The 2018 Chevy Equinox is a standout in the highly competitive compact SUV market. With its modern features, strong performance, and impressive fuel efficiency, the 2018 Equinox caters to a wide range of drivers. Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that offers comfort, technology, or a reliable performance, the 2018 Chevy Equinox offers all of these qualities and more. Let’s dive deeper into what makes the 2018 Equinox a top choice in the compact SUV category.
Overview of the 2018 Chevy Equinox
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is a complete redesign of Chevrolet’s popular compact SUV. This new generation of the Equinox brings a fresh design, more efficient engine options, and an abundance of advanced safety and technology features. The vehicle’s new, sleeker exterior and improved interior make it a formidable competitor against other compact SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Performance and Engine Options
One of the standout features of the 2018 Chevy Equinox is its array of engine choices. Depending on your needs, you can select from three different engines, each offering a distinct balance of power and fuel efficiency.
- 1.5L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: The standard engine is a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that generates 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. This engine is ideal for those who prioritize fuel efficiency while still needing enough power for everyday driving.
- 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: For those seeking more power, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It provides a much more dynamic performance, making it a great option for those who need extra muscle for highway merging or towing.
- 1.6L Turbocharged Diesel Engine: The diesel engine option delivers 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. It is designed for drivers who want exceptional fuel efficiency, with a projected fuel economy of up to 39 mpg on the highway.
The Equinox comes with front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive is available for added traction, especially useful in slippery conditions.
Interior and Comfort
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is designed to offer comfort for both short trips and long drives. Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin with room for five passengers. The interior materials have been upgraded to a more premium feel compared to previous generations.
Cargo Space
The Equinox boasts impressive cargo space, with up to 63.5 cubic feet available when the rear seats are folded down. This makes it ideal for hauling larger items, whether it’s luggage for a road trip or sports equipment. Even with the seats up, the Equinox provides 29.9 cubic feet of cargo room, which is ample for everyday errands.
Technology and Infotainment
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is equipped with an intuitive infotainment system, making it easy to stay connected while on the road.
- Chevrolet MyLink System: Standard on all trims, the MyLink system features a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen (depending on the trim) and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for seamless integration of your smartphone.
- Wi-Fi Hotspot: As an option, you can equip the Equinox with an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, providing internet connectivity on the go. This is a fantastic feature for families or individuals who need to stay connected during long drives.
- Safety Features: The 2018 Equinox comes with an array of standard and available safety features, including a rearview camera, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and more. Higher trims offer additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Fuel Economy
The fuel economy of the 2018 Chevy Equinox is one of its most attractive features, especially for those who do a lot of city driving.
- 1.5L Engine: This base engine offers excellent fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
- 2.0L Engine: The more powerful turbocharged engine still delivers respectable fuel economy, with 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
- 1.6L Diesel Engine: The diesel engine option is a standout, offering up to 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient choices in the compact SUV segment.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is available in four different trim levels, offering a variety of features and customization options:
- L Trim: The base trim starts at around $24,575 and comes with essential features such as the 7-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and keyless entry.
- LS Trim: Starting at approximately $26,495, the LS trim adds more convenience features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat and satellite radio.
- LT Trim: The LT trim, starting at $28,795, introduces more tech upgrades like an 8-inch touchscreen, remote start, and available all-wheel drive.
- Premier Trim: The fully loaded Premier trim starts at $32,295 and includes leather upholstery, a premium sound system, and more advanced safety features.
Driving Experience
The 2018 Chevy Equinox offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The suspension is tuned to provide a balanced ride, with good handling characteristics for a vehicle of its size. The base 1.5-liter turbo engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine adds a more engaging experience with stronger acceleration. The diesel engine, on the other hand, excels in terms of fuel economy and is perfect for those who prioritize efficiency over raw power.
Pros and Cons of the 2018 Chevy Equinox
Pros
- Impressive Fuel Economy: The 2018 Equinox is among the leaders in the compact SUV segment for fuel efficiency.
- Comfortable Interior: Spacious, premium-feeling cabin with plenty of features to keep you connected and comfortable.
- Advanced Safety Features: A wide array of safety technologies, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and available all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Tight Third-Row Space: Unlike some rivals, the Equinox does not offer a third-row seat, limiting passenger capacity to five.
- Higher Trim Pricing: While the Equinox is affordable in its base form, higher trim levels can become quite expensive, especially with added options.
FAQs
What is the towing capacity of the 2018 Chevy Equinox?
The 2018 Chevy Equinox can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine and the available towing package.
Does the 2018 Chevy Equinox have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, the 2018 Chevy Equinox comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features on all trims.
How much cargo space does the 2018 Chevy Equinox have?
The 2018 Chevy Equinox offers up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down.
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Chevy Equinox?
The 2018 Chevy Equinox achieves up to 39 mpg on the highway with the diesel engine, and around 29 mpg with the 2.0L turbo engine.
Is the 2018 Chevy Equinox available with all-wheel drive?
Yes, all-wheel drive is available on all trims of the 2018 Chevy Equinox.