the Equinox also comes with AWD if you want it, we didnt. Same Gas Mileage
No offense, but there is no way that an all-wheel drive, wether it be a 4x4 or true AWD, can get the same mileage as the 2WD. More moving parts means more friction and more weight equals less efficiency.
To the Minivan arguement:
I owned a 1985 Plymouth Voyager. It had no acceleration. It got OK fuel mileage. It did haul a ton of stuff though and was completely lockable and could do it easily.
I kick myself in the rear end constantly for buying a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4 instead of a Honda Odyssey. Those minivans are huge inside (only 1" narrower than a FULL size truck not a compact as most SUV's are based on) and can haul *** (240hp V-Tech engine, nearly as fast as your Taurus SHO, Joe) and had a resale value that was unbelieveable (only lost on average $600 in value for a one year ownership).
I was convinced I needed 4WD for the snow and the wife told me the minivan wasn't cool. Oh well. At least I still have my 96 GTI. It hauls two tubas (993 besson in the hard case and a 6/4 Holton in a soft case) with luggage and some room to spare with two people and good mileage. My GTI is still running strong with 115,000 miles on it.
My wife and I will never own an SUV. They don't handle and they suck in many areas. Resale will soon deteriorate and most of 'em are just plain ugly. If I ever need to own my own mass-transit vehicle, I will buy another minivan. For now, I will own small cars and be happy. I'll be able to smoke all of you SUV owners with a few engine mods and still sip fuel. I can stop my car and turn it also, something I enjoy to do. Thankfully, the folks in Germany have half a brain and continue to make some well-styled and high performance station wagons. Those hold nearly as much internally as any SUV and still take off, stop and turn as well as getting good mileage.
What really kills me is the mom with two kids (and that is all she will have) driving a Suburban/Excursion/M-1/whatever who can't park it and can't keep it in one lane. Heck, most people, men and women, cannot manuever a compact size truck let alone a full size truck with any real ability. Ahh, but her husband feels safe if she gets into an accident with it. Well, my wife has a clue about driving and her 2003 Jetta 1.8T can keep her out of most accidents because it can EVADE problems unlike those civilian tanks.
It would be amazing what would be on the road if people actually bought what they need to drive instead of what they think they need/want.
and gets over 30MPG. pretty decent cargo room for a little thing, too. And they only start in the $13,xxx's new.
