The 2018 Chevy Equinox is a compact crossover that’s been redesigned this year to feature a new exterior shape, new engine choices that include diesel, and a suite of safety assists. Three trims are available: the entry-level L with the 1.5-liter Turbo, the mid-level LS and LT with three engine selections, and the Premier also with three engine choices.
Performance
The powerplants available in the 2018 Chevy Equinox begin with the 1.5-liter Turbo 4-cylinder that comes with all trims. It delivers 170 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque with the help of dual overhead cams, Variable Valve Timing, and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Conventional trailering reaches 1,500 lbs.
Available for all trims except the L, the 2.0-liter Turbo 4-cylinder relies on Direct-Injection, Variable Valve Timing, and a 9-speed automatic transmission to deliver 252 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
Finally, the LT and Premier can have the available 1.6-liter Turbo Diesel that gets 137 horsepower and 240 lb.-ft. of torque, also through dual overhead cams and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Its EPA-estimated 39 MPG on the highway gives you a range of 592 miles on one fill-up.
To maximize control, particularly during sudden maneuvers such as emergency avoidance, the StabiliTrak ®electronic stability control system can manage brakes and engine torque so you continue in your expected direction. It activates when it detects a difference between where you’re steering and where the crossover is actually heading.
Safety
When you use the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox to carry your loved ones, you can depend on multiple advanced driver-assist features to protect them.
As you head for the highway, Forward Collision Alert detects slowing vehicles ahead of you through camera technology and warn you if you’re about to hit one so you can take appropriate action. If your crossover wanders from your current lane, available Lane Departure Warning lets you know while Lane Keep Assist nudges the steering wheel to keep you in place if you don’t respond. If you’re traveling at low speeds and a collision is imminent, Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking can engage a stop to prevent an accident.
When you change lanes, Lane Change Alerts signals you on the appropriate rearview mirror that a vehicle is approaching. Side Blind Zone Alert provides similar warnings if vehicles have entered your blind zone.
Head backward and the Rear Vision Camera reveals a view of what’s going on behind you on the Chevrolet MyLink touchscreen. Surround Vision is a more advanced version that stitches together views from four external cameras to give you a virtual top-down view of your surroundings. If any vehicles cross your path, Rear Cross Traffic Alert tells you. With the help of ultrasonic sensors, available Rear Park Assist can detect hazardous objects and warn you if you get too close.
Go with the available Safety Alert Seat and rather than receiving audio alerts, the bottom of the seat vibrates in the direction of the safety issue.
Interior
The 2018 Chevy Equinox seats up to five adults unless you fold down the 60/40 split rear row to increase cargo capacity from 29.9 to 63.5 cu. ft. An available 8-way power-adjustable seat is available for both the driver and front passenger. Either one includes 2-way power lumbar and can move the seat back and forth, and up and down while tilting the seat cushion and seatback. Available dual-zone automatic climate control lets you and your front passenger set separate comfort levels that automatically compensate for changes in weather. Front seats are available with both heating and ventilation to keep you warm or cool.
Providing infotainment is the Chevrolet myLink® audio system, which is available with a color 8-inch touchscreen so you can control AM/FM stereo, HD Radio, an available GPS navigation system with 3D mapping, Bluetooth® wireless connections to a compatible device, and either Apple CarPlay™ or Android Auto™ to integrate compatible smartphones. Voice-Activated technology lets you use the spoken word for both the radio and phone.
With available Universal Home Remote, you can operate your automatic garage door, powered gates, or house lighting from inside your vehicle. Power door locks and windows allow for convenient one-touch operation.
Exterior
From the front, available Intellibeam® headlamps automatically turn on the high beams when ambient lighting is dark enough. To avoid blinding other drivers, these lamps automatically switch to low beams when they detect the approach of another vehicle.
When your hands are full, you can easily open the hands-free gesture liftgate by kicking under the rear bumper. The height can be adjusted to accommodate low overhangs. If you have Keyless Open and have your key fob with you, you can lock and unlock your car doors without fumbling with keys or pushing a button. You won’t lock your keys in your car with lockout protection.
You can enter a comfortable cabin with available Remote Start. Push a button on your key fob to lock the doors and turn on parking lamps while running the engine. Your climate control system then comes on to adjust the interior temperature.
