Ask Away: We’re Driving The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
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We have descended into the state of South Carolina to see what Chevrolet’s latest crossover offering has to serve us. For the next couple of days, we will be sampling the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox in all of its newfound, compact CUV glory.
So, as usual, we want you to leave your questions, comments, concerns or whatever you may have for us to address in the coming days following our first drive of the 2018 Equinox.
There’s a lot to talk about, too. The 2018 Equinox has shifted to a new platform, it has dropped a V6 engine offering and will even come with a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine should you desire. But we’ll save the good for later in our full write-up on the Equinox.
Please provide us with patience as we return to the comment section with answers and follow-ups to what you may have asked and we will do our best to make sure every comment receives an answer. Without further ado, fire away.
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Just took a tape measure to one. They did a great job with interior space as it basically matches the previous gen, even with it being shorter. The pluses are the many added features you get in this new gen that weren’t in the old one, all for the same or less money as prices actually dropped a bit with this new gen.
I did find that the front seats bottoms are very short with next to no thigh support, the bolsters actually are very large and pushed my legs inwards together, and the seat back side bolsters didn’t wrap around my back, they actually pushed on the edges of my back (they narrowed the seats in this new gen). For that reason alone my wife is very happy she upgraded her ’14 V6 to a “17 V6. Plus her family is very tall and large, and they fit comfortably in the front or rear seat of the previous gen, but would find the front seats uncomfortably narrow and the rear headroom a little lacking in the new gen with the sloping roofline.
Questions I have:
1. Why does the Envision, same platform, wheelbase, dimensions, etc, get both a kneeling rear seat that folds flat and it is a split sliding rear seat, yet the Equinox just gets a kneeling rear seat with no slide? Parents with child seats loved the slider as they could pull the rear seat up close to the front seats and actually check on kids right from their seats.
2. In GM’s Autobook program, the Terrain gets the 9-speed with the 1.5L turbo yet the 1.5L in an Equinox is a 6-speed transmission only. Why?
Overall, nice job on this next gen. Good looks, feels lighter, adequate power, good mpg, with interior space being the same as the last larger gen. Plus a ton more features available all at the same or lower price.
It will sell very well.
limited availability of the 9-speed right now. to add to that, the Cruze hatch diesel gets the 9 and the Equinox/Terrain diesel only get the 6 at launch.
Anyone waiting for the 18 Equinox should first look at the exceptional deals on the 17 Traverse right now. I have a 17 Equinox. Traverse prices are nearly equal to what I paid for the Equinox.
But Traverse is also humongous as well unless Chevy decides to offer Edge sized vehicle
So, funny story about the Equinox (and Terrain) vs the Envision that we learned on the drive. They’re actually very different. There’s a lot that matches up – hard points, etc. But they are actually pretty different on a structural level. This was all because engineers had aggressive weight targets for the 2018 Equinox, while the Envision was engineered with less scrutiny.
The 9 speed probably has a lot to do with launch cadence. It could also be a play at differentiation.
Nice redesign but GM screwed the pooch when it comes to the engine lineup. Deleting the 3.6L V6 from the lineup discourages repeat business by past Equinox owners. Personally I owned a 2013 which I use for business. I racked up 60K since I bought it and wanted to trade it in on the new platform. I was disappointed to find out the 3.6 was no longer available. After driving the new Equinox with the 4 cylinder and being very dismayed with both the acceleration and extra noise the 4 puts out. I looked for an alternative. The GM dealer recommended I look at the GMC Terrain or new Cadillac. These still offer the 3.6. Considering this is my business vehicle I didn’t want to pay the upscale prices strickly for an engine. I haven’t traded in my Equinox yet but I am looking at the Ecoboost engine offerings in the Ford products.
Uhm, Ecoboost are still 4 cylinder unless youre looking at the Edge Sport which are 2.7Ecoboost V6
Agreed with the OP, the 4 cyl in the previous gen Equinox has a really bad rep. I for one don’t want a dinky 4 cyl in a vehicle the size and weight of the new Equinox. I think GM is to busy thinking about their gov cafe rating and not repeat customers. 4 cylinder is a no go even if the rest of this new Equinox is great.
Actually, have had two of the previous generation vehicles (Terrains rather than Equnoxes). Had a few durability / reliability issues — which were taken care of — but no real complaints. The new 1.5 Turbo is better than the old 2.4 in terms of performance so there’s no question that the performance is satisfactory.
2018 Chevy equinox,2.0 can it burn 87 octane without fear of engine damage.
Is it laminated or tempered glass for the front?
No laminate on front side windows, only tempered. The Envision gets front laminated. (Terrain still tempered also).
The reason i h be is my current terrain is laminated and not tempered
The current GM autobook for spec’ing vehicles doesn’t list laminated front door glass as standard in the new Terrain either. You may lose that feature. But they made the rest of these next gen’s really quiet. I doubt you’d miss it.
Only if the put double seals on the doors then maybe
Terrain and Envision would be my first and second choices. When it comes to GM I feel like Buick GMC is the sweet spot.
Same
In the models that come equipped with wireless charging, is it possible to remove the charging tray? No iPhones can take advantage of that tech and it would be nicer to have a flat area to rest my phone.
No I just bought a Denali and it is not removable.
The I phone next year gets wireless charging.
You can always buy a case that is compatible with wireless charging.
You can switch to an Android smarter phone with “QI’ wireless charging. I have installed a wireless charging tray in my 2009 Chevy Equinox and I charge our Samsung Galaxy S6 phones in the vehicle.
I hope your test vehicle has the optional motor?
They did say that the 252 hp optional four would be available by mid to late summer, with the nine speed trans. That’s 82 more hp than the base engine of 170 hp. Should be a meaningful improvement in the performance numbers.
The exterior lines look very good and also tight around the rear bumper.
All the other first drive reviewers have said the 2.0 and diesel aren’t available to test yet. So my bet is on the 1.5 unless this blog worked some magic.
I just read a Canadian first impression and they’re located just outside where the factory builds them. They still got the 1.5 if that says anything.
We only had the base 1.5L engines to drive. It’s a sufficient engine, but it will need a running start to make passes safely.
The initial order guide that I think was posted here was a dog’s breakfast — if you wanted certain options, you had get other options — which then required other options…..hope that this is better.
Was looking at some other models though — all the safety stuff was packaged with a sunroof. Some people love sunroofs — some hate them. There are certain options that are less important to a customer and there are others that are an integral part of the purchase decision.
Where we get left behind vis-a-vis some of the competition is we put some features on high end models where they make them standard — we drive build complexity and cost, thinking that all customers will “buy up”. Instead, many walk.
They are complaining about this same bunch of bull crap from GM on other sites as well. In order to get a few key things on an LT one has to fork over about 3 to 4 grand for a couple of option packages. Screw you GM is what I say.
2018, ey? Is Trump in prison yet? But seriously —
— is the interior and road noise tolerable or better? Or are you wanting a nicer inside and quieter ride?
My favorite comedian once said:
“You can’t fix stupid. There is not a pill you can take, there is no class you can go to. Stupid is forever”.
Trump’s favorite philosopher once said:
“How fortunate for governments that the people they administer don’t think.”
It’s pretty quiet. But not as hushed as the Envision.
How do you guys think it compares to the last one? I am familiar with that one and liked it so it would be nice to know as our locale has yet to see one.
Drivability with the 4 cylinder is pathetic, it’s obvious this engine is not up to the task to yank around this updated vehicle. Don’t know if the diesel is the answer when you consider all of the complicated pollution control bolted on. DPF, SCR, regenerations every so many miles. Seriously GM the 3.6 is a far superior engine. It’s simple, powerful, quiet. Obviously if it wasn’t GM would have deleted for the crossover caddy as well. After a number of test drives the Equinox is no longer on the table for me. Sorry GM, you lost a loyal customer on this redesign.
Kinda wonder if you ever drove the 2.0T? Thought that was about as superior as the 3.6
Can someone explain while the panel gap between door and dash is so large? Same applies to the current gen Cruze. it looks like it was done on purpose but it’s such a large gap (in person) that I can’t understand why. My previous gen Cruze has an extremely tight gap and it creates a nice flow to the interior. No one ever seems to comment on it so maybe it can be mentioned in the review.
I also found the door plastics in the rear to be quite cheap looking (Chevy doesn’t paint them like the front). Mind you, the front of this gen doesn’t have nice paint on the lower part of the door and that comes right up to where the window switches are. I found it quite cheap so I’m curious to see the reviewers impressions of interior quality.
To end on a positive note, I found the sizing of this new gen to be perfect. Everything is well laid out in the interior and I’m sure there will be lots of happy customers. Can’t wait to see the Terrain in person as well.
I have said all along the old model was packaged very poorly as it was based on an older platform. The hard points made it difficult to change.
Now with the new one they could make it more efficient and things work much better.
Nice size but the wife wants to move to the new Acadia as it is now closer to the size of the old Terrain but with more room inside.
It will be interesting to see how the styling takes with the public. I am not sure yet on how much I like this or not. Like the last Terrain I hated it at first but now I own one.
I have a 2009 Chevy Equinox that had just three problems (two wheel sensors and a spark plu), all serviced and replaced at no cost to me by the GM warranty. It has been an excellent ride for over seven years, but if (and only if) GM produced a hybrid/EREV version of the 2018 Chevy Equinox, then I will trade our 2009 MY for the newer model.
Is there enough room for the voltec system on the Equinox?
front seat comfort vs 2017
I’m a wider guy and I can’t complain.
Can you try the back seat and try to find a good position. You cant adjust the tilt to find a good way to be without fall asleep. They try to have a lot of room at the back but forget to bring a good angle position for back passenger.
Back seat angle is important to me for comfort — I think that in our crossovers and SUVs, some degree of adjustment should be a level 1 spec for rear seats.
Why on earth do you care about the back seat? Shouldn’t you be the one in the front seat?
I think people just look for thing’s to be mad about
Is the new Equinox as quiet on the road as the last one?
Will the 2.0 turbo require premium fuel?
Will my golf clubs fit laterally in the back? (I have to fold half of the seat down in my 2012)
Is there a trailer hitch option? (Mainly for a hitch-mounted bike rack)
There are a couple of test videos on YouTube and it is interesting to note that the tester said the new seats give much better thigh support. Don’t like that some say they are narrower though.
Yes
No
You can order it.
2.0T – premium recommended, not required. All engines in NA have to be able to operate on 87, but really, you should be putting 91 in there. If anyone can comment on any differences using 94, I’d love to hear it. Not sure how available 94 is in the US. so 93/94.
Trailer hitch will be an option but only for the 2.0T. At least on the current order guide. Includes close out cover.
Premium fuel for premium engines (sounds like your cheap)
You can prop the golf clubs up against the side molding, unless that’s just a no no your world
You do realize that you can put a tow hitch on any car or truck that is produced today.
You know GM doesn’t have to solve every problem with a car that you may experience! Some of the problems can be solved by the customer. GM doesn’t build cars just for you and you alone, a million different people will be purchasing these cars.
So understand that GM has to hit each detail right about in the middle so they can please the majority of the customers not just you!
I wish people were smart enough to understand this! But they just keep complaining as if the car was designed specifically for them!
Brian – I’m not sure of the reason for your condescending reply. GM Authority gave us (the readers) a chance to ask any questions that we wanted on the new Equinox. As a potential CUSTOMER, I asked things that were important to me. After all, there are many choices out there. Where I live premium fuel is 80 cents a gallon more than regular. My current Equinox is a V6 that requires only regular fuel. I wouldn’t expect to have to pay a fuel penalty for a 4 cylinder that has less power than my V6. To me, that somewhat defeats the purpose of a 4 cylinder. I am OK with putting premium in my 436 horsepower Corvette. Secondly, you are obviously not a golfer. Leaning clubs against a plastic interior invites damage to the clubs, the interior, or both. Thirdly, a factory trailer hitch option is not out of line. I ordered it on my current Equinox. And, as it turns out, it is included with the 2018 Equinox Premium. And finally, rear seat legroom is important if you carry people in the back, which most of us do. The Equinox is a sport UTILITY vehicle and GM knows that utility is important to the customer. The Equinox I have priced out is almost $40,000. At that price point a customer has many choices. Most people will choose the vehicle that meets THEIR needs.
In 2012 we purchased an Equinox LTZ with a promise of a Hybrid Equinox w E assit well to no avail. Just more same old same old tech. Yet theres Tesla with the Model X . One would think with all of the available resources GM would be a leader in this arena. I’M STILL WAITING.
Who promised you a hybrid equinox with E assist? The dealer? Salesperson?
There were Equinox’s testing both hydrogen and electric propulsion systems but GM never said the tests were to develop it in the Equinox, just that they were testing the technologies.
This is just a example of people who are never satisfied, your right GM never said it was going to be build.
And a Tesla X starts at about $70K more…..
Is there high or medium frequency steering wheel vibration caused by the road surface or engine? I have a 2013 Terrain and it suffers from this problem.
I went to a dealer yesterday to sit in the Bolt and this vehicle. The Bolt interest was nicer than I expected. Didn’t love it but really liked. The ‘Nox was a complete disappointment. I felt it was still chunky somehow. Then I realized I was sitting in the 2017. The sleazeball salesman knew I wanted to sit in the new one but remained tightlipped. Nice.
How on earth did you not know it was the current model and not the new one?
My 2018 8 speed transmission whines getting louder it did not do it new some kind of defect?
There is no 8-speed tranny for the 18 Equinox.
I just test drove the new Equinox AWD Premium last week. I am not able to compare it to the previous gen Equinox because I’m not familiar with them. What I can say from my hands-on experience on the test drive is that the it seems to accelerate quite well. I’m probably going to take it for a longer test drive this evening when I can get on the highway and really try to accelerate to better gauge what its capable of.
I thought the interior was very well done I did not notice any panel gaps on this particular vehicle and the Jet Black/Brandy interior looked absolutely fantastic. This one came with the Sun, Sound and Navigation package which includes the panoramic sunroof, upgraded HD sound system and the unfortunate mandatory upgrade to 19 inch rubber. I’m confident that “upgrade” alone accounts for nearly $2k. That’s a bloody shame.
The ride was quiet and smooth and, overall, it rode very well. One previous poster mentioned the limited ability of the rear seats to recline. The Toyota RAV4 should serve is an sexcellent example of what a rear seat Should recline like.
Overall I think the 18 equinox in AWD Premier guise looks absolutely fabulous. I thought the 1.5L turbo did a pretty good job at accelerating but, as mentioned, I do want to take it out on the highway for a more “spirited” ride.
The pricing for the Equinox is a bit steep IMO, $3000 to $4000 more than a 2017 Honda CRV AWD Touring or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD Llmited and doesn’t offer anything more than either of these other two with, perhaps, the exception of OnStar. Unfortunately, the additional forthcoming engine choices will add to that premium price. However, since I’m currently in the market for a new vehicle, the 2018 Equinox is pushing all of the right buttons for me right now. If the highway test drive this evening meets with my satisfaction, I might just take it home this evening.
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is 500-700 lbs heavier than the 2017 Cruze, does the small 1.5L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo need to work hard to move the Equinox and does this means mileage in the mid-20s.
I have driven plenty of nox’s and I never thought that it needs more power!