2018 Chevrolet Equinox
The compact SUV segment is one of the most competitive segments of the automotive industry. And while Chevrolet’s Equinox has been leading its class for the past couple of years, it hasn’t received a major update for a few years – until now! The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is completely overhauled and the resulting SUV is all-new, front to rear. The cabin has been updated too, and it utilizes modern underpinnings underneath. This is a big investment for Chevrolet, and if it is to pay off, the Equinox needs to be as popular as it was a few years ago. Question is, can it compete with the rest of the revised lineup from the competition?
Exterior
Visually, it’s already up there with the best of them. Chevy has ditched the boxy shape and straight lines for something a lot more modern. The new corporate fascia suits the Equinox beautifully, especially that front V-shape grille and headlights. The proportions are just right too. It’s understated without blending in with the rest of the crowd too much.
Interior
In addition to better materials and a nicer fit and finish, the new Equinox offers a more spacious cabin as well. Headroom and legroom are both up, meaning four adults can comfortably travel long distances with ease. The seats themselves are comfortable with plenty of support, and the front ones can be specified with heating and ventilation. The visibility is great and there’s not a lot of wind or road noise. The new design reduces drag coefficient so you get a cabin that’s extremely quiet and refined, even at highway speeds. The interior definitely feels a lot more premium than it did before.
Engine and Performance
The Equinox’s base engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, but you can specify the updated all-wheel-drive system. The turbocharger gives it plenty of low-range torque, perfect for town driving. The six-speed auto is perfectly suited to the engine too and seems to shift when you want it to shift.
If you want more performance you can always go for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Those power figures make it one of the quickest SUVs in its respective segment, but I think its crowning jewel is the nine-speed auto. It’s fast, smooth and seamless. AWD vehicles with the bigger engine can tow up to 3500 lbs., with the smaller engine managing 1500 lbs.
You can also choose a 1.6-liter turbodiesel with 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It comes with stop-start and returns incredible mileage, up to 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway. In this segment, that’s almost unheard of.
Conclusion
Chevrolet has breathed fresh life into the Equinox. The new SUV is better than the old one in every measurable way. More importantly though, it more than stacks up to the competition. If it were my money, the Chevy Equinox would get a serious look.
View in-stock 2018 Chevrolet Equinox inventory here