There are some SUVs where you know exactly what makes them so popular. With a Jeep, you know it is desired for its off-roading prowess, or Cadillac is sought after for its luxury features. But what about crossover SUVs like the 2021 Chevy Equinox? What do drivers typically like about these crossovers, and why are they so popular in recent generations? Well, let’s deep dive into some of the reasons and go over what makes compact crossover SUVs like the 2021 Chevy Equinox something that car shoppers will be keeping an eye on as a potential purchase.
The Equinox was initially going to receive a generational refresh, which was going to make its way onto the market at the tail end of 2020. However, due to complications disrupting production schedules for the automotive market, those plans were pushed back. However, Chevy still released a version of the Equinox for 2021; it’s just not the full refresh that so many people had been pining for. Still, there are things that some Equinox shoppers will be looking forward to that carryover – albeit with improvements – from the 2020 model year of the compact crossover.
Everyone Loves a Smooth Ride
There is a general consistency with the feedback related to the way the Equinox handles. The 2019 and 2020 model year outings received a lot of praise for how smooth the ride is. Whether it’s from new drivers whose first vehicle happens to be an Equinox or from old-timers alike who have driven many different cars and trucks over the years, most people agree that the Equinox handles buttery-smooth on the road, and the 2021 model is living up to the expectation.
This is actually a huge boon for the appeal of the crossover SUV because if a vehicle handles rough on the road and gives you a feeling of dread every time you step foot inside the cabin, then you’re basically driving it out of necessity rather than out of enjoyment. Thankfully, in the case of the Chevy Equinox, many owners report that the vehicle handles great on the road and that the ride is neither uncomfortable nor unwieldy. In fact, drivers usually report that they have no problems at all, with many recent owners openly praising how well the Equinox takes turns, gains performance on the highway, and casually cruises along with all of its safety features enabled.
The 2021 model year Equinox retains many of the exact same qualities when it comes to handling and drivability since it’s easily one of the SUV’s most prized traits among consumers. The 2021 Equinox features a turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection, variable valve timing, and MacPherson’s front suspension to ensure that the Equinox retains the smooth handling that drivers have come to expect. Pair that with the responsive six-speed automatic transmission, and you have a smooth and enjoyable ride.
Roomy Interior
If you check what the feedback is like for the 2020 Chevy Equinox, you will easily find plenty of SUV owners quick to exclaim how much room they have to work with inside the cabin. The Equinox dimensions will be retained as far as interior comfort and spaciousness are concerned. The already well-regarded 63.9 cubic feet of cargo space and 103.2 cubic feet of passenger volume are still present, enabling the driver and passengers plenty of room to stretch their legs and store their belongings.
Most professional reviewers and critics have also been keen on lauding the 2021 Chevy Equinox, noting that the interior was still as roomy as its 2020 model year counterpart. The interior for the 2021 model year will still provide everything drivers loved from the 2020 model year, including an 8-way power driver and available 8-way power front passenger seats, driver and passenger assist handles, dual-zone climate control, and active noise canceling. The amount of available cargo and passenger space is something that is one of the biggest appeals to the crossover segment, and the 2021 Equinox delivers in both regards.
Latest Infotainment Availability
In some ways, this seems like a no-brainer. The 2021 Equinox continues to provide all of the fan-favorite infotainment features from the previous model year. What this means is that you can still make full use of connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as access to built-in features such as SiriusXM Satellite Radio, AM/FM stations, and auxiliary audio devices. A 6-speaker audio system still comes standard, along with the availability of a premium Bose 7-speaker surround sound system for the Premier trim.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox also comes standard with Wi-Fi hotspot support for over-the-air internet access via 4G LTE, navigational apps, and user profiles for customizable settings. Bluetooth returns along with the availability of the Chevrolet Infotainment suite on either a 7-inch or 8-inch diagonal touchscreen display. All of these features have been very well-regarded by Equinox drivers, and the fact that the infotainment suite is still intact is going to be music to the ears of people looking to purchase the crossover SUV.
What’s more is that the Equinox also comes with a lot of convenience features as far as infotainment is concerned, such as the ability to make use of hands-free music selections and phone calls thanks to a voice recognition system. You can also easily access all of these features via the press of a button from the Equinox’s steering wheel, ensuring that drivers never have to take their eyes off the road, which has been one of the more commendable traits of SUV’s interior offerings. After all, Chevy is becoming known for its amazing safety features, and anything that helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road is a step towards safer driving.
Safety Technology
Speaking of, safety features are sometimes underrated elements of a vehicle, especially an SUV. There are a lot more intricacies involved with ensuring drivers and passengers are safe while driving in an SUV because they’re larger than a standard sedan. There is more mass to handle, which means greater force during impacts, which means potentially greater hazards to those involved in the accidents.
The upside to the Chevy Equinox is that many current owners have been head-over-heels in love with the SUV. Still, even more than that, they appreciate the fact that the Equinox isn’t just about manifesting a list of on-paper safety features; it actually applies all of these features in equal measure to protect drivers and passengers at all times. This focus on safety is reflected in its safety ratings.
The 2021 Chevy Equinox continues the tradition of being a highly rated compact crossover SUV, and not just according to observations and reviews but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA rated the 2021 Chevy Equinox an undeniably impressive five out of five stars for the overall frontal crash rating. This is all thanks to a litany of safety and security features, such as six total airbags placed throughout the cabin, front driver and passenger-side airbag occupancy sensors, anti-lock brakes and driveline traction control, front and rear head restraints, child safety locks, electronic stability, and side-impact bars.
The Chevy Equinox Is the Crossover for You
While at first glance, other SUVs might have an obvious appeal for a niche of the market, the crossover 2021 Chevy SUV has an appeal for the whole market. Its smooth ride, spacious interior, excellent infotainment, and Chevy safety give it a broad appeal that will easily fit into the lifestyle of many drivers. While we might have to wait another year for the full refresh of the Equinox, the 2021 model still gives us everything we want and more.
