Sometimes the third time is the charm.
Chevrolet's third-generation Equinox SUV is getting showered with good reviews from the automotive press - proving that less is sometimes more.
The interior of the 2018 Chevy Equinox is pleasingly modern. FAST FACTS
* Model: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Premier 2.0T* Exterior color: Cajun Read Tintcoat* Interior color: Jet Black* Engine: 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder* Horsepower: 252* Transmission: nine-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 29 mpg highway, 22 mpg city* Local Dealer: Integrity Chevrolet, Mountain View Chevrolet* Price (as tested): $36,885
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The new design is 400-pounds lighter and 4.7-inches shorter than the previous model, which puts it more on par with the top competitors in the small SUV segment, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Too, the lighter, shorter Equinox is more nimble and seems much quicker than before.
The new-for-2018 Equinox comes in several appealing trim levels. Our tester this week - a Premier 2.0T model with front-wheel-drive - might represent the sweet spot of the line-up. Earlier this year we tested an all-wheel-drive model, which listed for a few hundred dollars more.
Locally, Equinox SUVs are available at Integrity Chevrolet and Mountain View Chevrolet. Late last week, both car stores had more than a dozen Equinox models in digital inventory.
WHAT IS IT? The Equinox is a five-passenger compact SUV, that has a corporate cousin, the GMC Terrain. Our Premium-trim tester has a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a refined nine-speed automatic transmission. The potent power plant makes 252 horsepower, compared to a 170-horsepower output from the 1.5-liter turbo in base models.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? A base model L-trim Equinox starts at $24,575. Our tester, meanwhile, has an asking price of $36,885, and includes such upgrades as leather interior, a hands-free lift-gate, cross-traffic and blind-spot monitoring, and a dual-zone climate control.
WHAT WE LIKED? We loved the surprisingly brisk acceleration of the 2.0T Equinox. The split-spoke wheels and quality leather interior are nice touches. Seat heaters and an electric parking brake are notable upgrades. Also, GM's Mylink Audio System is getting better and better, and the 8-inch color touchscreen is as intuitive to use as an Apple iPad.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The center cup-holders in the back seat are positioned too high for our comfort.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS: Many compact SUVs have only adequate horsepower, but our Equinox tester made the daily commute fun. There is a point-and-shoot eagerness to this powerplant that is unusual for the segment.
WHY ITS GOOD FOR CHATTANOOGA: Conservative styling plays well here, and the Equinox has nice proportions without any gaudy body lines or over-cooked styling cues.
BOTTOM LINE: The improved Chevrolet Equinox should be on every compact-crossover buyer's short list. Buyers who automatically default to RAV4s and CR-Vs should give this GM product a shot.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.