Chevrolet's 2019 Equinox FWD LT 2.0T: A Review

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2019 Equinox FWD LT 2.0T

If you truly want to kick it in style, get behind the wheel of Chevrolet’s 2019 Equinox FWD LT 2.0T. I drove the one with the iridescent pearl tri-coat exterior with the jet-black interior. It was hella cool.

This is a smart looking SUV that will have heads swiveling as you glide down the road. It has ample driver’s space and sufficient back seat space. It also handles quite well.  The optional 2.0-liter turbo-four kicks into high gear, as does the nine-speed transmission.  Performs well on the open road.

The front seats are comfortable. There is great legroom, which is fabulous for someone like me who is north of 5'10".  The front panel is clear and convenient.  Nice sound system!

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE:

The Equinox, a handsome crossover with chrome trim, has a more piercing face than before.  The all-wheel-drive LT is perfect for city driving.

There is a leather steering wheel, cloth upholstery and LED daytime running lights.

There is ample backseat space – enough for three people.  There are two USB ports and a 120V outlet. The rear gate opens and closes with the push of a button. 

Fold down the rear seats and, voila, it's a cargo hauler. There is an optional panoramic moonroof.  The fuel efficient Crossover has a great touchscreen, a rearview camera monitor, Apple CarPlay 8, and GPS navigation. Easy to integrate your phone. 

Other vehicle highlights include a 9-speed automatic transmission, 2.0L turbo, 4-cylinder engine, keyless open, keyless start, luggage rack Stabilitrak stability control system with traction control, airbags, OnStar, and SiriusXM.

If you’re familiar with the brand, you already know that the Equinox received an upgrade of sorts in 2018, so it’s not due for another one just yet.

If you want a larger vehicle by the same brand, check out the Suburban, Traverse, and Tahoe.  There is also the Trax, but it’s a bit smaller than the Equinox.

Competitors include the Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Kia Sportage.

MSRP: $35,285

FUEL ECONOMY: 22/29

THE DRIVE: Worthy!

GM's 2019 Sierra 1500 4 WD Crew Cab SLT: A Review

By Darlene Donloe

THE CAR: 2019 Sierra 1500 4 WD CREW CAB SLT

I gotta admit, I was intimidated when it came to driving this behemoth vehicle.  I drove the one with the red quartz tintcoat exterior and the jet black interior.

I had NEVER driven such a HUGE vehicle for the entire time that I’ve been reviewing cars. 

It didn’t take long to literally get a handle on the Sierra 1500. It was much easier than I thought it would be.

I decided to test it on the open road. So, accompanied by three girlfriends, I took a day trip to Solvang, which is a two hour and 23 minutes trip from Los Angeles.

While it’s clear you’re driving a half ton truck, the Sierra 1500 turned out to be a pleasant surprise! I loved towering over almost every vehicle on the road. With its dominant presence, it swivels heads. People kept eyeing how adeptly I handled the Sierra.  As I got out of the truck after successfully parallel parking, one man called me a bad-ass!  He was right!

This truck is roomy, comfortable and easy on the road.  My friends riding in the back of this full-size truck said it was a smooth ride with only occasional bumps.  The inside is better looking than the previous incarnation. The truck has optional power sidesteps, which is great for anyone south of 5’10”.  The seats are wide and comfy.  I love the rear seat reminder system, which is installed so that you won’t forget your kid or anybody else is sitting in the back. Very fond of the front and rear parking sensors.

The cargo bin is deep and wide for great storage.  The multi-pro tailgate is impressive. You can use it as a work station or you can use the gate as a step.

The 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 engine and 10-speed transmission have some great get up and go. Acceleration is on point!  For it to be as big as it is, it doesn’t drag along the road.

I drove the 2019 Sierra 1500 for a week and enjoyed every minute. Who knew it was cool to drive a pickup!

VEHICLE AT A GLANCE: 6.2L V8, 10-speed automatic, 420 hp, 460 lb-ft, sunroof, seven-speaker Bose audio system, 8-inch touch screen, three additional USB ports, satellite radio, navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hot spot, six-speaker audio system.

Remote vehicle start, traction select system, single-speed autotrac transfer case w/terrain mode, capless fuel fill, heavy-duty locking rear differential, prograde trailering system, trailer brake controller, StabiliTrak with trailer sway control and hill start assist, rear wheelhouse liners, power heated folding outside mirrors, perimeter lighting, and puddle lamps w/memory setting, high-intensity LED headlamps w/LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, LED taillamps, all season tires, black front recovery hooks, chrome bumpers, chrome door handles, chrome mirror caps, corner step rear bumper, 12 fixed cargo box tie-downs w/each corner rated at 500lbs, box mounted 120V outlet, heated leather-appointed 40/20/40 split front bench seat with 10-way power adjust includes lumbar support, memory settings for driver seat and outside mirrors, leather-appointed 60/40 folding rear bench seat with seatback and under seat storage, rear seat reminder, keyless open and start, remote vehicle start, carpeted floor mats, front/rear, power windows: express up and down front, express down rear, power door locks, rear window defogger, dual zone climate control, inside rearview auto-dimming mirror, 120V power outlet, 4.2” driver info center, and multi-color display.

MSRP: $62,605

FUEL ECONOMY: 15/20

THE DRIVE: Bold!

Darlene Donloe

Darlene Donloe is a seasoned entertainment and travel journalist whose work has appeared in People, Ebony, Essence, LA Stage Times, LA Watts Times, Black Meetings and Tourism, This Stage, Los Angeles Sentinel, EMMY, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, Grammy, BlackVoices.com and more. Contact her via ddonloe@gmail.com