- Sign in
- Write a review
huitSydney
- 5 reviews
Fantastic drive for an SUV, good all-rounder though not without flaws
The biggest flaw of which is that it's an orphan, not the car's fault, but something to consider as the dispute between between GM-H and the dealers is still ongoing at the time of writing. So buyer beware. I bought ours last year already heavily discounted so I'll just have to cop it and drive it till it dies.
As I said the car was heavily discounted and that was one of the key incentive to look into this car in the first place (an LTZ 2.0t with AWD), and after the test drive I came away genuinely surprised at how good the drive is (still imp...Read more
ressed). I have owned a Renault Megane RS250 previously and it has very similar levels of power delivery but feels much smoother (the Renault was gruff, raucous and raw but that was part of the fun). Put your foot down in any gear and the car simply pulls like a freight train but does so very smoothly, it's interesting though as you don't really get the sensation of speed until you glance down at the speedo. I've never timed it but I'm fairly certain it'll hit 100 in under 7 seconds - obviously not a key consideration for a family SUV of course for most people. But if you have to have a quickish, practical and spacious mid sized SUV for not a lot of money this would be it - or something from the VAG stables with an ecu tune. Obviously it doesn't handle anything like the Renault and that's to be expected, as it weighs nearly 400kg more with a high CG, but credit where it is due the steering is accurate if a little dull, it corners surprisingly flat and settles from bumps quickly without wallowing like a boat as you'd expect, though tends to understeer if pushed hard and you definitely feel the weight of the car, and the suspension is more tuned for handling than comfort as it's quite firm (German firm though not teeth-rattling firm like the Renault) for an SUV. The stock Hankook tyres aren't a great performance tyre, but are quiet and seem to wear quite well despite the way I drive. The turning circle is terrible however, I'm sure the Ruby Princess would need less space for a 3-point turn, and 3-point turns is what you'll be doing quite often where other cars could simply do a U-turn. But I got used to it. The 9 speed auto is excellent, quite easily the smoothest shifting automatic I've ever experienced and quite fast reacting (except going into reverse sometimes there's this weird hesitation), it's a shame there's no paddle shifters and you'd have to use this odd "+ -" button on the gear lever that sets the highest gear when in manual mode (eg if you set it to "4" that means you'll lock the transmission to shift only between 1st to 4th gear and you could drive till you bounce off the rev limiter in 4th, weird), but it does allow you to downshift before a corner though by pressing "-" when in manual mode. AWD is switchable, that is, you can turn it completely off for FWD only if you want to try to be frugal, but once switched on it's still on-demand AWD only, so there's no way of keeping AWD engaged all the time, having said that it does kick in very quickly and probably has done that many times without me even noticing. With my style of driving, turning off AWD makes negligible difference on fuel and just makes the front wheels spin everywhere (need to be very gentle on the throttle in FWD mode) so I just keep it switched on all the time.Purchased in June 2019.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
- EQ LT (2017-2020)
- Verified purchase
Everything works as it should
Bought a LT Equinox demo a few months ago. Best described as an Commodore SV6 turned into a SUV. Interior could be a bit better, however family friendly. I would rate the 2.0 Lt turbo, 9 speed gearbox combination as one of the best I have driven in 35 years. Braking ability and surety is excellent. No turbo lag as it gearbox kicks down to the correct gear for the turbo to be in boost. Again the gearbox changes are smooth with no hunting. 1500 revs at 100 kmph. Highway economy as low as 7.0lts/100k's easily and combined seems to be consistently ...Read more
around low 8's. A very safe car for overtaking. The car will shove you into the seats so you need to learn how to be subtle with the accelerator. All the safety features are great and the car still surprises me each trip with something new. Well thought out and functional. Suspension is a little stiff, however the benefit is is minimal to no body roll, and good high speed stability, and great cornering, low or high speed. Brilliant long distance cruiser. Everything works as it should. The safety alerts have changed my driving habits for the better. Wife loves it. You can use 95 or 98 octane for a decent economy return however the car can still use 91 or E10 without detriment as per the manual. Storage space and rear drop down seats are great. Heaps of room in the rear passengers with heaps of USB, & 12 volt connectivity. Yes the seats are comfortable and easy to set up. If this car didn't have a Holden badge it would sell like hotcakes. Cant understand why it wasn't properly promoted by Holden. Auto HID headlights and auto high beam, auto wipers work great, all the time. Phone connectivity is good and sat nav works well enough without need to use auto android. No CD slot but can play music from phone, thumb drive or radio easily. No mechanical or other issues at this stage, but again I don't expect any as it appears to be assembled well and engineered well. Got the car at a great price (5000 k's on the clock). In hindsight I should have found the extra coin and got the LTZ with leather and parking assist etc. No regrets on purchase. The driver information on the dash is extensive and programmable. Has all the sensors, front and back with a reversing camera and cross traffic alert. If considering a wagon or SUV at least do yourself a favour and have a look. No I don't work for Holden, just like value for money. I drive all my cars till about 200k's doing about 40 k a year.Purchased in January 2000 at Holden Dealers for A$26,000.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Anthony D.Greater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 2 reviews
Love it. What a great value car.
Great power and very quiet. Cabin has a premium feel, and although quality is not quite up to scratch, this doesn't detract from the enjoyment. Sound system is amazing and it feels like driving business class!
Purchased in March 2020 for A$37,000.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Holden Equinox EQ compares to other Midsize / Medium SUVs
Know better, choose better.
Doreen ThomasSouth East Queensland, QLD
- 2 reviews
Great car I love it
Absolutely love the equinox from the way it drives to all the modern features, I find the vehicle well built and well designed. Great value for money and cheap to run.
Purchased in December 2019 for A$28,000.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
glennelsegoodWide Bay-Burnett, QLD
- 2 reviews
- 1 like
Great car
I've had my Holden Equinox LT now for about a year. Am fairly happy with it. I do roughly about 400km a week for work and driving around town which costs me about $30 .Performance wise it has been great. I usually use the cruise control on the highway and going up hills is a breeze. The car is still under warranty so I get it serviced annually. No issues at this stage. Inside the car is very comfortable. No CD player anymore its all plug into your devices or Bluetooth. Great sound through speakers. Front seating has individual heat warmers. Gre...Read more
at air-con and demisters for the front and rear windows.Rear view camera for reversing and sensors also for parking. It also has a 12v plug in centre console if you require one. Lighting is good in the car but does not have a light in the glove box. Plenty of room in the rear if you need to carry something. Car also receives incoming calls and texts without your hands leaving the steering wheel. Many other functions as well such as speed alert, fuel consumption ,distance to empty. Also has a great GPS but is not up to date with new roads. Overral a great car good on fuel, easy to drive and good for registration.Purchased in June 2018 at Zupps for A$29,000.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Jo B.Central Queensland, QLD
- EQ LT (2017-2020)
- Verified purchase
Comfortable Seats. Smooth Ride. Plenty of Power.
Purchased the Holden Equinox LT a week ago. Used daily for general commuting and family transport.
So far, so good. The seats are quite comfortable. The ride is smooth. Power great. Gadgets a-plenty (I'm still learning them all). Yet to find out what the fuel consumption is like, however looking at others' comments, am hoping it will be reasonable. Will update my thoughts in a couple of months, but so far, we're quite happy with it.
Purchased in August 2019 at Holden Dealers for A$34,140.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Fantastic car, reliable and comfortable
I have had an Equinox for about a month now for daily commuting and weekend trips away and it is an exceptionally impressive car. Extremely quiet on the road, engine and gearbox well suited to the vehicle, safety technology works well and it just feels well put together. I have driven Foresters, CX5s, Koleos and the Equinox is far better value for the money. The Equinox has been rated as one of the most reliable medium SUVs in the USA and I can see why.
Purchased in May 2019 for A$22,990.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
JohnGreater Melbourne (Outer), VIC
- 2 reviews
Great car
Had our car for 2 months no faults found at all. Great fuel economy and power from the 2 litre turbo engine and 9 speed auto. Great drive on the open highway and around the suburbs. Would be nice to have adaptive cruise but not essential. Great safety features for the cost. Love this car.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
allans156AU
- 15 reviews
- 5 likes
Great car.
Had this car as a loaner and was very surprised. Drives very well, heaps of power (2 litre turbo model), and heaps of safety features. Not sure on long term, as I only had the car for a week. The AWD system was amazing in the wet, and overall the car felt great to drive. A huge leap forward over the Captiva.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Find out how Holden Equinox EQ compares to other Midsize / Medium SUVs
Know better, choose better.
Rhonda BVictoria
- 2 reviews
Love my new car
I use my car for both private and work every day.It drives really smooth and white looks amazing.
I haven't mastered the radio stations as yet but the service center said they would help! I am still getting used to not using a key but that is so convenient
My car is due for it's first service next week
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
ShaneoVictoria, 3220
- 3 reviews
- 1 like
Amazing car, heaps of power and safety kit
I find my Equinox LS+ eats up the Hwys and hills and performs past my expectations of an SUV, over Easter we drove it from Victoria to Merimbula NSW on a 660km trip, it did it all on one tank of regular 91 octane fuel. The last 100kms were all up hill, the Equinox didn't even break a sweat, we just set the cruise to 100km/h and effortless powered up hills. We had the car fully loaded, and found that other SUV's had to drop their speed, we also still had plenty of power on tap to overtake trucks/caravans ect, all while being refined and quiet. I...Read more
t was really comfortable, had plenty room for our camping gear, and made the 7.5 hour road trip a comfortable one. I average around 7-8.5lt per 100, the best I've seen is 6.1, for a car its size I'm really impressed. I have put over 6500kms on it and cannot fault the car at all. If you want an SUV that is still affordable and has the most safety features, and power in its class, I don't think you could go past the Holden Equinox!Purchased in March 2018.
1 comment
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
ciaman22AU
- 6 reviews
- 6 likes
- EQ LTZ-V (2017-2020)
- Verified purchase
A great new model to shake up the large established field of great mid-sized SUV's
This car ticked all our boxes.
Powerful engine, auto trans, interior comfort, AWD, dual zone climate control, heaps of driver aids and safety features. The car drives like a dream. Downsides include requirement for premium 95ULP fuel, firm ride, and a very basic Satnav that doesn't include all speed limits, an over-speed alert, speed and red light camera locations. Every car has its shortcomings!
Purchased in December 2017 for A$53,000.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Pete bMurray Mallee, SA
Great car. Perfect for us
Had car for 2500 kms. Can't fault it. Just driven to and from port Lincoln 1700 kms. Over various roads. Did not miss a beat. The 2 litre turbo has plenty of punch
Even wife enjoyed driving long distances.
Great accessories. H link worked well
No I'm not a Holden salesperson
Purchased in February 2018 at The CPAP Clinic Physical store for A$45,000.00.
Similar opinion? Write a review on ProductReview.com.au!
Questions & Answers
TotallyDisheartenedasked
I purchased an LT Equinox 2 months ago and drove 300ks. The engine light came up so went to the Holden dealer and the spoke to Holden who said replace to clutch plate in the 10 speed. When they disassembled the side access they found shavings in the pan. The 10 speed is now being replaced with a new one. Car has travelled 10000ks and I purchased as a demo. Has anyone else had gearbox problems?
No answers
Preston F.asked
hi has anyone experienced vibration droaning feel around 1200 -1500 rpm between 60-80kph driving steady throttle 2lt 9sp ltz fwd vibration goes away if you shift gears manually beeen to dealer few times done a reset on trans still the same feels like the engine is labouring appreciate any info cheers.
No answers
Peter 101asked
Thinking of buying a 2.0l LT EQ demo.
Do these come with digital radio?
Thanks
Other Midsize / Medium SUVs
Kia Sportage
4.4(195)Subaru Forester
4.2(291)Toyota RAV4
4.1(252)Mitsubishi Outlander
4.1(255)Hyundai Tucson
4.1(196)Honda CR-V
4.1(239)Mazda CX-5
4.1(280)Nissan X-Trail
4.0(349)Renault Koleos
4.0(87)Volkswagen Tiguan 5N
3.6(152)Ford Escape
4.0(45)Suzuki Grand Vitara
3.5(107)Other Midsize / Medium SUVs
Kia Sportage
4.4(195)Subaru Forester
4.2(291)Toyota RAV4
4.1(252)Mitsubishi Outlander
4.1(255)Hyundai Tucson
4.1(196)
Brand Manager for Holden?
Register now and take advantage of ProductReview's Brand Management Platform!
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.
Shaneo
Update: My Equinox has now done 22000kms and still going well (no issues to report). I now tow a 1250kg camper behind on holidays, it and tows it with ease doesn't seem to work very hard at all. Very impressed :)