New Car Overview of the 2005 Chevrolet Equinox Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

Description: Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle
Base MSRP Range: $21,095 - $24,435
Invoice Price Range: $19,450 - $22,529
Where built: Canada

The latest wagon in Chevrolet's line measures larger than other SUVs in the compact class, with a broad track and the longest wheelbase. The wide and long platform sets up a passenger compartment that seems as spacious as a mid-size wagon.

Plan for the five-seat cabin pitches a pair of comfortable bucket seats on the cockpit row separated by a flip-up or fold-down console. A bench seat on the second row slides fore and aft by eight inches to vary legroom as well as space for the rear cargo bay. The bench's seatback, in sections split 60/40 percent, reclines to two positions and each side folds to make room for cargo.

In the back bay Equinox has a power outlet and a panel that fits in three positions for stacking cargo in tiers. The panel also serves as a tabletop for tailgate picnics.

This wagon feels frisky, thanks to a 3.4-liter, V6 engine that produces 185-hp with an automatic 5-speed transmission.

Equinox offers two trims -- LS and LT -- with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) options for each.