Redesigned from the ground up, the third-gen crossover SUV offers the segment’s only diesel
Design-wise, Chevy's latest styling language as seen on the new Volt, Cruze, and Malibu fits the 2018 Equinox quite well.
It clearly looks better than its predecessor, both inside and out. It benefits from new technologies such as the available 7- and 8-inch MyLink infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a series of active safety features. These include a so-called "Teen Driver" feature that lets parents control how their teens use the vehicle, helping to "encourage safe driving habits."
Built on GM's new Delta platform that is also used by the new Cruze, the 2018 Equinox mid-size SUV is about 400 lbs (180 kg) lighter than its predecessor, which means it's both more fuel efficient and agile. The engine lineup consists of a standard 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline unit, an available 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine, and an available 1.6-liter turbodiesel — a first for the segment in North America.
Expected to offer a GM-estimated 40 mpg (equivalent to 5.9 l/100 km) on the highway (thanks in part to the standard stop/start technology) the 1.6-liter diesel delivers 136 hp at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque at 2,000 rpm. The wide torque band makes the engine "very responsive at low rpm," according to GM.
The standard 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline unit is rated at 170 hp and 201 lb-ft (275 Nm) of torque and offers a GM-estimated 31 mpg (7.6 l/100 km) highway in front-wheel drive configuration. Finally, the available 2.0-liter turbo is the most powerful of the range, delivering 252 hp and a generous torque band — 90 percent of the peak torque (260 lb-ft/353Nm) is available from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm. GM estimates it will return 28 mpg on the highway (FWD), thanks in part to the all-new 9T50 nine-speed automatic transmission.
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox goes on sale spring 2017 with the standard 1.5L engine, with the 2.0L turbo and 1.6L turbodiesel arriving in summer 2017.