Less weight, fewer cylinders, shorter body. It adds up to more from the '18 Chevy Equinox.
It seems like every time an automaker introduces a new version of an old car or truck they immediately begin by telling us just how much bigger it is than the outgoing model. That “midsize” Chevrolet Colorado? It’s nearly the same size as a full-size Silverado was a few generations back.
So, imagine our surprise when Chevy rolled out the new-for-2018 Equinox and began bragging how much smaller it is than the old crossover-utility vehicle: four inches shorter, 400 pounds lighter – and its biggest powertrain now has two fewer cylinders, as well.
Now, not everything has been downsized. The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox manages to deliver the same interior space for both passengers and cargo as before and that focus on lightweighting is one reason that the new model delivers up to more than 40 miles per gallon, depending upon which of the three engine options you choose.
(Click Here for a review of the new, three-row 2018 Chevrolet Traverse.)
When Chevy set out to design an all-new platform for the ’18 Equinox, the product development team set some tough goals for itself, lead development engineer Jill Dennis explained before we headed out for a drive through the rolling countryside around Asheville, North Carolina.
The new Equinox can be ordered with a special package putting limits on teen drivers.
“We set up a bartering system. People had to really be forced to come up with creative ideas,” she said “We had to use some strategic thinking,” especially considering Equinox competes in a price segment that didn’t allow Chevy to do the easy thing, switching from steel to aluminum.
What we would discover over the course of that initial drive in an Equinox equipped with the base, 1.5-liter turbo-four — and a subsequent trip in a ute with the top-line, 2.0-liter turbo — is that Chevy is no longer just an also-ran in the hotly competitive compact crossover market. In a market that boasts such solid alternatives as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, Equinox is now a series alternative.
General Motors was a relative latecomer to the CUV market, holding on longer than it should have to classic, body-on-frame SUVs. The original Equinox, launched in 2004 as an ’05 model, saw GM finally begin to move in the right direction, at least in terms of where the overall market has shifted. The ’18 model is the third-generation Equinox and it addresses a number of problems we had with the outgoing model.
While not a dramatic design departure, the styling is more modern and appealing, inside and out. Indeed, the cabin finally boasts some real refinement, with some tech features, such as the built in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, that family buyers will appreciate – and which few competitors yet offer.
The 2018 Equinox is smaller outside but delivers the same interior space as the old model.
Driving dynamics are another place where we see notable improvement. We weren’t overwhelmed by the performance of the base engine, though it provides a good trade of acceleration and fuel economy, topping 32 mpg on the highway, the sort of numbers you’d have expected from an econocar, not a compact ute, just a few years ago.
Visually, the 2018 Equinox gets a new, more modern grille, slimmer headlamps that wrap into the grille, and a slight roll to the roofline. It retains a relatively classic SUV-like appearance overall, and is nowhere near the styling standout like some of its import competitors.
Inside, Chevy has upgraded just about every detail, giving the new Equinox a more upscale, two-tone look – though the feel isn’t quite as impressive, with a number of hard surfaces that seem a bit out-of-date on base versions of the Equinox.
We were willing to largely ignore those shortfalls as we continue to explore the interior, discovering all sorts of storage bins, including a few hidden in back, and a huge one built into the center console. You can access the big cargo hold with a waggle under the bumper; not a breakthrough feature but a nice one to have.
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Chevy shaved about 400 pounds off the weight of the old Equinox.
Drivers should appreciate the update infotainment system, with that WiFi hotspot allowing a car full of kids – or fellow commuters – to plug in and keep occupied on a long drive. There is, of course, the familiar OnStar system in the mix, as well. The starter system features a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, the upgrade adding an inch. All versions of the infotainment package features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Add other tech touches, such as both a rear and a surround-view camera that makes it easy to see where you are parking. And the Equinox is offered not only with the now commonplace front seat heaters but heated rear seats, as well.
Where the new Equinox gets really impressive is when you dive beneath the surface. Peel back the sheet metal and you discover an all-new chassis that is not only lighter but markedly stiffer than before through the use of a mix of different metals, including a fair bit of ultra-high-strength steel. By pairing that with softer ride control bushings and a new suspension package you wind up getting the best of both worlds: a smoother ride and better handling.
Handling is further enhanced by the new electric power-assist steering, or EPAS, system that provides a reasonable amount of boost without numbing things out.
A diesel option is coming and will boost highway mileage to around 40 mpg.
Our journey took us up into the Blue Ridge Mountains and along some delightfully twisty back roads. The Equinox smoothed out all but the harshest bumps and potholes yet the CUV also deftly negotiated sharp corners. The overall experience was more like what we’d have expected from a much more expensive European crossover, and was far more well-mannered than most of the options from Japan.
Our initial drive featured the 1.5-liter turbo engine, a slightly retuned version of the EcoTec powertrain used by the Chevy Malibu. It pumps out 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque, punched through a six-speed automatic. That will get you to 60 in around 9 seconds. Not stellar performance, but acceptable, especially after factoring in the mileage: 26 City, 32 Highway and 28 Combined.
Our preference is the new 2.0-liter turbo, paired to a new nine-speed automatic. It manages 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, and cuts launch times down to 6.5 seconds. Fuel economy is still a reasonable 22/28/24.
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There are a few too many hard surfaces, but the interior of the new Equinox is a big step up.
The numbers that might give some buyers pause can be found on the window sticker. The Munroney reveals the base 1.5-liter package starts at just over $24,000, before factoring in destination charges. Load up all the options, including all-wheel-drive, the panoramic sunroof and more and you’re pushing into $38,000 territory, a few thousand more than a comparable Honda CR-V. The 2.0T starts at just over $30,000 and can run up to $42,000 if you check all possible boxes.
For the money you’ll get a lot of utility inside your CUV, but the price tag may be a stretch for some traditional domestic ute buyers, and could give import owners pause before considering a switch back to a Detroit option.
Nonetheless, the new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is more than just a good step forward for GM. It is now serious, world-class contender in the compact crossover segment. It may not be the most stylish option in a crowded feel, but it offers a great mix of utility, features and road dynamics. Add the 2.0-liter turbo and performance is up there, as well. Chevy is aiming for a big jump in sales this coming year and, if the price tag doesn’t scare some potential buyers away, we expect the ’18 Equinox will deliver on the brand’s ambitious expectations.