Sounds like the reviewer had a pretty good experience with the vehicle. It pretty much reflects my impressions as a 2 month owner now.
And, yeah, those initial comments are pretty suspect.
I own an Equinox, (and moved from a BMW so I'd like to think I can comment on fit, function and handling) and so far I am extremely impressed. I got the 4 cylinder for the gas savings. As a downside, real world gas mileage ranges between 24 and 26 miles per gallon. If I just measure Highway mileage, I can definitely average over 30 miles per gallon for the trip, but it definitely is a bit of an art form to keep the average MPG over 30. Plus I have a heavy foot since people tend to love to cut me off in this vehicle.
The only other downside is what I feel is a pretty big blind spot in the rear quarters. The 4-cylinder engine is enough to get the job done. It's not extremely smooth under merging acceleration (you kind of have to stomp on it to really make it go), but it does go once it goes. I basically keep it in ECO mode all the time since the potential gas savings is why I purchased this vehicle.
The vehicle feels well planned out and this will be our reliable family carrier until BMW, Audi, or even VW comes up with a respectable performing competitor that pulls down excellent gas mileage. As of now, Mazda and even Hyundai, (hell, even KIA) have compelling vehicles in this segment. The europeans have been sitting on exceptional TDI technology for a good while now. Time for them to throw the 4 cylinder TDI in their entry level CUVs. In this case, they waited way too long. Tiguan mileage is laughable, as is Toureg's. The Audi and BMW's just cost too much for the low mileage. BMW released their TDI sedan that is exactly the ticket, but it costs too much. Throw that engine in a better looking redesigned X3 (or X1), and they'll definitely have a winner.