General Motors has re-engineered and re-designed the Chevrolet Equinox — its most popular crossover — for the 2018 model year. The overhaul is extensive: not only does the 2018 Equinox have an all-new design inside and out, a completely new powertrain, and new technologies, but it also makes the jump to GM’s new D2 platform from the Theta platform used by its predecessor. That change enables it to finally become a true compact crossover, rather than straddling the compact and midsize spaces like the outgoing, second-gen model. But just how much smaller is the exterior new Equinox compared to its predecessor? We set out to find out in this installment of the GM Authority Dimensional Brief.
As it stands, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is noticeably shorter in length and height. It also has a shorter wheelbase and a more narrow front track. However, the third-gen Equinox is just slightly wider than the model it replaces, and also has a slightly wider rear track. But all of that pales in comparison to the biggest, most notable change: the all-new, third-generation Chevy Equinox is a whopping 450 pounds (204 kilograms) lighter than the second-generation model, a change that will contribute to better fuel economy and more competent handling attributes such as accelerating, braking, and cornering.
We’ve included exterior dimension comparison tables (in both imperial and metric) for your perusal below.
| Measurement | 2018 Chevrolet Equinox | 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox | + / – 2018 Equinox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (in): | 107.3 | 112.5 | -5.2 |
| Overall length (in): | 183.1 | 187.8 | -4.7 |
| Overall width (in): | 72.6 | 72.5 | +0.1 |
| Overall height (in): | 65.4 | 66.3 | -0.9 |
| Front track (in): | 62.2 | 62.9 | -0.7 |
| Rear track (in) | 62.2 | 62.1 | +0.1 |
| Base curb weight (lb): | 3327 | 3777 | -450.0 |
| Measurement | 2018 Chevrolet Equinox | 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox | + / – 2018 Equinox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2725 | 2857 | -132 |
| Overall length (mm): | 4652 | 4771 | -119 |
| Overall width (mm): | 1843 | 1842 | 1 |
| Overall height (mm): | 1661 | 1684 | -23 |
| Front track (mm): | 1580 | 62.9 | 1517.1 |
| Rear track (mm): | 1581 | 62.1 | 1518.9 |
| Base curb weight (kg): | 1509 | 1713 | -204 |
About The Numbers
- Imperial measurements in inches (length) and pounds (weight)
- Metric measurements in millimeters (length) and kilograms (weight)
- Base curb weight figure for 2018 Equinox is for 1.5L FWD model
- Base curb weight figure for 2010-2017 Equinox is for LS model with 2.4L engine
- Height measurement for 2010-2017 Equinox is for model with roof rack
- Measurements for 2018 Chevy Equinox are preliminary
Comments
Exterior is not where the game is so much played what is the interior dims and has the new repackaging created more usable space. This is where a real crossover shines.
The old one was larger in exterior but the interior was not package very well for the size. I know because I own one and can see all the wasted space due to hard points on an old platform that could not be changed or moved easily.
I am wagering the inside is slightly smaller but much more usable.
The crv will destroy the equinox in sales. It is bigger and more fuel efficient as the Equinox rids it itself of its one competitive advantage.
Well first before I would go handing out awards it may prove to best wait to see this in person.
The greatest advantage has yet to be announced but I expect the Chevy to be lower in price and better optioned than the CRV.
Price is often the primary reason people buy cars in this segment.
Keep in mind many people though someone had the election in the bag too till the next morning.
The overall Interior cargo capacity of the
2018 Chevrolet Equinox: 63.5 cubic feet
2017 Honda CR-V : 75.8 cubic feet
2017 GMC Acadia : 79 cubic feet
2017 Honda Pilot : 109 cubic feet
It is an American tradition to be bigger than the import cars, but GM has unwisely forgot this. Japan is outsizing their American competition.
Bigger isn’t always better. And japan uses a cheaperweaker steel than the North American produucts, so the 2018 Equinox will be lighter, stronger, safer, and cost less to maintain and repair.
Bigger and more fuel efficient in this segment is a huge win for Honda. The strong point for Equinox is that it keeps real automatic transmissions and it has a diesel/more powerful turbo option.
Those of you who are pointing to the CR-V’s supposed size advantage are either forgetting or unaware that Honda is stuck in its long-term strategy of offering models that straddle segments.
So, Honda’s crossover line includes:
HR-V – subcompact
CR-V — compact straddling midsize
Pilot — “midsize plus” (not entirely full-size, but almost there)
By comparison, Chevrolet’s crossover lineup by the end of 2017 will consist of:
Trax – subcompact
Equinox – compact
Blazer (name could change) – midsize
Traverse – full-size
Traditionally, the strategy undertaken by Chevy as outlined above has resulted in higher sales volumes across the industry. So we’ll see who will “destroy” who. Personally, I have my money on Chevrolet here.
If your claim is true, the Blazer/Acadia should be selling for less than a Pilot to make these vehicles a good value.
Measurements mean little but real usable space means more. We will have to see how that turns out.
But again price where as the Honda’s out the door are more expensive in most cases as they do not deal much. Also features as GM usually offers more for the money attract many buyers.
Add that to an already large and loyal owners base as this has been one of GM best selling models.
As for the styling I am not crazy about the photos but I will pass my judgment in person as many of the new cars look much better in sheet metal than in a photo.
Also you will have the GMC factor that will play styling opposite of the Nox as that way if you don’t like one the other will catch your eye.
Another factor is Honda has not been as trouble free as they once were. I know several people with 2015 with issues like vibration that can not be solved. There are other issues and complaints too that they used to not get.
If GM can get this model out price it, option it and keep the quality up it will have a good chance of retaining owners as well as getting people from others that are not happy.
Either way they will own a good slice of the market and make a lot of money no matter what Honda does.
Also the CRV has had many rust issues over the years but as of yet the Nox has held up really well and I have yet to see rust through on the present models.
To fair they have good steel.
The high strength steel GM uses has many benefits but cheap repair is not one
I am sure it out sell it but destroy is bit over the top.
The nox has built a solid base and I expect now that it is more in line in size and with better mpg it will continue to grow in the segment.
Anyone not happy with the size will just step up to the coming model one size larger or even the one smaller.
Honda has two cross overs and a couple Acura while GM has so many more in segments Honda could only think about.
It’d be great if the Equinox can destroy the CR-V but I don’t think it was meant to destroy the CR-V either. Honda fanboys will always buy their products no matter what as well as the Toyota Fanboys. But it’s also being said that the reliability for Honda is kinda dropped by Consumer Reports so we’ll see. And besides right now the CR-V is covering the compact and midsize where that’s what their Crosstour was meant to be there for. Besides who really wants a 4 banger in their midsize crossover?
The exterior is far more refined in it’s lines and creases. The design is truly global, and could fit in well in any region with the Mazda-Benz inspired design language.
I’d never choose this sort of vehicle but it looks far better than Edge, Sportage or CR-V.
What about GMC Terain
I am taking a stab the Terrain will appear at Chicago as that has always been a good show for new GMC products.
Pretty sure at this point it would be more useful top compare it to its competitors. It does have a longer wheelbase and overall length than its key competitors.
Although I haven’t seen the new Nox in person the photos give us a decent look at the major update and they did a good job of executing a model that is no longer a tweener but is now a true small SUV with nearly the same interior dimensions .
Plus this SUV had a much more global influence designed into it .
I think it will do well in it’s new segment while we wait for the mid-size to appear alongside it’s sister vehicles from GMC .
My 2012 Equinox LTZ rides much better and is far quieter than a 2014 CRV that my son had leased. Also better than my friends RAV-4. I am hoping the 2018 Equinox maintains the decent and quiet ride of the previous generation. I am interested in the 2018 but sorry to hear that the sliding rear seat is gone and the fuel tank is much smaller. I like the 2.0 turbo idea but the fuel economy gain may be offset by premium fuel requirement and the driving range will likely be less. I can go almost 500 miles on a tank with my 3.0 V6 in my 2012.
Here is the deal on the fuel and 2.0.
#1 in most cases especially the Chevy line most Turbo engines are premium recomended so you can chose the fuel at the cost of about 20 HP.
#2 The MPG will go up much over the present V6 and much heavier model.
#3 The Turbo will have more torque lower down and not have to be rev’d as much as the V6 to get to the power.
As for the sliding seat we set ours and never have moved it since. As long as they have good leg room is there really a need for a moving seat?
Tank size if you gain more MPG is offset and less weight to haul around.
Still if you want a V6 the Acadia has the V6 and is about the size of the present Nox with a Chevy version coming at a price just a little more than the present Nox. The new Nox should see a slight decrease in price.
My 2012 3.0 V6 gets 25-26 mpg highway. I have driven it on 5 long trips (3,000 miles round trip). On those trips I get over 450 miles easily before refueling. The new 2.0 EPA highway estimate is 28mpg. If the vehicle has a 15 gallon tank, I will have to refuel at around 375 miles or less. That is a fairly significant difference. I agree on the rear seat, although I have moved my seat all the way forward to increase rear storage space for long trips. It is good to see that the new model rear legroom only shrinks .2 inches, from 39.9 to 39.7. I also like that you can put golf clubs in laterally without folding down half of the seat like I currently have to do.
Might note most 2.0 application tend to do better in normal driving than the the EPA est.
My 2.0 is listed at 18 city and I think it was 25 highway. I see 25-26 city and 31-32 highway and not driven for mpg.
The vehicle is 3200 pound and a 4 speed auto. I am at 290 HP 315 ft lbs at 1800 rpm to 5300 rpm. The torque curve is as flat as a table.
I have a 3.6 in my Malibu and it is 2-3 mpg lower and much more sluggish with 3500 pounds. The key is the torque.
General Motors can use the company motto of yesteryear of.. ‘No one sweats the details like General Motors’ because this is exactly what the 2017 Chevy Equinox represents as the car is a true product of CAD/CAM using three-dimensional modeling to build a car that is smaller, lighter and more space efficient than the prior generation without following Europeans and their usage of composite materials.
I have a 2015 Nox 2LT with the small standard 4 cyl. sunroof, fog lights and more. I like it very much. I average 23-24 mpg in the city and the best on a trip is 35.5. I have a 39 month lease and they are doing a pull ahead. The dealer only had 2 on the lot. I drove one and I really don’t see any advantage in the turbo 1.5 L over what I now have. There is a slight lag in acceleration but does fly when stepped on. The front seats are not as comfortable, a little shorter and the premium cloth is ugly compared to what is on my 2015. I am picking up a new 2018 tomorrow, maybe. It is coming from another dealer. I have not signed anything and no money or cards have been requested. I told the salesman that I wanted auto dimming inside RRW and fog lights. I had to show him the RRM in my 2015 because he didn’t know what they were. It is on the Premier (old LTZ) but not even mentioned in the right up or offered as an option. He told me that when they get it in he will have the mirror, dealer installed at no additional cost. Hmm. And he told me it had fog lights but I cannot find where fog lights are available as an option. They are standard on the Premier. the opening where they go has what looks like a reflector with a chrome back, not the usual black plastic blank so one might mistake them as fog lights. I have less than 11K miles on my 2015 and of course paid for 30. I was going to by it but it doesn’t work out. The new one will be $30 a month less than I am now paying. And with all the new standard features it may be worth it. The panoramic moon roof is beautiful. The power shade ie as hoot.
Dale appears to be butthurt like she’s the inventor of the Honda line, or maybe that she owns a honda & realizes how left behind they are.