Mated to the standard four-cylinder engine, the six-speed automatic transmission is barely felt and kick-down response is immediate. The engine and transmission work very well together although the engine must work hard under full throttle. The driver can shift manually by moving the shift lever to the ‘M’ position and then pressing the + and – buttons on the shift handle, but it’s probably the most fiddly shifting mechanism on the market.

All Equinox trim levels except the AWD-only LTZ are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive ($2,200-$2,600 option depending on trim level). The AWD is a hands-off, on-demand system that automatically sends more power to the rear wheels when necessary to improve both traction and stability on wet or slippery roads. It’s an option well worth having for Canadian winters. The AWD system works in combination with standard electronic stability control, rollover mitigation technology, traction control, hill-start assist (to keep it rolling back when starting off on a hill), and anti-sway technology for trailering. Unlike some SUVs, there is no driver-selectable differential lock.

With a fully independent suspension, long 2,858-mm wheelbase and standard 17 or 18-inch tires, the Equinox has a comfortable and quiet highway ride, thanks in part to a standard noise cancellation system that counteracts the buzzing of the four-cylinder engine, generous sound insulation, and a tall top gear ratio that allows the engine to spin at just 2,000 rpm at a steady 100 km/h.

Under hard acceleration, the four-cylinder engine lets out a spirited roar, but otherwise you’ll be surprised at how quiet the Equinox is. However, I did notice some rattles coming from the rear of the Equinox which I suspect originated with the optional ‘close-out’ panels that cover the gaps between the rear seats and the cargo floor. Unfortunately, it’s one of those annoying things that can spoil the new car buying experience.

With standard electric power steering, the Equinox is easy to maneuver at slow speeds but its wide 12.2 metre turning diameter makes tight turns a two- or three-step process. With the optional 19-inch tires, it’s even worse: the turning diameter increases to 13 metres.

Rear visibility is another issue: the Equinox’s big rear side pillars impede visibility when lane-changing or parallel parking. Thank goodness for the warning tones from the rear parking sensors and the visual warnings shown in the touchscreen via the back-up camera. These are options you must have in the Equinox.

A bright spot in the Equinox’s driving experience is its headlights: top marks go to the projector beam headlights in the LTZ which light up the road like it was daytime. The fog lights expand the coverage even further. For 2016, projector beams will be standard on all Equinox trim levels.

Upper trim levels of the 2015 Equinox are available with a Lane Departure Warning system that sounds a warning tone and flashes a dash light if the vehicle wanders across the line; a Forward Collision Alert system that beeps and flashes if the Equinox approaches a vehicle in front too quickly; and a Rear Park Assist that issues warnings about obstacles when reversing. For 2016, the Equinox LT and LTZ add a Side Blind Zone Alert system and a rear Cross Traffic Alert system.

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