The 2006 Chevy Equinox comes in two trim levels, the basic LS and the better-appointed LT. Both are available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). Equinox comes standard with a 3.4-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission. The 2006 Equinox LS packs more standard equipment than last year, and the LT level has been split into two sub-levels called LT1 and LT2.
Equinox LS FWD ($21,755) and AWD ($23,505) come with air conditioning; cruise control; cloth upholstery; a fold-flat front passenger seat; a Multi-Flex 60/40 split rear bench seat that folds, slides, and reclines; six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio; and power windows, mirrors, and locks with remote keyless entry. Bumpers are body-color for 2006. LS FWD comes standard with traction control.
LT1 FWD ($23,050) and AWD ($24,675) add fog lights, carpeted floor mats, deep tinted glass, and 16-inch aluminum wheels. Mirrors, door handles, and roof-rack side rails are body-color rather than charcoal or black. Sound system options expand considerably at the LT1 level, and include a six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 unit with RDS ($135); a similar unit incorporating a six-CD changer ($395); and digital audio with XM Satellite Radio ($325). Also available: a tilt-and-slide sunroof ($595) and luggage rack cross-bars ($95).
LT2 FWD ($24,180) and AWD ($25,805) add an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror with an eight-point compass and outside temperature display, leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls, and 17-inch aluminum wheels. In addition to the LT1 options, LT2 buyers can choose leather seating (at no cost), heated seats ($250) with cloth or leather, and a Pioneer seven-speaker sound system with amplifier and subwoofer ($295).
Options for all models include a towing package ($350), engine-block heater ($35), and OnStar.
Safety features include anti-lock brakes, now standard on all models. Side-impact and head-curtain airbags are optional ($395) offering torso protection and head protection in the event of a side impact or rollover. OnStar is an excellent safety feature as its operators will dispatch rescue crews to the scene should your airbags deploy and you fail to respond to their calls.