed a little icon on my center screen that resembled a video game. The object was to keep the car steady between the two bars. If I did that correctly, the car icon turned green. If it turned yellow, then it meant I was drifting from the center line. When it turned red, it started flashing and buzzing my seat. I wanted to play around with it more to see what other safety features popped up.

I didn’t have to wait long. When I exited the interstate and came to a stop, the seat buzzed, the icon flashed red and the vehicle emitted a high-pitched beep. The forward collision alert detects if you are approaching the car ahead of you too quickly. (Dad, I wasn’t going that fast; there must be something wrong with the car.)

Want to squelch some of those safety features? Customize these and numerous other options on the LCD display. 

The Equinox’s smaller engine means you won’t be accelerating from zero to 60, beating the car next to you at the stoplight. However, the gas mileage makes up for it, averaging 26 mpg. 

For an affordable and safe drive — one that Dad might even approve — consider a Chevrolet Equinox. ♦

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