2012 Chevrolet Equinox 2LT

The Equinox is Chevrolet's compact SUV, the one that splits the difference between the Traverse and the smaller Captiva Sport. It's a comfortable cruiser rather than a sporty one, with a ride that soaks up bumps well and steering that's light and easy. The cabin is roomy for four adults, and the rear seat slides fore and aft to trade legroom for cargo space. Some owners mention the engine can stall when starting from a stop on a hill, so give it a beat before pulling away. The 2LT skips the LTZ's leather and larger wheels, saving you money while keeping the same powertrain and most of the convenience features. The 2.4L I4 makes 182 horsepower and works with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, which is fine for daily driving but feels strained when you need to pass quickly. The 2LT can be had with a rear-seat entertainment system, a rare option in this class that keeps kids happy on longer trips.