The Chevrolet Equinox compact SUV (“CUV”) has been a popular model for GM since its introduction in 2005, with more than 2 million Equinoxes now on the road. This sleek 4-door, 5-passenger CUV, now in its third generation, has proven to be a practical, reliable choice for consumers seeking SUV-style features in a slimmed down form factor.
What’s new for 2018?
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox represents a major upgrade from prior Equinox generations. Based on GM’s new, modular, ultra-lightweight D2XX platform, it’s about 400 pounds lighter than before, and its 183.1-inch length/107.3 wheelbase shaves about 5 inches off the old footprint. These changes help make 2018 Equinoxes more fuel-efficient – and more maneuverable – than ever.
For 2018, the Chevrolet Equinox’s traditionally friendly looks have been tweaked to make the car sleeker, more sculpted, and more aerodynamic. Projector-beam headlights are now standard, as are LED daytime running lights. Equinoxes come stock with 17-inch wheels (18- and 19-inches available as options on extra-fare (LT and Premier) trim levels). 12 eye-catching paint colors are available for the 2018 Equinox (not every color is available for every trim level).
The 2018 Equinox provides a new and improved package of advanced GM technology, including a back-up camera (standard on all models), and, as available options, Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Change Alert, Low-Speed Automatic Braking, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Surround Vision, and Intellibeam Headlights. Also standard on the 2018 Equinox is GM’s StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control. This safety-enhancing technology compares the driver’s steering input with vehicle’s actual response on the road, automatically adjusting brake and engine torque to keep the vehicle on its intended course.
GM’s innovative Teen Driver technology – available as an option – is also new for 2018. Teen Driver lets parents program their Equinoxes with performance parameters (e.g. speed/radio volume) that cannot be exceeded while their teens are at the wheel, and remotely access in-vehicle “Report Cards” to verify their teens are practicing safe driving. And parents with younger children will appreciate the Equinox’s Rear Seat Reminder, which ensures that no child – or pet – will be left behind after adults exit the car.
1. Engine and transmission
Up until the 2018 model year, Equinox relied on a normally aspirated 3.6 L V6 engine to provide power. But Chevrolet made the decision to completely switch the Equinox over to turbocharged engines in order to boost efficiency and fuel economy.
Engine options for 2018 include:
- A 1.5 L turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine producing 170 HP and 260 lb-feet of torque
- A 2.0 L turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine producing 252 HP and 260 lb-feet of torque
- A 1.6 L turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine producing 136 HP and 236 lb-feet of torque
These new gas engines boost Equinox’s traditionally thrifty fuel economy stats to 26 mpg (city)/ 32 mg (highway) for the RWD version; 24 mpg (city)/30 mpg highway for the AWD version. And the diesel version is even thriftier: in late August of 2017, the EPA certified the diesel-powered Equinox at 39 mpg (highway), putting it far ahead of many CUV competitors.
In terms of transmission, Equinox continues to rely on Chevrolet’s trusty 6-speed automatic transmission (a 9-speed auto is available as an option for the turbo-diesel only).
2. Interior
While the 2018 Equinox is a bit shorter than in prior years, interior space hasn’t been impinged upon. There’s plenty of legroom up front (40.9 inches), and in the rear (39.7 inches) of the 90 cubic foot passenger compartment. At lower-priced trim levels (L, LS, LT), seats are denim, with leather, heated seats appearing in the high-end Premier trim package.
The interior is noticeably quieter, thanks to Chevrolet’s installation of sound-deadening materials in the passenger compartment and the use of GM’s active noise cancellation technology to reduce engine noise. Storage options are excellent. Chevrolet has paid a lot of attention to family storage needs, providing various specialized (and even concealed) storage compartments and pockets throughout the interior.
3. Communications and Infotainment
All Chevrolet Equinoxes come with Bluetooth and a 6-speaker audio system supplied as standard equipment; with Onstar 4G LTE available as an option, Chevrolet’s MyLink with 7-inch touchscreen, AM/FM radio, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility, is standard in the L, LS, and LT trim packages – the Premier package has a slightly larger (8 inch) screen. A single USB port and aux input jack are supplied with the L, LS, and LT trim option packages (2 with Premier). Having this kind of robust connectivity makes it easy for Equinox drivers to leverage the power of their mobile apps, including navigational, entertainment, and productivity apps, including the myChevrolet mobile app.
4. Safety features
Chevrolet Equinoxes come standard with driver and front seat passenger dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted side-impact bags, and head curtain side impact bags, rear vision camera, and a trial three-month subscription to OnStar’s suite of services, including Automatic Crash Response, Roadside Assistance, and Advanced Diagnostics.
The ultimate in protection is available in the Equinox’s Premier trim level package. This option, dubbed the “Driver Confidence and Convenience II Package,” includes Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, Safety Alert Seat, Surround Vision, and IntelliBeam high beam assist.
The 2018 Equinox, is a stylish, practical CUV designed with family needs in mind, and its new turbo engine choices make it a fun car to drive. If you’d like to check out the massively upgraded and improved Chevrolet Equinox, come on down to Bical Chevrolet for a test drive. Call us at 866-468-1413 or use this website’s online contact form to get started.
Connect with us
