I don’t like the 4 cylinder sewing machine sound of the engine at idle. You only hear it when you’re outside of the car because the active noise suppression system is so great. When in Eco mode, there is a discernible delay between when you stomp on it and the car decides to go. The 4 cylinder picks up very well when you stomp on the gas, but growls uncivilly when doing so. I also find myself accidentally opening the rear windows because there aren’t any immediate button cues (e.g. a little knubby bump) to help differentiate the window controls.

Otherwise, I’m digging the little ute. I feel tall in traffic, it hauls the baby great, rear sliding row is awesome, it looks sharp, rear camera and automatic lift gate are clutch.

You should check one out if you’re in the market.

If people would rid thier “import” Bias they would see the quality products that have come out of domestic brands like GM. More features, better reliability, all for less price thats what domestics have to offer. Are there exceptions? Sure but if people would give them a chance and comparison shop they will see the difference. Your money do with it what you will but just realize your paying a premium for a badge on the front of your car when you buy import, More for both MSRP and repairs.

this word is the reason that the Big 3 continue to lose ground against their foreign rivals.

In the past we've known the equinox exactly as you've described it. sub-par.
Thus, whenever someone mentions Equinox to the average Joe, they're going to be reminded of the older models.
It would have been smarter to ax the name Equinox and release this as something completely different.