The 2018 Chevy Equinox features an upscale interior.FAST FACTS
* Model: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox AWD Premier 2.0T* Exterior color: Mosaic Black Metallic* Interior color: Jet Black* Engine: 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder* Horsepower: 252* Transmission: 9-speed automatic* Fuel economy: 28 mpg highway, 22 mpg city* Local Dealers: Integrity Chevrolet, Mountain View Chevrolet* Price (as tested): $37,230
By now, you probably know that small- and mid-size SUVs have become the default family haulers for millions of American households.
General Motors has been particularly active in the compact SUV segment with the GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox leading the charge.
Ironically, we were able to test drive the newly redesigned Chevy Equinox this week during the actual vernal equinox. All the snow in the Northeast during the first week of spring has been a vivid reminder that foul-weather driving lasts well into March in parts of North American. Having a sure-footed SUV like the Equinox AWD in your driveway during snow season can lead to enormous peace of mind.
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Locally, the Equinox supply is abundant. Integrity Chevrolet listed 18 Equinox units in its digital inventory late this week and Mountain View Chevrolet listed 28 of the compact SUVs on its website.
The price of a base Equinox starts at about $24,575 and balloons to close to $40,000 in top trim. Our all-wheel-drive Premium model, provided by the manufacturer, has an MSRP of $37,230.
STYLING AND FEATURES
Redesigned for 2018, the Equinox now comes in a more compact package. The wheelbase is about 5.2-inches shorter than before. Through ingenious architecture, the interior volume is about the same. Meanwhile, the shorter wheelbase, and the shedding of several hundred pounds, makes the Equinox a more nimble road companion.
Our tester is shown in Mosaic Black Metallic wrapped around a Jet Black, leather interior. The Equinox wears black well as it sets off the blingy grille. Bright, 19-inch alloy wheels, chrome side mirror covers and gleaming roof rails add luster.
The downsizing is subtle, although the sheet metal does look a bit more shrink-wrapped than before. The slotted grille and sculpted hood make for an attractive forward third.
Inside, the well-bolstered leather seats are good for road trips. An 8-inch touchscreen channels GM's excellent MyLink telematics system. Also, GM will help you turn your Equinox into a Wi-Fi hot spot with 4G LTE technology. Data plans cost extra.
Maximum seating in the Equinox is five. If you need to carry more people, move up to the three-row Chevy Acadia.
Standard equipment in the Equinox Premium includes push-button start, leather-covered seats, heated front and back seats, dual-zone climate control and wireless device charging. Safety-tech features include blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist and surround vision. Surround vision links four cameras - one up front, one in the rear and one under each side mirror - to effectively give the driver a 360-degree overhead view when parking.
There are three engine options for the Equinox and our tester comes equipped with the top-of-the-line 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that makes 252 horsepower. The government says the Equinox will get 28 miles per gallon highway and 22 miles per gallon city.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
We were pleasantly surprised when we pressed the Equinox into a hard acceleration situation and it responded with a tire chattering burst of torque. In fact, the Chevy leaped ahead, as if to say, "What have you been waiting for?"
Besides our 252-horsepower tester, there's a smaller four-cylinder turbo available and also a diesel engine. Any of the three engines should be adequate for most situations, but go with the 2.0-liter motor if you value performance or need to tow a trailer.
Even though the Equinox has shed weight and length, the interior still feels roomy. There's plenty of leg-, shoulder- and head-room in all directions.
The engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that helps boost fuel economy.
BOTTOM LINE
GM sold about 290,000 Equinox units in 2017, more than double the mechanically similar (and slightly more expensive) GMC Terrain. The automaker hopes that the slimmed-down 2018 model will boost sales even higher.
The Equinox competes with the Ford Escape, the Honda CR-V, Jeep Cherokee the Toyota RAV4 and the Subaru Forester.
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.