The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has been completely redesigned, embracing its position both as Chevrolet’s most popular crossover SUV and a genuine compact SUV. The new Equinox showcases a brand-new exterior and interior styling, a completely new powertrain, new technology, built on a new compact platform. The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, already popular, is now poised to truly dominate the crossover SUV market.

2018 Chevrolet Equinox

The exterior of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is now more modern and more aggressively styled, a completely new look for the already popular Equinox. Although perhaps not quite as aggressive, the headlights have a very similar shape and are swept into the fenders in a very similar way as they are with the Cruze sedan. The new aerodynamic angles and compact body shape are sure to turn heads on the road.

While the newly designed Equinox is smaller than the old model by almost every measure, the differences are so small that they’re almost inconsequential. For example, cargo space behind the rear seats when they’re up has reduced by just 1.6 cu.-ft., and available space with the seats folded has dropped by as little as 0.2 cu.-ft. Front and rear leg room has dropped by less than half an inch, while headroom is reduced by less than an inch from where it was in the previous model. Interior space sets this newly compact Equinox apart from its competitors in every good way.

The Equinox’s entry level engine is a turbocharged 1.5-liter unit developing 170 horsepower, which is a little less than the 2.4-liter engine it replaces. It does produce more torque though, and drivers will find the power more accessible with the new engine. Though you’re losing 12 horsepower, the new compact and sleek 2018 Chevrolet Equinox also lost 400 pounds. All you’ll notice is the nimble, powerful performance of this newly designed Equinox–you won’t notice missing power.

The best EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings the new Equinox offers are an impressive 26 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined. However, if fuel economy is a top priority for you, look for the new turbodiesel option debuting later in the model year. While the EPA obviously has no fuel economy estimates yet, word is that the front-drive option may earn ratings as good as 40 mpg.

Equinox Premier

Well-appointed both on the inside and in the package of driver assistance features, the Premier version of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a luxurious compact crossover that won’t disappoint. Leather interior, heated steering wheels, 8-way power seat adjuster, ventilated front seats, and heated seats throughout take the Premier to another level, as does its roomy interior for both passengers and drivers and features like USB ports and a hands-free power liftgate. Drivers will appreciate features like rear park assist, rear cross traffic alert, side blind zone alert, and lane keep assist with warnings.

Conclusion

The new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is fully redesigned, from top to bottom, and a wildly successful one at that. The new exterior design and performance makes it a real contender to win over many of the compact SUV buyers who haven’t yet found their favorite in the crowded segment. To be sure, the new Equinox is an improvement over the old version and a great addition to the compact crossover class.