To put it simply, the 2018 Equinox is the most important vehicle Chevrolet has launched in years. The nameplate represents the brand’s second-best seller, behind the Silverado. And even as the outgoing Equinox began to lose its relevancy in the face of new offerings from Honda, Mazda and others, it remained a strong seller, with its most successful years being the last three. Since the second-generation Chevrolet Equinox launched in 2009, the compact crossover segment has emerged as the highest-selling, one of the most competitive, and most saturated spaces in the entire automotive market. Just about every major automotive brand offers up their take on the crossover, from Acura to Volvo.
Today, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is the newest ship to set sail in this red ocean market, guided by more focused proportions, a high-tech interior, and the legacy of selling over 1.56 million units from 2010 to 2016.
This is the segment that can buoy Chevrolet in ways that halo cars like the Camaro and Corvette cannot. Because the Equinox’s segment is both massive and full of fickle buyers, none of which would stop short of either lamenting or praising their new crossover to their inner circles, or worse, social media. Repeat: it’s paramount for General Motors that the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a winner. And in the Blue Ridge Mountains region of North and South Carolina, we were able to see if that’s the case for ourselves.
From an design standpoint, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is equal parts sleek, modern and cosmopolitan. Yet it’s easy to consider the looks as perhaps too generic. Perhaps too anonymous. That front fascia could have come from any brand. But when we approached Chevrolet about the Equinox’s new looks, it was made clear that the ubiquitous design language is intentional. After all, the new Equinox is set to launch in 115 markets globally, and needs to look as universally accepting as a glass of water. We just hope that incidents involving Honda drivers mistaking a gray 2018 Equinox for their own CR-V in the Costco parking lot are kept to a minimum.
On the inside, the 2018 Equinox is unmistakably a modern Chevrolet. Which is great. A standard push-button start, 7-inch MyLink touchscreen, and a total of six USB charging ports round out some of the highlights. The touchscreen unit centers a minimalist setup – rather opposite from the outgoing Equinox, which has been described in the past as overly buttony. Other standard features include OnStar 4G LTE WiFi, Teen Driver mode, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trim levels offer the 8-inch MyLink screen, while the Sun, Sound and Navigation Package (a very premium $3,320 option) rolls in a panoramic sunroof, 7-speaker Bose audio, and 19 inch wheels. The massive sunroof was a pleasant surprise in a segment that’s been known for more utilitarian buyers, as was the surround-view backup camera system and safety alert seat. Other safety features include six standard airbags, including curtain airbags in the unfortunate event of a side-impact collision. For the less attentive, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox includes forward collision alert, low-speed forward automatic braking, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, and the new rear seat reminder.
While it’s true that the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has compressed its exterior dimensions, the overall space within the five-seat cabin remains relatively unchanged. Cargo capacity drops by just .2 cubic feet from 63.7 cubic feet to 63.5 cubic feet, and the front seats were, subjectively, nothing to complain about, even for wider bodies. Sure, the generous rear seat legroom enjoyed by the last-generation model will be missed by some, but with more focused dimensions, Chevrolet is able to attack the heart of the market, where its arch-rivals, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 await further competition. The downsizing also gives the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox a curb weight of 3,375 lbs in FWD configuration, which ties for best-in-class. That’s a weight reduction of around 400 lbs from the previous model. That stat alone showcases the engineering prowess behind this compact SUV, which features only turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
If you were hoping for a V6 option in the 2018 Equinox, sorry. This is not the vehicle segment you’re looking for. For GM to hit the ambitious weight targets, that meant spacing the D2XX frame out just so that only a 2.0L turbocharged engine or smaller could fit. However, the 2.0T, with 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, is not yet available. Neither is the 40 mpg-highway 1.6L turbo diesel engine. Currently, only the base 1.5L turbo engine is on-line, with 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. Through our drive route from Asheville, North Carolina to Greer, South Carolina, our 2018 Chevrolet Equinox LT FWD returned 31 combined miles per gallon, through challenging climbs around Caesar’s Head (3,215 ft) and back down into Greer (1,024 ft). Speed and acceleration techniques were kept at sane levels for the sake of realistic fuel economy. Not lead-foot journalist fuel economy. Considering the EPA estimate of 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined, we left impressed by how neatly the new ‘Nox 1.5L nourishes itself.
To be a passenger in the 2018 Equinox is also enjoyable. So parents, car-poolers and Lyft drivers, this should come as good news to you. In the case of this new Chevy, it’s the little things. It’s things like the omission of dated locking pins in the front door panels. Instead, small LED lights on the lock/unlock buttons will signal if the vehicle is secured or not. Now the front occupants can rest their arms comfortably on the window sills, should they so choose. There’s a wireless charging dock for those that have compatible phones, and enough USB drives to charge those phones that aren’t. The Premier models have a 110-Volt outlet, which means, along with the WiFi, carpooling passengers can prepare for their work day on their laptops for as long as California highway traffic is at a stand still. The cup holders are big enough to swallow most coffee tumblers. There’s a clever mesh pocket on the front passenger’s side for their devices, so that they don’t have to take up space in the center console. The second row features a flat floor, unobstructed by driveshaft tunnel housing. There are optional heated rear seats, bottom and back. All the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is really missing for its occupants, is a full-service bathroom.
Equally impressive is the ride and handling. The relatively low curb weight aids in overall composure, and allows for a slightly softer spring rate than before. This gives the 2018 Equinox the proficient ability to absorb bumps without feeling too much like the inside of a jell-o bowl. Braking also felt balanced, with a progressive pedal feel. Steering was on the numb side, but that’s to be expected in this category. At highway speeds, wind noise remained fairly hushed, but there wasn’t as much time spent on quiet tuning as, say, the Buick Envision. But since GM is arguably the best these days at delivering muted mobility, it bodes well for how calm the 2018 Equinox is from the inside. If we could wish for anything more from simply driving the new Chevrolet, it would be more power. The 1.5L is a sufficient, quiet and economical baseline powertrain in its own right, but should you require a 55-70 mph passing maneuver, be sure to give yourself some extra distance to build momentum before initiating the procedure. For those that absolutely need more gusto, the 2.0L turbo is coming soon.
While it’s easy to sing praises of the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, that praise comes at a price. As tested, the 2018 Equinox variant we sampled was $31,980 with over $4,300 in options. That’s with a base engine, a base FWD configuration, and a midrange LT trim level. That’s a couple grand more than the outgoing model in a comparable guise. The Equinox Premier we sampled was an even higher $34,575 with an identical powertrain and $2,890 in options. Unfortunately for the frugal, this MSRP is competitive with the rest of the segment. Stuff just isn’t getting cheaper. And for a market space that makes up more volume than even trucks these days, that could mean some pullback in future sales. This would be because of the plethora of products outside of autos that are also competing for the same dollars that nobody seems to ever have enough of these days.
That said, there remains opportunity. The Millennial demographic is (slowly) coming online with new vehicle purchases here in the US market, and seem to fancy versatile carryalls as much as the Boomers do. Which goes to show, that in a segment this large, there is no one target demographic. Luckily, for a vehicle so universally appealing as the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, it won’t need to focus on a single audience. And if you liked the old Equinox, you’ll love the new one. So long as you can afford it.
Comments
“To put it simply, the 2018 Equinox is the most important vehicle Chevrolet has launched in years.” Truer words have rarely been spoken; in 2017, every manufacturer needs to have a very competitive offering in this small CUV space.
The new Nox looks like a very modern (if generic outside, as you noted) CUV. That won’t matter, as it’s not a muscle car or high-end sedan; you don’t buy an Equinox (or a CR-V, or Escape, etc) to “show off” — you buy it b/c it fits your needs.
I will say that price still seems a bit worrisome — I’ve read other reviews which note that while the base price is close to the competition, that Chevy has made the option packages expensive and that comparably priced Hondas, Kias, etc have more options, particularly modern safety equipment (e.g., lane assist). That might hurt sales when it comes to young families.
When GM Authority has time, it might be a good story to do a deeper dive into this, comparing a few competitors and their packages/options. My guess is this will sell well, but we’ll start seeing incentives on it sooner than you’d think in order to bring things more in line (again, just a guess).
Part of pricing as well is to give it the appearance of value. You see it more in other industries (especially archery) where one jacks up the price to give the impression of an incredible quality then instantly offer incentives to claim greater value, even though the original intention was to make a cheaper vehicle. Not saying that is what GM is doing, but that is one strategy
I agree about the pricing. You get what you pay for. My 2009 Chevy Equinox cost me over $28,000 but in eight years it had only three problems (two wheel sensors and a spark plug), which were all service at no cost by the dealer due to GM factory warranty. BTW, the wheel sensor problems was due to a supplier issue because the same dealer serviced several other Equinoxes and a Pontiac Terrain in the same period. And due to this excellent service, I love my Equinox, together with the other million of owners, which is why it is GM’s second best seliing product.
Call back on my equinox, can’t get parts, called GM reported problems, Dealership says, haven’t heard when the parts will be available. Can’t drive my equinox, GM says wheels may come off. Total Customer Satisfaction, I traded one of my 2016 Corvettes in on this piece of junk, I would greatly appreciate someone from GM that cares, give me another car or give me my Corvette back. I have purchased 34 Corvettes since I was 17 years old, I drive a 2016 Z-06 , was thinking about trading for 2018 Z-06 . My Wife is very upset, it was her Corvette that we traded for the equinox.
oh let it be forbidden that someone lucky enough to have owned more about 33 more corvettes than most of us will own in a lifetime have enough patience to wait a couple months for the company to develop repairs for a brand new product. If you want better service, go buy a mega lux brand that all you pay for is the service. Chevy’s mediocre service and quality is how they can sell cars at a price for me to own a corvette.
At that price I’ll start looking at a truck. Fully loaded Colorado or LT Silverado would price around the same. Of course, if you wait for incentives and bargain hard, you could get the price to drop 5k pretty easily
Jake.. the intended buyer of this vehicle is probably.. and I’m betting I’m not going out on a limb here.. a person, probably a female, who has zero desire to get into a truck as her only car. Colorado or Silverado.. or any of their competitors. This new style seems perfect.. as long as Chevy/GMC have something coming to the market that is in-between it and the Tahoe, and Tahoe-Sized Traverse. It kinda reminds me of the sweet field one had when the Captiva was on sale as a used vehicle (after fleet) with the 2010-2016 Nox sitting between it and the Traverse.
In fact.. now that U mention the Colorado.. GM would be crazy not to go ahead and use those bones for a new TRAILBLAZER.. or simply giving us the same one that is sold at Holden as the Colorado7. While they are at it.. a new H3 and H3 T over at GMC would be desirable as well
chevy sells the trailblazer in India as their large suv, with the 2.8 duramax for that matter, but it is only 2wd as of right now. it translates to 37grand. that is not a bad option if 4wd was available.
I have driven Chevy trucks and I can swear that the Equinox is a much BETTER purchase value than ANY truck. It has incredible internal cargo space and the best reat seat legroom. I have used my Equinox to carry 10-foot lumber, a 10-foot ladder, and 4×8 foot panels all INSIDE!! You can NEVER do that in any truck!
From the one’s we received in stock (in Canada), what we’ve seen is a lot more content for around $1500 less than the outgoing model, model for model. New standard or available features for 2018 over the previous gen include:
– push button start with passive entry (button on doors)
– a mode to lock the drivetrain in FWD only for max fuel mileage
– auto start stop
– new powertrains
– 300+ lbs lighter
– Apple carplay and android auto
– Full color DIC
– Low speed forward automatic braking
– Lane keep assist
– Haptic (vibrating) safety seat
– Surround vision camera/screen view
– Intellibeam headlamps
– heated steering wheel
– Ventilated front seats
– heated rear outboard seats
– Keyless entry 5-key pad on driver’s door
– rear HVAC vents on console
– true fold flat second row seats
– Aeroshutters on grilles for improved gas mileage
– Available hands-free power rear liftgate
– available wireless charging
– HID and LED headlamps/tail lamps.
– panoramic sunroof (actually is over rear seat passengers also)
These are on top of things that 2017’s already had like side blind zone alert, front crash notification, rear cross traffic alert, etc.
In Canada, a 2.4L 2017 Premier topped out at around $42,000 with all available toys while a V6 would top out around $45,000. A 2018 1.5L turbo premier tops out at around $41,000 (so $500 less with a ton more features). We don’t have pricing yet for the 2.0L turbo. 2018 LT’s models with certain packages similar to 2017 LT’s have been around $1200-1500 less with many of the added features above.
The old gen sold extremely well (second best selling Chevy behind the Silverado) and with a ton more features at same or lower price, this new gen will do very well.
And don’t forget, its a GM product-longer powertrain warranty (in Canada) and OnStar which none of its competitors has! Glad to see GM put some effort into content on the new ‘Nox as evidenced by the list of features and options you mentioned above!
“Speed and acceleration were kept at SANE levels for the sake of realistic fuel economy.”
Your comment that the generous rear legroom will be missed puzzles me. The current Equinox has 39.9″ of legroom. The 2018 lists 39.7″. Does .2″ make that much of a difference?
Ask your wife! Ha, ha!
that is one savage line you have there sir!
Just kidding around, no harm meant!
my comment is in the most kidding way so dont take it too seriously haha
Don’t forget the 17’s have a sliding seat with 8 inches of travel. It depends where GM set that seat for the official measuring. We just did a comparison having a 6 foot two inch driver position the driver’s seat and with the rear seat slid all the way back, the 17 had 2 inches more leg room.
I swear the 2.0T with 9-speed would probably haul ass on the equinox if that engine on the malibu premier run from 0-60 in 5.7 sec.
Hope to see the Equinox in Algeria this year as promised by the local distributor who also promised the new Traverse for this year. as actually Chevrolet Algeria lineup consist in the Captiva, Cruze and Sonic ( with 1.2 engine). Hope to see more models especially the Malibu, Impala and Camaro for the sedans and the Equinox, travers, TrailBlazer and Suburban/Tahoe without forgetting the pickups Colorado and Silverado.
GM is miisng a new target: the hybrid Toyota RAV4. GM must produce a hybrid/EREV Equinox now! Since the 2018 MY will share the same D@xx platform as the 2017 Chevy Volt, it souldn’t be too difficult or take time to produce the hybrid Equinox.
I have read (JD Power) that the nox will be able to tow 3500 pounds. I assume that tow rating will be for the 2.0 engine. Can anyone confirm?
Yes. 3500 pounds requires the 2.0 engine.
Will the low speed front braking stop for pedestrians? That’s what I really want to know but Chevy won’t explicitly say it.
My 2009 Equinox does stop for pedestrians. Why do you ask? Do you run over them?
That’s great that it does, but I want to know about the 2018 model.
In my home city, there’s a massive population and tons of pedestrians and cyclists and the number keeps growing. The a-pillars are pretty good in this new Equinox but still, I’d rather have the safety feature just in case.
My old car had thick pilliars and it would lose pedestrians unless I peered around the pillar and took extra time. Even then, sometimes they’d appear out of nowhere. It pissed me off so now I won’t buy a car unless it has a thinner pillar and it’s just gravy if it warns or stops for obstacles in the way. Just my personal opinion.
As a present owner of a 2009 ChevY Equinox, I laughed at this comment:
“We just hope that incidents involving Honda drivers mistaking a gray 2018 Equinox for their own CR-V in the Costco parking lot are kept to a minimum.” My laughter was because 1 know someone (since 1963) who bought a 2009 Honda CR-V and she admitted that my 2009 Equinox is much BETTER than her Honda, including the looks. I see your comment as if the Honda owner isn’t confused but WANTS to take the Equinox and abandon the CR-V!!! The Equinox outsells the CR-V in every U.S. market including Puerto Rico.
I spent time in one today.
Lots to like here. The interior is very roomy and much better quality. Feature are much more than the out going model and others.
The roof is amazing.
The power and ride are great any you really notice the lack of mass. The premier model with 2.0 should be even more impressive.
The only real negatives for me are the lower ride height and the styling while not bad just blends in. That may not be a bad thing but standing out is left for GMC.
Chevy will do very well here and need to market the hell out of this.
By the way the Vented seats are sweet. I have them in my truck and I expect they will be in many vehicles at GM before they are done.
Same for the Heated Steering Wheel. It is nice on those cold days for those of us who hate gloves.
As with the new Malibu the 1.5T is about 10-15 HP shy of where it needs to be. This should be making 180-185 hp to be more in line with Honda. It does make good torque numbers though in the Nox at 203 LBS FT. I do miss the fold flat passenger seat that used to be on the old Equinox, Malibu, Ford 500, Pontiac Grand Prix and a few others though. That should make a comeback. Will also miss the sliding rear seat feature that these used to have.