2018 Chevrolet Equinox: It’s New, Improved And Long Overdue

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has been around a long, long time without any significant changes since it was first introduced for the 2005 model year and face-lifted for 2010. As a small two-row SUV/crossover, it has soldiered on and done decently sales-wise. This is primarily by virtue of the fact that it is part of a growing segment, and is also available from every one of the thousands of Chevrolet dealers across the US. The numbers have added up to make the long-in-the-tooth and undistinguished Equinox the fifth best selling small SUV in its class in 2016, behind the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape. 

But Chevrolet wanted and needed something better. The new 2018 Equinox had to be good enough to be considered as an alternative to the top-tier small SUVs that continually outsell it. And so we have the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, totally redesigned to compete with the sales leaders in the class, in all the important ways.

Equinox: The Next Generation

The 2018 Equinox has been downsized to match the competition. Its wheelbase and its length have both been shortened by about five inches. Its weight has also been reduced by 400 pounds. The all-new styling of the 2018 Equinox uses elements that echo its Malibu, Cruze, and Volt showroom siblings. It has been thoroughly modernized, inside and out.

The 2018 Equinox comes in four trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier.

Modern Powerplants And Transmissions

The 2018 Equinox offers a choice of two gasoline engines, plus a unique diesel option. All are turbocharged. The standard engine is a 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder with 170 horsepower, which is adequate for most driving needs. If you need more than adequate power, opt for the 2.0L four-cylinder, also turbocharged, which produces a hearty 252 horsepower. This is the engine for you if you like strong acceleration, drive fully loaded, or plan to use your all-wheel drive system regularly. 

The 1.6L four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine will be available later in 2017 and will offer 137 horsepower plus a stump-pulling 240 lb.-ft. of torque. The diesel will get a GM-estimated 40 MPG on the highway. This is a great choice for long-distance cruising.

Transmission options are a six-speed automatic on the 1.5L gas and 1.6L diesel engines. The 2.0L gasoline engine comes with a nine-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard on all engines, and all-wheel drive is optional.

Safety And Connectivity Features: Both Standard And Available

Standard safety features on the 2018 Equinox include six air bags: front driver and passenger, roof rail-mounted head curtain and front-seat-mounted side-impact air bags. A collapsible pedal assembly is also standard, as is a rear vision camera. The standard Teen Driver feature allows parents to set controls and review their teen’s driving habits.

Additional driver assistance technologies come in two packages. The Driver Confidence Package is available on the LT trim and standard on Premier. It includes Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, and Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert.

The Driver Confidence II Package is available only on the Premier model. It includes Forward Collision Alert, Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Surround Vision, Following Distance Indicator, and the Safety Alert Seat. 

Connectivity features include OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, plus MyLink infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless device charging is standard on the Premier.

2018 Chevrolet Equinox Is Here To Compete With The Best

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has declared its intention to take the small SUV sales battle right to the leaders of the segment. If you are considering a CR-V, RAV4, Rogue, Escape, or any of the many competitors for your small SUV dollar, check out the 2018 Equinox – it may surprise you!