AUTO MODIFIED 2011

Significantly redesigned for the 2010 model year, the Chevy Equinox is powered by a 2.4-liter DURATEC four cylinder engine. This efficient, yet robust engine allows the Equinox to get 22 mpg around town and 32 mpg on the highway; the latter figure is one mpg better than what the Ford Escape Hybrid delivers. Optionally, buyers can choose a 3.0-liter V6, but the 182 horsepower four cylinder model may be sufficient for most needs.

To begin with, it offers a choice of two new direct-injected, variable-valve-timing engines, a standard 2.4-liter four and an optional 3.0-liter V-6, both happily married to six-speed automatic transmissions. The latter offers 264 horses and 18 mpg city and 25 highway EPA economy. The former pumps out 182 ponies and trumps the class at 22 mpg city, 32 highway. According to Chevy, that translates to a potential highway driving range of as much as 600 miles with the four and more than 500 with the six. Four-cylinder models with available all-wheel drive are rated somewhat lower at 20 mpg city, 29 highway, but there's a selectable "Eco" mode that adjusts the transmission's shift points to optimize economy.