In an attempt to stand out in a crowded field, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox goes tire-to-tire with its competition, including long-standing segment favorites from Honda and Toyota. It offers style, refinement, functionality and comfort, plus additional high-tech features for 2013 that help it stand out in this increasingly electronics-heavy world. One of the best traits of the Equinox is its expandable (and expansive) rear passenger quarters. A sliding second-row seat does the trick, allowing limolike legroom for those second-row passengers. Additionally, the Chevy's quiet, comfortable ride seems more like that of a full-size crossover rather than a compact. Indeed the Equinox stretches the definition of "compact crossover," measuring up to 10 inches longer than its like-priced rivals. In addition to the entry-level four-cylinder engine, the Equinox offers a V6, which is bigger and more powerful this year. The 182-horsepower inline-4 provides adequate performance and high EPA fuel mileage estimates, though in practice we've found those to be rather optimistic. The muscle-bound 301-hp V6 provides strong acceleration, while its mileage estimates are understandably quite a bit less. Like its GMC Terrain twin, the 2013 Chevy Equinox does have a few minor weaknesses. Despite its greater exterior size, it doesn't match the generous cargo capacity of some competitors, such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. It also comes up a bit short in terms of maneuverability when measured against sportier compact crossovers like the Ford Escape, Kia Sportage and Volkswagen Tiguan. These quibbles aside, the 2013 Chevrolet Equinox's well-rounded nature makes it one of the top choices in this segment.