All-new Equinox improves its positioning against a horde of competitors
All-new for 2018 The all-new, Canadian-built, 2018 Chevrolet Equinox delivers more performance, efficiency and value than its predecessor to help make it more competitive with the segment leaders. By Clare Dear ▲
Overdue update Chevrolet’s compact SUV, the Equinox is an important and popular model in the bow-tie brand’s lineup – in fact, it’s second only to the Silverado on Chevy’s overall sales chart. However, even company brass concede the Equinox has been getting long in the tooth compared to the competition in the hotly contested compact SUV segment. Aside from some mid-cycle refreshing, it hasn’t been redone since the second-generation version hit the road in 2010 – and it shows when the current model is compared with competitors such as the Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. Hence the excitement surrounding the all-new 2018 Equinox. ▲
Smaller and lighter For starters, the Equinox, which is built in Ingersoll, Ontario, has shed about 180 kilograms – 10%of its previous curb weight – by utilizing a new global platform that’s shared with other members of the GM family, including the new Buick Envision. A shift to more high-strength steel, plus the use of adhesives rather than welds and other weight-saving techniques, has resulted in a chassis that’s lighter, enhancing fuel efficiency without compromising torsional strength. Switching to an all-turbocharged, four-cylinder engine lineup has also helped shave weight, plus the vehicle itself is now 119 millimetres shorter, thanks to trimmed overhangs front and rear and a wheelbase that’s been shortened by 132 mm. ▲
Roomy cabin Despite the reduction in exterior dimensions, the redesigned cabin is actually more spacious, with 100 litres greater passenger volume. The front-and-rear headroom and legroom are nearly identical to the previous model, as is cargo capacity – 1,798 litres with the rear seat folded. Now, however, the 60/40-split rear seatback folds flat, creating a more useable cargo deck – plus, now there’s also a 79-litre hatch under the cargo floor that’s ideal for stashing valuable items out of sight. ▲
Interior décor The interior has been given a complete makeover, although there are design cues you’ll recognize from other Chevy siblings. During several hours spent behind the wheel, as well as riding shotgun, I found the seats comfortable and supportive. It’s not the kind of vehicle you’ll be wringing out on a road course but its bucket seats kept my butt well-planted through some twisty sections of our route. The top-of-the-line Premier trim level featured a nicely appointed décor, with contrasting black and tan leather seat coverings and matching trim and instrument panels. The materials were mostly soft to the touch, at least where one’s parts made contact with its parts. I also spent time in the mid-range LT trim and although its grey/black combination lacked the pizzazz of the Premier version, its appointments were still quite tasteful. ▲
Technology and convenience upgrades Chevy has loaded the Equinox with numerous technology upgrades, enhanced connectivity features and more convenience touches as standard equipment. All models now get a standard seven-inch, full-colour touchscreen with Chevy MyLink (the Premier trim is upgraded with an eight-inch screen) plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. GM’s OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot is also standard across the lineup. The list of added standard features also includes remote keyless entry, push button start, heated front seats, heated rearview mirrors and remote starter – the latter three exclusive to the Canadian market. ▲
Safety highlights The competition in the compact SUV segment is luring buyers by offering more advanced safety features and Chevrolet is responding by bumping up its standard and available technologies. A rear-vision camera is now standard across the lineup, as are OnStar, Chevy’s Teen Driver monitoring system, rear seat reminder and tire-pressure monitoring system. Other available features include a surround-vision camera system, Intellibeam headlamps, Safety Alert seat vibration system, rear parking assist, lane change and blind spot alert rear traffic warning and power liftgate. x ▲
Simplified packaging Chevy is making the purchase of an Equinox simpler for consumers – and dealers, as well. There are just 14 build combinations offered and there are no stand-alone options. Just three trim levels are available, with the base LS choices being only front-wheel or all-wheel drive – there are no options for this level. The mid-range LT also is available in either drive configuration, but the vehicle can be upgraded with a confidence/convenience package ($2,000), which includes dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and several safety alert systems, and a True North package ($3,000), which adds a 110-volt power outlet, two USB ports, dual rear USB charging ports, a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, a 4.2-inch colour information display in front of the driver and an upgrade to the eight-inch touchscreen. ▲
Option packages The premium Premier trim can be upgraded with a similar confidence/convenience package ($2,500) that includes heated rear seats and heated steering wheel, power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, Intellibeam headlamps, surround vision and forward collision alert with low-speed automatic forward braking. Its True North package is $4,000 and includes the power sunroof, navigation, HD radio, 19-inch aluminum wheels and a Bose premium audio system. ▲
Under the hood Three engine packages comprise the Equinox powertrain lineup, all turbocharged and all featuring stop-start technology for improved fuel efficiency. Currently, however, only the base 1.5-litre Ecotech four is available. It replaces the base 2.4-litre four-cylinder that powers the current Equinox. The 1.5L turbo is a double-overhead-camshaft design with variable valve timing and direct fuel injection combining to produce 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque, compared to the current model’s 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft. The 1.5L four delivers its power through a six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain has a towing capacity of 680 kg (1,500 lb). Production has just started on the optional 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is rated at 252 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Scheduled to be available by summer, it will be paired with a nine-speed automatic. This will be the engine of choice if you’re planning on hauling anything as its towing capacity is rated at 1,588 kg (3,500 lb). Later this year, probably in the fall, a 1.6-litre diesel will join the lineup. While its .power rating is just 136 horsepower, its torque output is a stout .236 lb-ft and it boasts the best fuel economy of the bunch. It will be mated to a six-speed automatic. Like the base 1.5L turbo, however, the diesel’s towing capacity is limited to 680 kg (1,500 lb). ▲
Choice of drive systems Customers will have their choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive regardless of trim level, although most Canadians are expected to opt for the all-wheel-drive configuration. In a move to improve fuel efficiency, a new AWD system sends engine output only to the front wheels unless it senses there’s a need for additional traction and then redirects the torque to all four wheels. However, if the driver prefers, the output can be manually locked into all-wheel drive by simply turning a switch. ▲
Fuel economy Fuel consumption ratings for the 1.5L turbo with front-wheel drive are 9.2 L/100 km in the city, 7.3 on the highway and 8.3 combined; with all-wheel drive, they’re 9.8 city, 7.9 highway and 8.9 combined. In a 103-kilometre stint of mainly highway driving during my test drive, the base engine in the Equinox LT with all-wheel drive posted an average consumption of 7.9 litres/100 km – bang on the posted data. ▲
Pricing Pricing for the base 2018 Equinox LS with FWD starts at $26,995, including $1,700 freight charges and $100 air conditioner tax, an all-in price tag that Chevy says is less than the Rogue, CR-V or RAV4. The 2018 LS pricing is $1,975 less than the current model, while adding more than $1,100 in new standard content. The all-wheel drive LS starts at $29,395, which is $1,775 less than the 2017 model. The mid-range LT pricing ranges from $29,995 with FWD to $35.395 for a fully-loaded AWD iteration, while the Premier-trimmed model is priced at $33,595 in FWD format or $35,995 with all-wheel drive. ▲
Did I like it? Overall, the new Equinox was impressive and certainly should be a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. Its exterior styling, while not unique or stunning, is definitely tasteful and easy on the eyes. The interior was configured well, with controls and instruments well placed. I liked the seats, which wrapped nicely around my ample torso and gave my aging back plenty of support. The appointments in the Premier trim level were especially appealing, creating a very upscale, classy look. While I did appreciate the decent leg and foot room in the rear seat, getting in and out (or loading a youngster into a car seat) would be much easier if the rear side doors would swing open a bit further. I was surprised by the limited level of noise intruding into the cabin – this vehicle was impressively quiet. It is equipped with a noise cancellation system and additional sound-absorbing materials for 2018 – and they are certainly doing their job well. I found the level of ride comfort to be well-suited to my preferences – firm but not jarring. There was a minimum of body roll through the twisty bits and the suspension handled the roads’ bumps and curves without a fuss. ▲
But about that base engine… However, the base 1.5L turbo powertrain can be described as adequate at best. While it certainly cruised along well on the highway, there didn’t seem to be much in reserve when climbing a grade or, more importantly, responding with added acceleration when trying to negotiate the thick of rush-hour traffic. Punch the go pedal and there seemed to be a second or so before the four-banger responded. I also found it difficult to modulate the throttle smoothly. If its response was lackluster with just two adults aboard, I’d expect it would be even more of a concern if the vehicle was loaded with a family of four plus their stuff – and don’t even think about hooking 1,500 pounds on the tail with a trailer. If such duties are included in your driving scenarios, I’d suggest holding out for the 2.0L turbo and the nine-speed gearbox, which will make better use of the available power output. ▲
Keyword: FIRST DRIVE: Canadian-built 2018 Chevrolet Equinox