The 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is known for its versatility on its layout, the impressive performance, good ride comfort, and of course, its reasonable price. Now comes the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox and everybody’s question is….

What’s New for 2013

First and foremost, for the 2013 Equinox, a 3.6-liter V6 replaces the previous 3.0-liter V6 as its optional engine. Few new features are also available, including a revised touchscreen interface, smartphone app integration (Chevy’s MyLink), a refinement of the rear-seat entertainment system, a power passenger seat and a remote garage door.

So much for that, truly, the 2013 Equinox can go tire-to-tire with its competitors, the long-standing segments of the crowd’s favorites, the Honda and Toyota. With these first two rivals, refinement, style, functionality and comfort are put up front. The one that is standing out from the Equinox is its expandable (and expansive) rear passenger quarters. By sliding the second-row seat, it does the trick by allowing limo-like legroom for the second-row occupants. In addition, the Chevy’s quite comfortable ride seems more like a that of a full-size crossover rather than a compact.

Body Styles and Trim Levels

The 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is available in LS, LT and TZ trim levels.

The 17-inch alloy wheels are standard for the LS, also includes full power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, a partial power driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheels with audio controls, sliding and reclining rear seat, Bluetooth phone connectivity, OnStar emergency commu and six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB /iPod interface.

The LT trim level is divided into two different models, 1LT and 2LT. The 1LT has rear privacy glass, roof rack side rails, heated mirrors, a rearview camera, upgraded cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an upgraded sound system with a 7-inch touchscreen and iPod/USB audio interface. Now to the 2LT, it add foglamps, remote ignition, automatic climate control, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and an 8-speakear Pioneer sound system.

Now for the top-of-the-line LTZ, you’ll get an automatic headlights, a power liftgate, rear parking sensors, perforated leather upholstery, an eight-way power passenger seat and driver memory settings. The LTZ V6 gets firmer suspension tuning.

Safety

The new 2013 Chevy Equinox comes standard with the antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, front seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. On GM’s OnStar, the emergency communications system is standard, which includes automatic crash notifications, an emergency assistance button is just at fingertips, remote door unlock and stolen vehicle assistance. There is a rearview camera which is standard for all except the LS. On the LTZ, a rear parking sensors and warning systems for frontal collision and lane departure comes standard.

Summing it up in a few words, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is stylish and comfortable, one of the choices of the economy as a highly competitive segment of compact crossovers.

Feel free to browse the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox gallery of images.