General Motors, on the brink of bankruptcy thanks to their over-dependence on thirsty SUVs and trucks, has been making in-roads of late to make their cars more competitive. Chevrolet, according to early estimates, had suggested that the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox would achieve an EPA rating of 30 mpg highway, but GM’s newest crossover has shattered all expectations.
According to the EPA’s 2010 rating, the front-wheel-drive Chevrolet Equinox version is capable of 32 mpg on the highway. That rating not only puts the Equinox almost on par with some compact cars, but exceeds the greenest SUV of the market, namely the politically-correct Ford Escape Hybrid, by 1 mpg.
The Equinox is also good for 22 mpg in the city, averaging out to a very respectable 26 mpg combined. Adding all-wheel-drive brings down the Equinox’s ratings to 20/29 mpg city/highway.
Those better-than-expected fuel economy ratings can be attributed to the Equinox’s economical new drivetrain. Thanks to a six-speed transmission and 2.4L four-cylinder engine featuring direct-injection, the 2010 Equinox can return highway mileage on par with much smaller cars. The EPA has yet to rate the V6 version of the Equinox, but early estimates suggest it will return 18/25 mpg city/highway.
