Chevrolet entered the crossover niche with Equinox, first introduced for the 2005 model year. Marketed as a compact SUV, the vehicle has evolved, market-wise, as a mid-size crossover, and its upscale look and feel have translated into strong sales, reaching nearly 2 million since its launch, making it Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle, after the Silverado.

Chevy markets Equinox with the slogan: “For whatever life brings.” They reason that “No matter where you want to go, the 2017 Equinox is ready to take you there. With a unique combination of style, versatility and available active safety technologies, this fuel-efficient† ride fits just about any lifestyle.” J.D. Power agrees, and has made Equinox the “Highest Ranked SUV in Initial Quality in a tie, two years running.

While Equinox will be redesigned for 2018 with new sculpted styling, a new interior and an engineered weight-loss of about 400 pounds, the 2017 Equinox freshens with such available items as a Black grille and Black Chevrolet bowtie; Black 18-inch aluminum wheels; Jet Black perforated leather-appointed seats; memory settings for the driver seat and exterior mirrors and Black mirror caps and roof rack cross bars.

Equinox is sporty and trendy looking with a sleek exterior, chrome accents, dual-port grille and premium projector-beam headlamps for night visibility. Based on its dimensions Equinox fits into the small mid-size category at 187.8 inches long; 72.5 inches wide and 66.3 inches high on a 112.5-inch wheelbase. The crossover is set at a minimum ground clearance of 6.9 inches and has a curbweight of 4112 lbs. for the 3.6-liter LT I tested.

Standard Equinox power comes from the Ecotec 2.4-liter I-4 engine, mated to a 6T45 Hydra-Matic 6-speed automatic transmission for 182 hp and 172 lbs-ft of torque. The system has been EPA-rated at 21 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway for FWD and 20/28 for AWD. My Equinox test ride powered up with a muscular 3.6-liter V-6 that provides 301hp and 272 lbs-ft of torque. The AWD version I drove is rated at 16/23, and week of mixed-use testing earned an average of 19.4 mpg.

Equinox is sneaky-fast. It performs and feels quicker behind the wheel than expected. On the track, my Equinox finished off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.2 seconds and maintained its acceleration to complete a quarter-mile in 15.4 seconds. On the road and on uneven surfaces, the Equinox independent MacPherson strut front suspension with stabilizer bar, tuned shocks and hydraulic ride bushings and its independent four-link rear with coil springs and trailing arm; stabilizer bar; hydraulic link bushings were tuned for passenger comfort rather than for driver’s feel and precise handling. The hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering was often vague, and understeer is common during quick maneuvers, but acceleration is reliable, and the cabin is quiet and calm.

The Equinox cabin is accommodating, and filled with entertainment and function. Segment-exclusive MultiFlex sliding rear seats offer an additional eight inches of space for passenger comfort or more cargo room when seats are moved. With seating for five, and a spacious feel, the interior offers 40.9 inches of front headroom and 39.2 inches in row two; legroom is 41.2 inches in the row one and 39.9 in the second seats, while shoulder room shows 55.8 and 55.3.

And Equinox offers available state-of-the-art technology designed to keep drivers and passengers connected and entertained. The convenient features include: Siri Eyes Free™ that allows compatible iPhone® users limited hands-free interaction, and available Chevrolet MyLink with Navigation, featuring full GPS guidance.

Safetywise, Equinox is built on a solid structure that includes strategic applications of high-strength steel to protect occupants in the event of a crash. It is equipped with safety features designed to avoid crashes or protect occupants in the event of one, including: six standard air bags -- dual frontal air bags, head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Force Distribution, and StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and rollover mitigation.

The 2017 Chevrolet Equinox starts at $23,995 for the base L-trim model with the 2.4-liter engine; the sticker includes destination and freight ($895) in front-wheel-drive; the FWD LS starts at $26,405; the LT bases at $27,645; and the top-of-the-line Premier trim starts at $30,935. My LT test ride was in all-wheel-drive (which I nearly always recommend) adds $1750. My ride was upgraded to the 3.6-liter V-6 for an additional $1500 and that also upgraded the power steering. The Convenience Package was added for $1300, for driver and front passenger heated seats, automatic climate control, remote vehicle starter system, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat. The Technology Package added $890 for a Pioneer® premium audio system and Chevrolet MyLink® with Navigation. The Driver Confidence Package was added for $495, with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist, the power sunroof was added for $995 and the Protection Package added $300 for all-weather floor mats and front and rear molded splash guards. The sticker-as-tested was $35.125, but discounts and allowances can cut that by as much as $2250, so check with your local dealer.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

The luxury-utility crossover niche was born in 1998 with the midsize Lexus RX, and Lexus built on the Lux-Cross segment in 2015 with the compact-luxury NX. Inspired by performance vehicles and corporate-sponsored racers and test drivers, the NX, which stands for “Nimble Crossover,” looks to excite with its dramatic spindle grille and L-themed LED headlights, along with its body that appears carved from a single chunk of metal. The excitement continues with its turbocharged engine and attentive handling.

Changing little from the 2015 inaugural NX 200T and NX Sport and Hybrid models, what’s new for 2017 are that the NX Hybrid is now offered in All-Wheel Drive only (the FWD model has been discontinued); Lexus Display Audio adds Scout GPS Link; there is an available optional 18-inch wheel design; and exterior colors: Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 and Molten Pearl have been added to NX F Sport models

Sharing a few structure and wheelbase parts with the Toyota RAV4, NX is otherwise unique with a crouching, muscular stance that stems in part from providing good ramp-over angles for light trail driving, as well as from having the highest point of the vehicle set back toward the rear of the roof. A sharply raked tailgate and integrated spoiler are punctuated by Lexus’ signature L-shape light clusters featuring seamless LED illumination, and the tailgate detailing echoes the spindle grille design.

On the Sport trim, the grille integrates with a metallic coated lower bumper molding, while black side mirrors match the grille. And the NX’s C-pillar is angled and wide to optimize internal storage width. Further, The F Sport version that I tested differentiates itself from the 200T with an F Sport-Tuned Suspension, F Sport perforated leather–trimmed steering wheel and shifter, bolstered F Sport seats, Metallic Sport interior trim
paddle shifters, G-Force and turbo-boost displays, F Sport exterior styling including front fascia and grille,18-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels with machined finish or Superchrome finish, aluminum pedals and black headliner

The Lexus NX fits compact crossover parameters well at 64.8 inches high, 73.6 inches wide and 182.3 inches long on a 104.7-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance is 6.9 inches and curbweight is a confident 4,050 pounds for the AWD model.

The NX Sport I tested was powered by Lexus’ turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-4 twin-scroll engine. It has direct fuel injection and puts out 235 hp and 258 lbs.-ft. of torque, using an advanced valve control system to switch between Atkinson cycle and Otto cycle operation to optimize performance and fuel efficiency. Coupled with Lexus’ sequential six-speed automatic transmission, the system is EPA rated at 22mpg/city and 27mpg/highway. A week of mixed-use of testing yielded an average of 23.3mpg.

NX Sport looks sporty, but it isn’t exactly a sports car at the track. Performing solidly for the niche, but not exceeding it, my NX Sport finished a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7 seconds flat and completed a quarter-mile in a steady 15.2 seconds. Passing on the highway is confident with only minimal turbo lag, and there is more than enough torque to handle uphill grades.

On the autocross and during quick turns at speed, NX holds the pavement well for the segment, with comparatively little top wobble. Steering is relatively crisp and the MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and rear trailing arm works with the double wishbone type rear with coil springs to deliver stability and smoothness.

In the sporty cabin, a perforated steering wheel, body-hugging, quilted NuLuxe seats, brushed metallic gearshift, special instrumentation and drilled non-slip aluminum pedals and footrest were inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, and the environment is one of sport-luxury.

Packed with safety features, high-tech amenities, comfort and entertainment, the cabin includes a Lexus-first wireless charging tray for compatible phones and devices; the new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; and a comprehensive multi-information display that features a Lexus-first G-Force meter and boost gauge.

With seating for five, NX is a bit tight with only 38.2 inches of front headroom (0.8 inches less with a moonroof), and 38.1 inches for rear passengers. Legroom is comfortable up front at 42.8 inches and niche-decent in the rear at 36.1. Shoulder room is non-confining at 57.3 in row one and 55.3 in row two.

The 2017 Lexus NX Turbo starts at $35,285 for FWD and $36,485 for AWD. The F Sport that I tested starts at $37,185 in FWD and $38,585 in AWD, and the 300h Hybrid version starts at $39,720 in AWD. The Navigation package added $1875 for a Navigation System, Remote Touchpad, Lexus Enform Destinations, Fuel Guide, Sports and Stocks updates, Lexus Enform App Suite, Lexus 10-Speaker Premium Sound System and an additional USB port. The Comfort Package added $565 for the Lexus Memory System, Power Tilt-And-Telescopic Steering Column and outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse. An outer sliding moonroof added $1100; power open/close rear door added $400; a Pre-Collision system with dynamic radar cruise control added $900; heated from seats added $440 and Intuitive Parking Assist added $500. With delivery, processing and handling fees of $925, my 201t Lexus NX Sport as-tested stickered at $45,435.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

With 2017’s Fall Florida AutoFest event in Lakeland coming to an end, so does not only the Carlisle Events season, but Carlisle Auctions season too. For Carlisle Events, Fall AutoFest was the final event of 12, spanning two states and three cities, while Carlisle Auctions concludes a massively successful four-event schedule which saw amazing events promoted between February and November, including the aforementioned Fall Florida AutoFest offering.

Carlisle Auctions gave thousands a live auction experience November 10 and 11 at the SUN ‘n FUN Campus in Lakeland. By doing so, the auction team once again connected bidder with consignment and consignor with a top dollar return. Over 400 consignments crossed the block spanning 100 years of production and from the first moment the auction started until its conclusion, the auction arena was electric!

The available high-quality consignments turned heads and drew an impressive number of bidders to the event. Not only were there more bidders at this event over last year’s fall auction, there was an increase in quality of consignment too.

With every auction there must be a top selling car and to the surprise of no one at the event, a classic C1 1964 Corvette garnered high money. This white beauty went for $79,180 (including fees) and was about $7,000 more than its closest competitor; in this case, a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T. Purple and topless, the R/T brought in $72,225. Additional top sellers include a 2008 Maybach and 1968 Camaro. These two very different styles of car totaled $127,330. The best part about this auction for those located within the Sunshine State (and beyond) is that it’s just three months until Carlisle Auctions returns for the February Winter AutoFest event.

Speaking of that February happening, Carlisle Events and Carlisle Auctions return to Lakeland and the SUN ‘n FUN Campus for Winter AutoFest from February 23-25, 2018. The weekend provides automotive enthusiasts the chance to check out a swap meet, car corral, car show and auction. The auction is once again backed by Carlisle Auctions. Carlisle Events helps power the swap meet, car corral and car show and of course none of it would be possible without the tens of thousands of guests who flock to the grounds and support these great events.

Complete details on the auction are available at www.CarlisleAuctions.com or by calling 717-960-6400. Consignments WILL sell out, so those interested in doing so should connect today. In addition, bidder registration is now open. Touch base today with Carlisle Auctions to learn about its FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee and learn how with Carlisle Auctions, you aren’t just a number; you’re a part of the family.

The compact Chevrolet Cruze debuted in 2008 for the 2009 model year, as a replacement for both the Chevy Cobalt and Suzuki Forenza (sold in Asia as the Daewoo Lacetti). In one short year, Cruz became Chevrolet’s best-selling car around the world, filling the need for a compact economy car with good looks and attention to detail.

New for 2017:

• The Cruze Diesel sedan is all-new, and delivers up to an EPA-estimated 52 mpg highway — the highest highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid/non-EV in America.
• The new Teen Driver feature allows parents to set controls, review driving habits and encourage safe driving habits even when they are not in the vehicle
• An additional charge-only USB port has been added to rear of the center console all LT and some Premier trims
• Sedan exterior colors are now: Arctic Blue Metallic, Pepperdust Metallic, Graphite Metallic and Cajun Red Tintcoat
• Next-generation Chevrolet MyLink with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability has been added, including a standard 7-inch-diagonal screen and available 8-inch-diagonal screen.
• An all-new, stronger and lighter body structure enhances agility, efficiency and safety.
• And more standard features include 10 air bags, four-wheel disc brakes, rearview camera and available OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot.

With an athletic exterior, and a compact-muscular appearance, long wheelbase and sweeping headlamps, Cruze is built in Lordstown, Ohio, with high-strength steel in key areas, to provide enhanced crash protection. The four-door, five-passenger unibody compact is constructed with a steel body frame with front and rear crumple zones; galvanized steel front fenders, hood, roof, door panels; and one-piece bodyside outer panel, thermal plastic olefin bumper fascias. A windshield rake and sloping rear profile create a sporty look, while the rear profile and integral rear spoiler contribute to the car’s aero efficiency.

With compact exterior dimensions, Cruze specs show a length at 183.7 inches, width of 70.5 inches and height to 57.4 inches on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. Curbweight is 2930 lbs. with the automatic transmission.

Cruze offers two power units. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection and electronic throttle control is SAE-certified at 153 horsepower and 177 lbs.-ft. of torque. Mated to a six-speed Hydramatic 6T35 automatic transmission the system is rated at 30 mpg/city and 41/highway. That’s the system my test ride had. My week of testing yielded an average of 35.1 mpg. Also offered is a 1.6-liter turbodiesel rated at 137hp and 240 lbs.-ft. and EPA rated at 30/city and 52/highway for the manual transmission.

Cruze acts like a compact on the road and the track, with slow, but steady acceleration. My track run of 8.4 seconds for the zero-to-60mph dash and 16.4-second quarter-mile were what one would expect. On the highway, there is enough power to pass at speed and take on hills – high-range torque is better than low-speed, and the reactions are quick from the rack-mounted electric power steering.

Built around the Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit theme, the interior offers a connected technology environment and available premium features including heated front cloth seats, heated rear outboard leather-trimmed seats and a heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel. The cabin seats five, but is tight up front with 38.9 inches of front headroom and 37.3 inches in the second row. Legroom is 42.0 inches in row one and 36.1 for row two, while shoulder room is 54.8 and 53.7.

Cruze’s cabin is filled with standard environmental, convenience, infotainment and safety technologies including Chevrolet MyLink™ with Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones; voice recognition for phone, music and radio.

Cruze continues its segment-leading 10 standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger air bags, roof rail-mounted head curtain side air bags that help protect the front and outboard rear seating positions; seat-mounted side-impact air bags (front and rear); and front knee air bags.

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze starts at $17,850 for the sedan in FWD and $22,115 for the Hatchback in FWD – both with the 1.4-liter turbo engine. Only the sedan is available with the 1.6-liter turbodiesel, and the FWD starts at $21,170. My LT trim sedan started at $21,025 in Manual transmission and the automatic I had started at $22,325. Premium paints can add $395, but my ride in Silver Ice Metallic was standard, matched to Jet Black cloth trim. My test Cruze LT Automatic added a cargo tray and all-season floor mats in the Interior Protection Package for $200; and added the $1150 Convenience Package with Keyless Open, Keyless Start, heated driver and front passenger seats, driver 8-way power seat adjuster and remote vehicle tarter system. The $1495 Sun and Sound Package was a nice add-on with Chevrolet® MyLink®, 8-inch Radio, Bose® premium 9-speaker system, color Driver Information Center and miles/kilometers speedometer instrumentation, power sunroof, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors visors and interior ambient lighting. The Driver Confidence Package was a good option at $495, with Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert. A rear spoiler added $425 and front and rear splash guards were $170. With Destination Freight charges of $875 the sticker-as-tested was $27,135, but incentives may be available to cut that as much as $3500 lower.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

The Hyundai Santa Fe midsize SUV debuted in 2000, and was an immediate hit with American buyers; and the more compact Santa Fe Sport arrived on the scene in 2013 with a smaller engine than its big brother while also earning top-seller status.

Built in Montgomery, Alabama, and West Point, Georgia, the Santa Fe line-up has been tweaked and enhanced for 2017, as Hyundai has made improvements to exterior design and LED lighting signatures, infotainment, convenience and safety technologies and by adding a new Drive Mode selection with Sport, Eco and Normal settings. The upgrades have helped the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport gain selection as the 2017 Consumer Guide® Automotive Best Buys for the midsize crossover/SUV class, and they were also named BestRide.com’s BestRides in their categories. Additionally, the 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, when equipped with optional front crash prevention, has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s TOP SAFETY PICK+ award for achieving a high level of safety standards.

The augmentations for 2017 include exterior improvements consisting of a redesigned front fascia with brushed-appearance front grille and new headlight design; an enhanced rear fascia design with new taillights and new dual exhaust outlet design; new designs for 17-, 18-, and 19-inch alloy wheels; new rocker panel trim design with integrated silver accents and new available LED Daytime Running Lights.

The powertrain gets the new standard Drive Mode Select upgrade and the interior is enriched with a new, standard seven-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto™ (Santa Fe 3-row); available Infinity® premium audio with QuantumLogic® Surround and Clari-Fi™ Music Restoration Technology; available next-generation Hyundai Blue Link® (standard on Santa Fe) and a redesigned center stack.

Safetywise, Santa Fe sees gains with a standard Rearview Camera; Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, new, available Multi-View Camera System, Smart Cruise Control with Stop/Start function and Lane Departure Warning systems. Also newly available are an electronic parking brake system with auto-hold and Dynamic Bending Lights and High Beam Assist.

Sized to attract trend-conscious buyers, the smaller compact Sport is 184.6 inches long, 74 inches wide and 66.1 inches high on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, while the larger Santa Fe sits on a 110.2-inch wheelbase and measures 193.1 inches long, 74.2 inches high and 66.5 inches high. The Santa Fe Sport has a curbweight of 3769 lbs. and Santa Fe’s larger offering weighs in at around 4200 lbs.

Interior accommodations are nearly identical for the two Santa Fes, with slightly better second-row head room and foot room for the larger edition. In the well-appointed Sport, front headroom is 39.6 inches with 39.1 in row two. Legroom goes 41.3 inches in front and 39.4 in row two, while shoulder room is 58.5 inches in row one and 56.0 for the second seats. The larger vehicle also offers a third row with tighter space limits.

In terms of power, the Santa Fe Sport is outfitted with either the 2.4-liter GDI in-line 4 engine, rated at 185hp and 181 lbs.-ft. of torque or the 2.0-liter turbo in-line 4 rated at 240hp and 240 lbs.-ft. The full-size Santa Fe gets the 3.3-liter Lambda II V-6 at 290hp and 252 lbs.-ft. EPA ratings for the engines are 20 city/26 highway for the 2.4-liter; 19/26 for the 2.0-liter turbo and 19/24 for the 3.3 (all of those in AWD configuration). My week of testing the Sport with the 2.4-liter engine in AWD yielded a mixed-use average of 21.3mpg.

On the highway, MacPherson strut front suspension with twin-tube gas filled damper and hollow-type stabilizer bar mated with a multi-link rear with gas shock absorber and stabilizer bar provided a very smooth ride for the niche, and steering was sincere for the class. The cabin was quiet and acceleration was predictable and strong enough for passing and uphill grades, though pick-up lacked excitement at 9.5 seconds for the zero-to-60 dash and 17.2 seconds for the quarter-mile. The Turbo and larger 3.3-liter variations could shave more than a second off each time.

The 2017 Santa Fe starts at $30,800 in SE trim (FWD), $34,950 in Limited trim (FWD), $38,700 in Ultimate trim (FWD), and $39,400 in Limited Ultimate (FWD). AWD configuration raises the ante by $1750. Limited trim. The Sport series bases at $25,350 in FWD and $27,100 in AWD for the 2.4 model. The 2.0T (2.0-liter turbo) starts at $31,700 (FWD) and the Ultimate 2.0T starts at $36,500 (FWD). For the Sport, AWD is $1550 more.

My Santa Fe Sport based at $24,950 for the 2.4-liter engine in FWD and $26,500 for AWD that I tested. The Value Package added $1900 for heated dual power side mirrors with turn signal indicators, power windows with front auto-up/down, proximity key with push button start, 7-inch display audio with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™, SiriusXM and HD radio, dual automatic temperature control with CleanAir ionizer, Hyundai Blue Link® Connected Car System, power driver seat with lumbar support, heated front seats
LED Daytime running lights, front fog lights and roof side rails, and premium lower front fascia (gloss black). Mudguards added $120 and all-weather floor mats were $130. Other high-tech and cosmetic items were available, but at this configuration, with freight charges of $895, my 2017 Hyundai Sport as tested came in under $30K at $29,545.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been
writing professionally for about 30 years.