The 2018 Chevy Equinox arrived at dealerships in April of 2017, and it looks like a very promising. Mainly because the Equinox has finally received another redesign to stay fresh and competitive. However, the second generation didn’t seem to have any trouble tackling the competition, even at the end of its life in 2017. In other words, the success of the 2017 model bodes quite well for the the 2018 model. I have some information on the trim levels and pricing for you, as well as what’s new on the Equinox. Then, we’ll wrap up by discussing the models it’s competing with.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is available in four trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier. The LS, LT, and Premier are all offered with AWD, whereas the base L trim isn’t. At least, for now. Pricing is as follows:
L – $23,580
LS – $25,510
LT – $26,750
Premier – $30,790
For models available with AWD, like the Premier trim, you’re looking at a bump in price. The Premier goes from $30,790 to $34,435, for example; whereas, the LS and LT increase to $27,260 and $28,500, respectively.
Naturally, different packages and stand-alone options are going to impact the price as well. But for the most part, you’ll notice pretty reasonable pricing throughout the trim levels for a compact crossover.
What’s New?
There’s actually a lot of new features and aspects reflected in the 2018 Equinox when compared to the 2017 model.
Obviously, it has a new exterior design, which Chevrolet says is “echoing the global Chevrolet design cues and sculpted shapes seen in the Volt, Malibu, and Cruze.”
Along with the exterior, the cabin has been seriously restyled. With a down-and-away instrument panel commanding the attention, while a low windshield base provides a much better outward view.
Some new interior features include things like optional denim-style seat fabric and a “kneeling” rear seat, allowing you to tilt the bottom cushions forward when the split-folding setbacks are lowered.
Looks aren’t the only thing that’s changed, and the third-generation Equinox has a roomier interior, and a choice of three turbocharged engines. Two of which are gasoline powered, and the third option (for the first time in its life) is a diesel. Exciting news – just think of the efficiency-to-utility ratio a crossover of this size could get with a diesel engine. While I’m still not sure about utility, I can tell you that it’s estimated to get 40 mpg highway when equipped with the diesel engine.
However, you’ll have to wait if you want a diesel model. For now, the only engine that’s available is a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque. The optional 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder (252 horsepower/260 lb.-ft. of toque) will arrive in spring or early summer. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine — the same one on the Cruze Diesel — produces 136 horsepower/236 lb.-ft. of torque, and will be available later.
Model Competition?
In the compact crossover segment, the 2018 Equinox will compete with long-standing rivals. Some of which — like the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 — have received equally significant refreshes and redesigns.
But, if the 2017 Equinox was able to hold its own without too much trouble, I’m confident the 2018 Equinox with its redesign will do quite well.
