The Chevrolet Equinox – The Family Road Trip’s Best Friend

December 23, 2011 2:30 pm ET

With winter officially upon us and holiday travel season in full swing, we know that, like us, many of you are planning on spending quality family time in the car.  While there isn’t much we can do about your squirmy kid brother or chatterbox second cousin, we all can find comfort in the sanity-saving, technological treats that come standard or are available on most GM vehicles.

Take the Chevrolet Equinox, for example.  Over the river and through the woods is catchy, but it isn’t exactly a reliable GPS.  The Equinox, among other GM models, has OnStar, an in-vehicle communication tool that provides navigation and so much more.  Hit one button and get directions downloaded right to your car, talk to a live person, or find the nearest gas station.  Best of all, in case of an accident, OnStar will notify first responders and send help right away, even if you can’t.

Second to safety, the Equinox is ready for any long haul.  For 2012, there’s a 7 inch color touch screen radio with USB, so plug in that MP3 player, or pick your favorite Pandora station and let the sing-alongs begin!  Got more of a gamer, smartphone or laptop crowd in the passenger seats?  You’re going to need juice.  Electrical juice, that is, and lots of it.  Don’t fret; the 2012 Equinox has four 12-volt power outlets, so no device will go dark.

Last, but certainly not least, the Equinox has loads of potential for, well, loads of stuff.  Not only does it feature an oversized glove box, storage in the center armrest to hold your laptop, and eight cup holders, it also has 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat.  What can 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space hold exactly?  Try four stuffed ice hockey equipment bags (yes, we know from experience), or the family’s luggage, including, perhaps, all-essential baby gear, the family pet safely secured, and all those gifts you spent so much precious time wrapping.

Happy holidays, everyone, and safe travels!