Competitors in the compact crossover segment is strong, so most entries get upgraded every four to 6 years. The previous Chevrolet Equinox went eight years without a redesign yet stayed among 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 smart device combination to name a few things, all making it more competitive than before.
In the beginning glance, the brand-new Equinox does not look much different from its predecessor. The grille and headlights look like the front fascias of other Chevrolets (specifically the Cruze sedan), but the shape of the windows resemble the previous style. The older Equinox skirted the line between a compact and midsize SUV, however this model is 6 inches much shorter in length, which securely plants it in the compact category. The shrinking has left critical measurements consisting of freight volume mostly unaffected, though the storage location is smaller than what you’ll find in a Ford Escape or Honda CR-V. Front and rear headroom have actually been reduced marginally, however we found that a 6-foot passenger will have no problem sitting behind a 6-foot motorist.
In addition to its spacious interior, the Equinox also boasts a significantly enhanced interior decoration and products. The brand-new center console is much less button-heavy than in the past, consisting of a two-tier stack with infotainment controls on top and climate controls listed below. The basic 7-inch touchscreen is geared up with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 4G LTE Wi-Fi and Chevy’s instinctive MyLink operating system. An 8-inch screen is offered on upper trims in addition to 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 created for maximum toughness, but they’re actually quite comfy over the long run. Opting for the Premier includes perforated leather upholstery to the seats and leather surface areas with contrasting stitching to the control panel and doors.
In the interest of maximum fuel efficiency, the 2018 Equinox just utilizes turbocharged four-cylinder engines. The range starts with a 1.5-liter gas engine that’s matched with a six-speed automated transmission. It’s ranked to produce 170 horse power 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 price quotes are 1-2 mpg better than those of base engines in contending vehicles.
If that’s inadequate power for you, there are two alternatives. One is a 1.6-liter diesel motor 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 yearn for even more efficiency, 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 offered at first, however the diesel and the more effective 2.0-liter gas engine will be added to the lineup in the summer season of 2017.
There will be four levels of trim available with the basic 1.5-liter engine. The base L variation (MSRP $24,475) consists of 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, full power accessories, a rearview electronic camera and the 7-inch touchscreen with all its tech gadgetry. Nevertheless, this trim is a special order; you will not discover it on a dealer lot. You will, however, discover the LS ($26,405) at the local dealership, which includes rear floor mats, a spare tire, a digital compass and a larger variety of exterior colors. Next up is the LT ($27,645), which gears up the Equinox with xenon headlights, tinted rear glass, a power-adjustable motorist seat, remote levers for folding the rear seat and satellite radio. It likewise unlocks to additional equipment plans. 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 tracking and more. Additional readily available features consist of navigation, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a breathtaking sunroof and a 360-degree parking video camera.
Copyright © 2017 by New Autocar Review.