more about this model It's no surprise that the compact crossover market is the biggest segment in the U.S. thanks to vehicles such as the fully redesigned 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. As with most Chevrolets, the Equinox is sold in several different trim levels with many option packages. All these available configurations give you a great chance at finding the perfect model at your local Chevy dealer.
Chevrolet offers the 2018 Equinox in four trim levels: L, LS, LT and Premier. The base L is very well-equipped relative to its low price, with standard features including automatic headlights, keyless entry and ignition, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone compatibility via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, this value-rich base trim will be nearly impossible to find on dealer lots because it's special-order only. Dealers will more likely have plenty of LS models, however, which is nearly $2,000 more but adds rear floor mats, a spare tire (instead of a tire inflator kit) and a digital compass, along with an expanded exterior color palette and available all-wheel drive.
The LT is a modestly priced upgrade that adds xenon headlights, tinted glass, a power driver seat and satellite radio. It also opens the door to additional features with two available packages: Sun and Infotainment, and Confidence and Convenience. The Premier models gets a big price bump as it comes standard with both of the previously mentioned packages. It also includes LED headlights, a hands-free liftgate and leather upholstery. If the Premier doesn't already have everything you want, it can be bolstered with the Confidence and Convenience II package and the Sun, Sound and Navigation pack.
Even with the base turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, the Equinox is often pricier than its competitors. It's likely to be considerably more expensive when equipped with either the more powerful 2.0-liter gasoline engine or the fuel-sipping 1.6-liter diesel. Both alternatives are worth considering since the 1.5-liter and its slow-shifting six-speed automatic feel lethargic, especially in hilly areas.
Despite its sluggish base engine, the Equinox is certainly worth a look if you're in the market for a well-rounded compact SUV. There's plenty of cargo space, the central touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to use, and its spacious cabin allows for 6-foot-plus passengers to sit in the back with room to spare. If features are important to you, the Equinox offers some that are difficult to find in this segment, including ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree parking camera. If you have a compact crossover set squarely in your sights, use Edmunds' peerless shopping tools to build and find the perfect 2018 Chevrolet Equinox for you and your family. 2018 chevrolet equinox first drive
Competition in the compact crossover segment is fierce, so most entries get redesigned every four to six years. The previous Chevrolet Equinox went eight years without a redesign yet remained one of Chevrolet's top-selling models. A host of revamped rivals such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5 have put the pressure on, however, so Chevrolet knew that it was time to give the Equinox a shot in the arm. The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox features more refined powertrains, higher-quality interior materials and better smartphone integration among other things, all of which make it more competitive than ever before.
Under the Skin
At first glance, the new Equinox doesn't look much different from its predecessor. The grille and headlights resemble the front fascias of other Chevrolets (especially the Cruze sedan), but the shape of the windows are similar to the previous design. The older Equinox skirted the line between a compact and midsize SUV, but this model is 6 inches shorter in length, which firmly plants it in the compact category. The shrinkage has left critical measurements including cargo volume mostly unaffected, though the storage area is smaller than what you'll find in a Ford Escape or Honda CR-V. Front and rear headroom have been reduced marginally, but we found that a 6-foot passenger will have no problem sitting behind a 6-foot driver.
In addition to its spacious interior, the Equinox also boasts a vastly improved interior design and materials. The new center console is much less button-heavy than before, consisting of a two-tier stack with infotainment controls on top and climate controls below. The standard 7-inch touchscreen is equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Chevy's intuitive MyLink operating system. An 8-inch screen is offered on upper trims along with a Bose audio system and onboard navigation.
On lower trims, the Equinox features an abundance of textured plastics and seats covered in cloth upholstery. The seats are designed for maximum durability, but they're actually quite comfortable over the long haul. Opting for the Premier adds perforated leather upholstery to the seats and leather surfaces with contrasting stitching to the dashboard and doors.
Everything Is Turbocharged
In the interest of maximum fuel efficiency, the 2018 Equinox only uses turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The range starts with a 1.5-liter gas engine that's matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. It's rated to produce 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 28 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 26 mpg combined when equipped with optional all-wheel drive. These estimates are 1-2 mpg better than those of base engines in competing vehicles.
If that's not enough power for you, there are two alternatives. One is a 1.6-liter diesel engine that serves up 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. Chevy says it'll earn 40 mpg on the highway on front-wheel-drive models. For those who crave even more performance, a 2.0-liter gas engine is optional. It's mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that puts out a healthy 252 hp and 260 lb-ft. Only the base engine will be available at first, but the diesel and the more powerful 2.0-liter gas engine will be added to the lineup in the summer of 2017.
What's It Like to Drive?
Our initial test drive occurred in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, which did not play to the Equinox's strengths. The seats don't provide much lateral support, so you'll find the side bolster suddenly sticking into the middle of your back if you take a turn with too much gusto. The tires squealed on turns taken within the speed limit, though the steering proved to be predictable. The elevation changes highlighted the lack of power on tap from the 1.5-liter engine and the reluctance of the six-speed automatic to downshift. It's safe to say the more powerful 2.0-liter and torque-rich diesel will offer vastly better driving experiences. When not in the tight curves of the mountains, the Equinox impressed with a quiet, comfortable ride that shrugged off bumpy pavement with aplomb.
Which Trims Will Be Offered?
There will be four levels of trim available with the standard 1.5-liter engine. The base L version (MSRP $24,475) includes 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, full power accessories, a rearview camera and the 7-inch touchscreen with all its tech gadgetry. However, this trim is a special order; you won't find it on a dealer lot. You will, however, find the LS ($26,405) at the local dealership, which adds rear floor mats, a spare tire, a digital compass and a wider range of exterior colors. Next up is the LT ($27,645), which equips the Equinox with xenon headlights, tinted rear glass, a power-adjustable driver seat, remote levers for folding the rear seat and satellite radio. It also opens the door to additional equipment packages. Lastly, the top-level Premier ($31,685) adds 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate, heated front seats, leather upholstery, the 8-inch touchscreen, blind-spot monitoring and more. Additional available features include navigation, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree parking camera.
How Does It Stack Up Against the Competition?
In order to compete in this class, the Equinox needs to deliver a roomy cabin, plenty of cargo space, fuel-efficient engines and, above all else, an affordable window sticker. For the most part, the Equinox delivers. Four adults fit comfortably with a middle jump seat appropriate for occasional use. The cargo area isn't the largest in the segment, and neither is the engine the most fuel-efficient. However, both are close enough to segment leaders to keep the Equinox in the running.
Pricing is the Equinox's weak point. While the Equinox technically starts at $24,475, dealers will likely stock the LS, which puts it at the $26,405 mark. A similarly priced Honda CR-V EX also includes a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine (though its continuously variable automatic transmission's quick responses make it feel much faster than the Equinox) and it comes with features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and a sunroof. The base Mazda CX-5 is less expensive than the Equinox, and a Ford Escape at the same price is better equipped.
Given the competence (and overall lower price tags) of its rivals, the Equinox has a challenging road ahead. But its agreeable ride, fuel-sipping engine lineup and vastly upgraded interior certainly keep it in the game.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 Equinox featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 Equinox 3.9 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 Equinox.
Vehicle
Premier 4dr SUV (1.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Review
My Premier fwd with Michelin Premier ltx 18" tires creates a tremendous amount of road noise. I would suggest driving the vehicle for a day or two before making a purchase. GM and Michelin claim that there is not a problem with their product and the dealer is stuck in the middle and cannot offer any assistance.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Available Chevrolet Equinox 2018 Submodel Types: SUV, Diesel
Available Trims: LT, LS, LTZ, Premier, LT1, LT2, Sport, L
Exterior Colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Summit White, Black, Tungsten Metallic, Nightfall Gray Metallic, Orange Burst Metallic, Black Granite Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Blue Velvet Metallic, Atlantis Blue Metallic, Storm Blue Metallic, Ashen Gray Metallic, Silver Topaz Metallic, Mocha Steel Metallic, Crystal Red Tintcoat, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, Cajun Red Tintcoat, Sandy Ridge Metallic, Cyber Gray Metallic, White Diamond Tricoat, Cardinal Red Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Twilight Blue Metallic, Pepperdust Metallic, Siren Red Tintcoat, Deep Ruby Metallic, Dark Silver Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Navy Blue Metallic, Granite Gray Metallic, Ivy Metallic, Patriot Blue Metallic, Steel Green Metallic, Salsa Red Metallic, Sandstone Metallic, Silverstone Metallic, Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat, Sea Grass Metallic, Graystone Metallic, Laser Blue Metallic, Bermuda Green Metallic, Galaxy Silver Metallic, Golden Teal Metallic, Black Amethyst Metallic, Meander Green Metallic
Interior Colors: Jet Black premium cloth, Medium Ash Gray premium cloth, Jet Black leather, Jet Black cloth, Light Titanium/Jet Black premium cloth, Light Titanium/Jet Black cloth, Light Titanium/Jet Black leather, Brownstone/Jet Black leather, Light Gray, Medium Ash Gray leather, Light Gray leather, Dark Gray premium cloth, Jet Black/Brandy leather, Dark Gray cloth, Jet Black/Light Titanium cloth, Jet Black/Cinnamon cloth, Saddle Up/Jet Black leather, Jet Black/Light Titanium leather, Jet Black/Light Titanium premium cloth, Light Cashmere, Light Cashmere cloth, Light Cashmere leather, Ebony cloth, Ebony leather, Jet Black/Brownstone leather, Light Cashmere premium cloth, Light Gray cloth
Popular Features: Alarm, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Rear Bench Seats, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Aux Audio Inputs, Stability Control, Post-collision safety system, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Bluetooth, USB Inputs, Power Driver Seat, Back-up camera, Remote Start, Mobile Internet, 3500lb Towing Capacity, AWD/4WD, Heated seats, Auto Climate Control, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Keyless Entry/Start, Sunroof/Moonroof, Leather Seats, Parking sensors, Blind Spot Monitoring, Upgraded Headlights, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Navigation, Lane Departure Warning, Upgraded Engine, Upgraded Stereo, Towing Hitch, 360-degree camera, Cooled Seats, Pre-collision safety system, Rear Entertainment System
Engine/Mechanics: 4, 6 cylinders
Transmission: AUTOMATIC
Fuel Types: regular unleaded, premium unleaded (recommended), flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), diesel
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, front wheel drive
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
