Chevy Trucks/SUV

Hot news for 2010: It’s relatively quiet in Chevy truck land, although the new Equinox mixes great style with a thrifty base engine

Carryover: Avalanche; Colorado; Silverado; Silverado HD; Suburban; Tahoe

Gone: Trailblazer

Starting line

n Take a quick look at the Chevrolet truck line and you’ll quickly notice that the brand is all about doing things in a physically big way. It is therefore a surprise to see that the smallest vehicle in the grouping of Suburbans, Tahoes and Silverados is also one of the most pleasing, given its somewhat limited purpose compared to those famous brands.

Chevrolet’s popular Equinox mid-size utility wagon has attracted buyers since 2005 with its handsome looks, roomy surroundings and solid construction. General Motors’ “Bowtie” division has adopted a bold-is-beautiful approach for model year 2010. Retained from the previous model is a versatile split folding rear seat that can be adjusted fore and aft over an eight-inch range to optimize legroom or cargo capacity. A 182-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder becomes the new base engine. Although not as torquey as the outgoing 185-horsepower 3.4-liter V6, the four’s 21/30 mpg estimated city/highway fuel economy blows away the 3.4’s 17/24 rating by a whopping 33 percent.