The Chevy Equinox is a great vehicle for getting around the city, to driving though Pacific Northwest hills and mountains, to taking scenic drives that require time and a comfortable ride. The Equinox LTZ came equipped with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system and a powerful V6 that has torque making it nimble for its size.
Having a good AWD vehicle is not just for driving off roads, but also great for driving on roads such as all the ones he have here. And in any major city along the west coast, there are always many areas made of hills the size of small mountains. This crossover was great for moving around everywhere and still giving 20 MPG and more. Having strong stable traction is important for moving the entire vehicle around corners and bends. 
But the real advantage to having AWD is using it off paved roads, and that doesn’t mean Baja or rally racing.
We visit family and the beach along the Oregon coast and there is a stretch that is legal for vehicles to drive upon; ON THE BEACH! It is flat and similar to smooth concrete, but if you want to stay off the road then you have to drive more offshore which is the deeper beach sand.
The power of the DOHC 3.0L V6 makes it climb out of the sand with ease and is pretty much safe to assume that this car or any Chevy equipped with AWD will do its work and to get you out of a stuck situation.
The little one may have problems in the sand.
It did that and more, I felt so comfortable driving on the sand, it made for a fun and adventurous trip to the beach.
I was provided a loaner vehicle.
I love the adventure in your post. And how nice to feel comfortable enough in a vehicle to do it!!
I love the idea of driving on sand, I am an east coaster and we don’t see that too much – interesting point about the traction, I could use that just in day to day driving!