I have been kicking tires and test driving 2011 Equinox with the intent to trade for 1 in the Fall when 12s come out. Yesterday while at a dealer I got my first look and test drive of the 2012 Malibu. 1st impressions: Very good quiet smoothe ride, beautiful 2 tone leather interior. The 4 cyl was very responsive, a lot more than on the Nox. Negatives for me: it sets low to the ground causing the front underneath spoiler? to hit curbs, got hung up on the bottom of the steering wheel getting in and out, bumped my head on the sun visor when leaning forward to check traffic at an intersection. (I'm 5'10" and 165lbs) It's a couple thousand dollars cheaper LTZ to LTZ Nox mainly due to I'd be satisfied with the 4 cyl. Then I test drove another Nox. Dealer had the Spring Special on hand. Sitting up higher and ease of getting in and out were first good impressions...again. Of course the ride was a bit more harsh...hey, it's a truck! The 4 cyl in the Nox was quite sluggish compared to the lighter Malibu. Thinking I'll stick with the Nox!! The LTZ has more bells and whistles too!!