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- Highs Car-like handling, good fuel economy, long list of features and options.
- Lows Anemic standard engine, harsh ride over bumps, base model not very well equipped.
- Verdict The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, with its spacious cabin and host of available tech and comfort features, provides good value in a small SUV, but be prepared to add a few upgrades to increase livability.
Overview
Its easy, car-like handling combined with SUV-like seating height and practicality make the Equinox an appealing choice. Chevy comes out swinging, as the Equinox’s feature-rich options sheet offers all sorts of modern infotainment and active safety features. It’s in the hunt for fuel-efficiency street cred, too, with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that sips fuel with the best of them. Unfortunately, it makes the Equinox feel substantially underpowered, and acceleration is lukewarm at best. Chevy’s decision to charge a hefty premium for high-value trim levels and popular packages may drive shoppers to rival brands.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- L: $24,575
- LS: $26,595
- LT: $27,795
- Premier: $31,795
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base turbo four-cylinder engine won’t win any fans with its sluggish performance. Towing capacity is also on the anemic side for the segment. The 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder makes 170 hp, and when paired with the optional all-wheel-drive system, it takes a heavy foot to hustle the Equinox up to highway speeds. The standard six-speed automatic shifts seamlessly. Those unhappy with the Equinox’s performance would be wise to upgrade to the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or the 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Agreeable and easy to drive, the Equinox handles competently, and its steering is accurate and direct. The ride is a bit harsh, and rougher stretches of road convey some unpleasantness into the cabin, but on smooth roads the suspension feels well damped, and the Equinox is firmly planted on the highway. Body roll is kept in check during cornering, and the stiff suspension translates to a legitimately athletic crossover should you encounter a twisty back road.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Equinox's spacious cabin is nicely styled and made from durable materials. Both front- and rear-seat passengers should find themselves comfortable, with enough luxuries to keep them happy on longer trips. There are plenty of cupholders, but most of those interior luxuries are either optional or only available on higher trim levels. The base Equinox L is a price leader with very few features. Our top-spec Premier test vehicle spoiled us with automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heat and ventilation, and more. The interior design is simple and handsome, with only a few questionable material choices, such as some rough-edged plastics on the lower door panels. Some rivals offer more space behind the rear seats, but we still managed to fit eight of our carry-on suitcases back there. Aside from a capacious center-console storage bin, the Equinox’s cabin storage is merely average. But a deep storage bin under the cargo floor is perfect for keeping items organized and out of the way.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system continues to impress with its ease of use. Standard 4G LTE connectivity with onboard Wi-Fi makes the Equinox one of the best-connected crossovers. A 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (an 8.0-inch unit is optional) displays the Chevrolet MyLink interface atop the Equinox’s dash and is angled upward, perfect for reflecting sunlight through the optional panoramic sunroof, which renders the screen illegible. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, a USB port, and an auxiliary input jack. MyLink is easy to use on the go, but it doesn’t have the most attractive interface. However, its on-screen buttons are large enough to execute commands while driving, and the system is responsive to inputs.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Chevrolet Equinox’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
