2014 Chevy Equinox Becomes Plus-prized Model

There seems to be a bit off a crossover crisis unfolding at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), at least for vehicles not named the 2014 Chevy Equinox. The Institute put nine of today's top "midsize SUVs" through the enhanced Top Safety Pick+ testing regimen recently, and only the Equinox—and its corporate cousin, the 2014 GMC Terrain—made the cut for the Top Safety Pick+ honor roll.  

Said Gay Kent, director of General Motors Global Safety Strategy and Vehicle Programs: “Having the only two midsize SUVs that earned the Top Safety Pick Plus designation speaks to GM’s focus on improving our vehicles by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies that can help avoid a crash, and by enhancing vehicle structure and occupant protection if a crash occurs. We are very pleased that the IIHS has recognized the safety of both the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain with this prestigious rating.”

Now, it's true that the 2014 Toyota Highlander scored a TSP+ recognition in December, but at this stage, the only seven non-lux crossovers to achieve the Institute's top designation are:

• 2014 Mazda CX-5
• 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
• 2014 Nissan Rogue
• 2014 Subaru Forester
• 2014 Chevy Equinox
• 2014 GMC Terrain
• 2014 Toyota Highlander

Also, folks should remember that, beyond needing to pass the IIHS' physical crash-test evaluations, vehicles also must have some sort of front-crash protection technology to receive the "+" sign, so, technically, only models with those often-optional safety systems qualify for the full TSP+ honor. The 2014 Chevy Equinox (and GMC Terrain), for example, offer a forward-collision alert system as part of a comprehensive, camera-based safety package that also includes lane-departure warning and rear park assist.

But about those physical crash tests: The 2014 Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain both received the highest possible grades for evaluations during small- and moderate front overlap impacts and side-crash situations, as well as for roof strength in rollover scenarios and performance of head restraints and seats. In addition, both offer rearview camera systems, and both come with a six-month trial subscription to the GM OnStar service, which includes automatic crash notification and emergency assistance, hands-free calling, and roadside assistance.

The 2014 Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are on sale now, with pricing that starts at $24,400 and $26,465, respectively.