mmarshall

Folks, when I did the original write-up, I forgot to include one significant thing in the drive train...the engine-start/stop system. I went back to the review and added this paragraph:

I also noted that the Equinox's 2.0L engine and 9-speed have the same start-stop feature at idle that my Lacrosse does.....GM will probably be using this feature on more and more of its vehicles, as the new 9-speed was especially designed for it. It shuts the engine off at idle for a maximum of two minutes, depending on a number of factors such as engine temperature, battery-charge-level, engine load, and A/C drain. At idle, the heat and A/C still function, but in a weaker state with a lower fan speed. The system cannot be shut off (GM is unique in that regard) but there are ways that it can can be fooled or overridden, such as a very slow creep at idle, by feathering the brake pedal, that does not fully 100% stop the vehicle....but, of course, you need some creep-room in front for that, so it won't work if you are stopped right on someone else's bumper.

mmarshall

Thanks. Recent Chevys have trailed Buicks somewhat in the reliability department, but, except for the big truck-based SUVs, are still mostly average or better.

.......and that's just about where the low-line models start. You can't expect the Premier, though, especially with AWD, to sell in that range. It has a lot more equipment/features, noticeably better exterior trim, leather seats instead of cloth, and, even though it's still an inline four, substantially more engine.


GM, I think, varies the incentives according to the region of the country and whatever they perceive local supply/demand to be. They have to have the list prices high enough to include enough buffer to vary the incentives as they see fit.

FWD models, of course, would be better with the smaller engines, as they have less available torque to overcome the weight and drag of AWD.

mmarshall

The RAV-4's drivetrain, in the Toyota tradition, will probably be more durable and last longer (not sure about the Honda's, as their reliability has dropped lately). Inside, I'd rate both the Equinox and CR-V as generally having better and more solid materials than the RAV-4, though the RAV-4's rear-seat anchor for the fold-up mechanism is tank-solid, and the Equinox has its share of hard plastic on the inner door-panels. I wasn't very impressed with the RAV-4's sheet metal, either, though IMO it has the best-quality paint jobs of the three. On the road, there's not a great deal of difference in how all three drive, though, of course, with the Equinox, you deal with the start/stop system that can't be shut off. Of the three, I narrowly preferred the Equinox's general road-manners....and I probably would have liked it more with the higher-profile tires and smoother ride on the lower-line models.

bagwell

look it up on Autotrader MM, these are not sales gimics...lots discounted like that.

mmarshall

Well, OK....you're certainly a credible poster. If you have seen credible sources that can be trusted, then so be it.