2011 Chevrolet Equinox - Rated No. 1

In a USA Today nine-vehicle SUV/crossover comparison, the 2011 Chevy Equinox was ranked No. 1. Among the many foreign competitors, this is very good domestic news indeed!

The Equinox is available in two engine choices including a 2.4-liter four-cylinder unit making 182 hp and 172 ft. lb. of torque. Also unique to this crossover class, is a 3.0-liter V6 mill providing 264 hp and 260 ft. lb. of torque. The six-cylinder engine runs on flex fuel or E85. Both engines are combined with a modern six-speed automatic. The 0-60 time for the 2.4-liter is under 9 seconds and the 3.0-liter engine runs 0-60 in under 8 seconds.

On the outside this crossover has a handsome look. At the front is a one piece grille that is consistent with the Chevy family look. It has bold wheel arches and a racked forward stance. The rear has wraparound tailgate glass that provides a very clean confident appearance.

The interior of this five-passenger mid-sized crossover has a sporty and highly crisp (as in detail) appearance. It has many dramatic shapes and a very deep central control panel that is similar to the offering in the Cadillac SRX. The seats are comfortable, supportive and provide a good driving position. In the back, the rear seats recline and slide forward about eight inches. Furthermore, the rear headroom is the best in its class. The cargo area is 59 cubic feet with the 40/60 split folding seats down and 31.4 cubic feet with the seats up.

The Equinox has a 115 inch wheelbase that is the longest in its class. On the road the Equinox's has a buttoned down and refined quality plus a low noise level. Thus, this crossover is a pleasing highway cruiser and a competent back road handler.

Standard features on the Equinox include air conditioning, cruise control, power looks/windows/mirrors, a cooled glove box, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, as well as an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary jack. Optional equipment includes a rear seat entertainment system, a navigation system, leather and heated seats, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio/phone controls, a sunroof, a rearview camera, and remote start.

The Equinox has an excellent safety rating and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. This crossover's safety features include an Active Handling System, traction control, four-wheel disc antilock (ABS) brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, six air bags with roll over sensors, and OnStar communication at no cost for one year.

The Equinox's base price is $23,700 and its fuel mileage is rated at 22 mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The Chevy Equinox has the interior room of many mid-sized SUVs, good ride quality,

attention to detail build quality, refined powerplants, and good fuel economy all for a reasonable price. As it is rated No. 1, it is definitely worth your test drive and serious consideration!

Visit the slideshow to see the Chevrolet Equinox inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price..." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.DriveTheBestBook.com . Follow Kyle on Facebookand Twitter.