I can't say I felt my backside push into the seatback under full acceleration, but then again I also didn't find the engine was annoyingly lacking in forward thrust. It went about its day to day duties admirably, while

The crossover SUV went about its day to day duties admirably, while delivering fairly decent fuel economy. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

delivering fairly decent fuel economy - which is something considering the size of the vehicle. Part of that size is felt in the SUV's width, both benefiting interior room and side to side handling. On the subject Brooks said, "Its crossover-based architecture responds to customer needs for more refinement, enhanced ride and handling and increased comfort."

She's right about that. It's a far cry from the previous Tracker and easily as good through the curves than anything else in its class. GM is marketing the Equinox as its first crossover SUV, due to its combination of truck-like full-length frame rails and car-like unitized body. The one-piece unit also incorporates a safety cage, like the frame rails, made of high-strength steel. The result is a rigid structure with a reduced overall curb

When it comes to handling, the Equinox is a far cry from the previous Tracker and easily as good through the curves as anything else in its class. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

weight, plus improved ride, handling and safety considerations. Considering it is based on GM's Theta architecture, which is the same base that supports the Saturn VUE's plastic panels, it doesn't disappoint when the road starts to wind. On that theme a traditional MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent 4-link, coil sprung rear suspension connect tires and wheels to the SUVs galvanized steel body. While not seemingly as off-road biased as the outgoing Tracker that sports a solid rear axle preferred by 4x4 enthusiasts, the new model is much more engaging on pavement - where it will spend the majority of its time. Standard are 16-inch steel wheels riding on P235/65R16 Bridgestone tires, while 16 and 17-inch alloy rims are available.