Why I Bought My Chevrolet Equinox: This SUV Was the Right Fit For Our Family

When You Want A Sporty Vehicle, But Can'T Commit To Buying A Van. See Why Buying A Suv Was The Right Fit For Our Family And May Work For You Too.
Photo: Regina Sober

I have always liked having a sporty vehicle. Motherhood shouldn’t change that! 

Going from a sporty vehicle to a ‘mom van’ was not something I was interested in. So when I had kids, we had problems getting car seats out of my Chevy S10 pickup truck and the kids could kick the back of my seat. That needed to change. We ended up going with a Chevrolet Equinox and it has worked for our family really well.

So well, in fact, I’m on my third one! I have owned a 2010, a 2014 and now a 2018 Equinox with all wheel drive.

When I was looking for a new car I wanted good gas mileage, ability to drive in the winter without worry, a comfortable fit, and all the bells and whistles.

What This Car Costs:

  • Base model 1.5L Turbo, about $26,595
  • LT Turbo 2.0L Turbo, about $33,995
  • LT 1.6L Turbo Diesel, about $33,395
  • Premiere 2.0 L Turbo, about $38,295
  • Premiere 1.6L Turbo Diesel, about $35,795

Further Reading: How to Test Drive A Car and Know It’s A Great Fit

When You Want A Sporty Vehicle, But Can'T Commit To Buying A Van. See Why Buying A Suv Was The Right Fit For Our Family And May Work For You Too.
The cockpit has everyone at the drivers fingertips, including steering wheel controls. Photo: Regina Sober

Why the Equinox Works For Me

  1. Vanity – When it came to buying an SUV, I didn’t want people to see me driving a ‘soccer mom’ vehicle. Though there are some pretty cool vans! I wanted something that I could drive around in with the kids, but not give up the sporty style I loved.
  2. Gas mileage – I wanted a car that got decent gas mileage. The mid-20s was my target. I get about 24 mpg city/28+ mpg highway.
  3. Driveability – Living in Michigan can mean slick roads in the winter. I was used to driving in the snow with a front wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle. The all-wheel drive was intriguing– and it works great. The addition of stability control and traction control also help us to plow through snow safely.
  4. Comfort – I spend most of my time in the driver’s seat. I’m 5’3″ and I can say that I have enough leg room in all seats in the Equinox.  The steering wheel tilts for whoever drives it for comfort, so it works for me or for taller drivers.
  5. Accessories- There is an option for WiFi (just buy a data plan), easy access to controls on the steering wheel, remote start on the key fob and our Equinox has heated cloth seats. Safety features include blind spot monitors, rear cross traffic alert and lane change alert.
  6. Engine – I wanted an engine that could go. The 9-speed 2.0 turbo engine delivers. I forget it’s just a 4 cylinder.

Further Reading: How AWD, Traction and Stability Help You in Snow and Ice

Why Buying A Suv Was The Right Fit For Our Family And May Work For You Too.
Having fun family trips in the Chevrolet Equinox. Photo: Regina Sober

Things I love about the Equinox:

  • Heated Seats – great for cold mornings and long trips during cooler weather.
  • WiFi  equipped – this is a service you have to purchase monthly from OnStar, but is a great way to keep older kids entertained. We are not using this as we drive in the car and engage with them instead of being on social media.
  • AWD & traction control – during inclement/wet road conditions.
  • Great gas mileage. I am getting 29-32 MPG on long trips!
  • Vents in the back for heat/cold air.
  • Gas tank without a cap!
  • The ability to lower the back seats from the tailgate area.

Further Reading: Our Chevrolet Equinox review

When You Want A Sporty Vehicle, But Can'T Commit To Buying A Van. See Why Buying A Suv Was The Right Fit For Our Family And May Work For You Too.
No longer lose the gas cap, there isn’t one! Photo: Regina Sober

Top  2018 Family Cars That will Wow your and your Wallet

When You Want A Sporty Vehicle, But Can'T Commit To Buying A Van. See Why Buying A Suv Was The Right Fit For Our Family And May Work For You Too.
Vents in the back seat help keep everyone cool (or warm). Photo: Regina Sober

When You Want A Sporty Vehicle, But Can'T Commit To Buying A Van. See Why Buying A Suv Was The Right Fit For Our Family And May Work For You Too.

Regina Sober
Regina Sober

Regina makes excuses just to get in her van and drive. One of her happy places is driving on an open road with a tank of gas and great music to see what’s out there. She enjoys going off the beaten path, roadside attractions, boutique hotels and discovering good food along her travels. She also shares her adventures on her site, Eat Travel Life.

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