My only complaint with regards to the suspension comes from up front, where a disconcerting rattling noise accompanies

While the SUV's handling is refined, the suspension produces more noise up front than desired when enduring extremely rough road surfaces. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

a fair bit of shake when going quickly over rough roads. It doesn't throw the Equinox off-line, however, but just doesn't seem to fit the SUVs otherwise fairly refined personality. While rear drum brakes are normally preferable for bushwhacking, they don't usually produce confident performance in city and highway traffic. I have no complaints with the brakes fitted to my LT test model, however, maybe due to the vented discs with dual piston calipers up front. Under panic braking Chevy delivers a Bosch anti-lock system standard on everything but the base LS FWD.

Other features, including available options, are power door locks with keyless entry, air conditioning, roof rail

A premium audio system, including an MP3 player, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and XM satellite radio, plus redundant audio controls is available. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

curtain airbags, Pass Lock II vehicle theft control, battery run-down protection, automatic exterior lighting, daytime running lamps (DRLs), OnStar communications, heated front seats, leather seating surfaces and trim, 6-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar adjustment, a power glass sunroof, and a premium audio system including an MP3 player, in-dash 6-disc CD changer and XM satellite radio, plus redundant audio controls. Traction control is standard on FWD models with ABS, and not available on AWD versions. The Equinox is manufactured at the CAMI Automotive, Inc. facility in Ingersoll, Ontario, a joint venture between GM of Canada, Ltd. and Suzuki Motor Corp. of Japan.