Chevrolet Equinox crossover SUV is plenty pleasing

— -- Chevrolet is General Motors' biggest brand, so it needs to excel wherever it competes.

It hasn't always — and that was apparent with the former version of its Equinox compact crossover SUV, which became almost an afterthought in a hot slice of the market. Buyers moving out of big SUVs into modest-size models that use less fuel and cost less to buy, insure and maintain, hadn't much considered Equinox. Honda sold three times as many CR-Vs last year; Toyota sold twice as many RAV4s.

Chevy's revamped 2010 Equinox should do better. It's based on the previous model's chassis — itself an evolution of the 2002 Saturn Vue underpinnings, according to Robert Reuter, chief engineer for GM's compact crossovers worldwide. But everything else about it is significantly sweeter.

The new Equinox styling trumps the small-SUV field — a fashion model among the sweat-suited masses.

No hybrid is available. GM's two-mode hybrid system "was ready to go" for the Vue this summer. But post-Chapter 11, GM has axed Saturn, and the two-mode hybrid is "an expensive system, and right now we're not going to announce any plans" to use it in the Equinox, Reuter says.

Based on suburban scooting in a nicely equipped, four-cylinder, front-drive test model ($28,625) and a more-optioned V-6 all-wheel drive ($33,235), here's what to expect.

Good stuff:

•The base four-cylinder will be plenty for most folks. And it's not only more powerful but also more fuel-efficient than most rivals.

Still, with four aboard plus lots of luggage, you wouldn't want to tackle the Rockies in the four-banger.

The optional V-6 was a hot rod that begged to be flogged because it responded so delightfully and emitted a striking growl, more tenor than bass, doing so. Worked just fine driven gently, too, but not as much fun.

•The leather-festooned interiors in the test vehicles were unexpectedly classy. Well-designed accent lighting was a premium touch. Controls operated smoothly, with upscale feel.

•Dynamics were good. Not common in SUVs, but the Chevy steering and cornering were sporty, especially in the V-6. Brake pedal felt dead, though Chevy claims Equinox stops better than rivals.