The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox lasts around 200,000 miles with some engine sensor and transmission software issues. At $16,525 to $22,475, it’s cheaper than a lot of other SUVs, although it’s not as up-to-date as the competition.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Chevy Equinox, although it’s still lacking behind a lot of other SUVs, giving it an average overall score. Owner reviews praise the all-wheel drive system, smooth suspension, along with the technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for a compact SUV, the seats are comfortable on long drives, although cargo space is lower than the competition.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems on the 2018 Chevy Equinox. Avoid models from 2010–2017, while 2018–2022 are more reliable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is similar to other compact SUVs from all of the engine choices, making it not very exciting to drive.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2018 Equinox is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Standard features include a rearview camera as well as rear-seat reminder. Optional upgrades available include blind spot monitoring, brake assist, lane departure warning, along with a 360-degree parking camera.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 32 MPG, giving 476 miles of range from the 14.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $64 cheaper than average at $178 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2018 Chevy Equinox is cheaper than many other SUVs, yet rapid depreciation gives it a lower value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chevy Equinox?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox offers good road manners and a nice interior, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Equinox at 3.5/5, praising the very smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the small cargo area.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Equinox a 3.9/5, enjoying the nice interior for the money, but owners don’t like the lack of standard safety features.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox include check engine lights, changing gears slowly, as well as a hard brake pedal feel. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than other compact SUVs, leading to higher repair costs too, as the Equinox ages.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2018 Chevy Equinox owners at around 35,000 miles. There are a lot of reasons a check engine light may turn on, although it’s usually a sensor failure. The most common sensor failure in the Equinox is the primary O2 sensor on the exhaust, which costs around $250 to replace.
Changing gears slowly is another issue reported by owners in the first 10,000 miles. There are software updates available for both transmissions, which makes them shift quicker between gears. Many dealerships will install the software update for free, while some may charge around $50.
A hard brake pedal also shows up on some Equinox models at around 60,000 miles. The brake vacuum pump is known to fail in the 2018 Equinox, and has to be replaced to make the brakes feel normal again. Replacing the vacuum pump costs roughly $1,200, depending on local labor rates.
There are 5 recalls on the 2018 Chevy Equinox, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the driveshaft which can fracture and separate, leading to a loss of power while driving. Other recalls that are important cover the fuel pump, as well as a lack of coating on the brake calipers. Chevy will replace the damaged parts on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Chevrolet Equinox can last around 200,000 miles, which is 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other compact SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $613 per year.
As a used 2018 Chevy Equinox reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the A/C refrigerant line for $775, liftgate motor costing $480, as well as the suspension bushings which cost $340.
We have not had any problems. We had one recall and it was taken care of when we took it on to have the oil changed. We hadn't had a problem but wanted to make sure it was repaired.
The equinox is very reliable. We have not experienced any problems or issues. We feel safe in the equinox as well.
Aside from routine oil changes and maintenance. I have yet to have any other problems with this vehicle.
I have not had any problems with this vehicle. The engine idles slower when you have your foot on the brake and no movement such as sitting a stoplight. While this is happening, the fan for ac or heat does not run. After this, there is hesitation when you remove foot from brake and the press gas to accelerate.
I have never had any problems with the 2018 Chevrolet equinox. I have been very happy with how well it drives me where I have to go.
Yes. It is very reliable. I haven't even had as much as a computer glitch out of it. I am always sure to keep up the maintenance to make sure I can keep it for years.
I have only owned this car for a few weeks but have not had any problems so far with it. I love driving this car.
Yes! The Chevy equinox ls 2018 is super reliable. It is our main car and it is given us zero problems. We take it on road trips as well as just our daily commutes.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2018 Chevy Equinox with a standard 7-inch touchscreen stereo system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen.
Safety technology is similar to other compact SUVs offering a standard rearview camera, rear-seat reminder system, as well as teen driver mode, which sets limits on speed and audio. Optional active safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, low-speed forward collision warning with brake assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, as well as a 360-degree parking camera.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Chevy Equinox is a good value for shoppers on a budget, yet there are some problems which may show up as they age. The blue book fair market price ranges from $16,525 to $22,475, making it cheaper than a Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5. When new, the price range was $23,580 to $37,300. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chevy Equinox?
There are four models of the Chevrolet Equinox offered in 2018, from the base L all the way up to the well-equipped Premier. It’s also offered with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the model.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Engine Stop-Start System
- Teen Driver Mode
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- OnStar
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
LS is a step up, adding:
- Floor Mats
- Spare Tire
- Digital Compass
- Optional All-Wheel Drive
LT is next in the lineup with:
- Xenon Headlights
- Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob
- Eight-Way Power Driver Seat
- Satellite Radio
- Rear Privacy Glass
Premier is the flagship model which adds:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seats
- Remote Engine Start
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Seats
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Hands-Free Power Liftgate
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
What Engines Come In the Chevy Equinox?
- The base engine is an average 1.5L 4-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower at up to 28 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder which produces 252 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG. This engine comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 6.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
- There’s also a fuel-efficient 1.6L diesel engine offered which generates 137 horsepower at up to 32 MPG. It’s also offered with a six-speed automatic transmission.
What Colors Does the Chevy Equinox Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chevy Equinox?
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a comfortable compact SUV with seating for up to five passengers. Seating is nice in the front and rear seats, offering a good amount of support, although the leather seat options have cushions which are a bit firm.
Passenger room is good throughout the cabin with enough legroom for taller adults in the back seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chevy Equinox Have?
There’s less cargo room than other compact SUVs on the market, offering enough room for 4-5 suitcases behind the rear seats, increasing to 10-12 with the back seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Chevy Equinox came out in 2018.
2015: New L model introduced, available 4G LTE WiFi in-car hotspot.
2016: Minor front-end styling changes, upgraded cloth upholstery, new standard 7-inch touchscreen and rearview camera.
2017: LTZ model is renamed Premier, sport package available on LT model.
2018: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new styling, engines, and technology.
2019: New Infotainment 3 system offered, adaptive cruise control offered.
2020: Diesel engine discontinued, more standard safety equipment.
2021: 2.0L turbocharged engine not available, leather package offered on LT model.
How Does the Chevrolet Equinox Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is an average compact SUV. It’s got some nice features and a low purchase price, yet some mechanical issues make it more expensive to own long term out of warranty.
The Nissan Rogue is another compact SUV available in the same price range. There’s more cargo space in the Nissan Rogue, while the Chevy Equinox offers a more luxurious interior for the money. We recommend the Nissan Rogue since ownership costs are lower as they age.
The GMC Terrain is a competitor which costs around $1,800 more. Both the Chevy Traverse and GMC Terrain are built on the same platform, but the interior materials are nicer in the GMC Terrain. We recommend the Chevy Equinox since it’s a more affordable option with nearly all the same features.
Do Owners Recommend the Chevy Equinox?
Yes. We have always been happy with our Chevrolet vehicles. Our last 10 vehicles we have purchased have been a Chevrolet. We like the style of the vehicles and the fact they are American made.
Yes. Our family loves the equinox. It is spacious enough for a family of 4 and gets great gas mileage.
Yes. It is by far the favorite vehicle I have owned. Very comfortable for long drives when traveling.
Yes. It has rear defrosters that also cover the side view mirrors. Remote start is also a good feature.
Yes. I love it. So roomy and easy to drive. Very easy on gas mileage too. This is my favorite vehicle I have driven. I love the heated seats the most.
Yes. I love it. It is very spacious and great on gas. The seats lay all the way down to provide a ton of room if you need to move things. And having apple CarPlay is a great feature that is used thoroughly.
Yes. I love all of the high tech features it has. Especially apple carplay and the back up camera. I also love the automatic start it has.
Yes. I like it a lot, it is fast, reliable, and the seats/exterior is nice! As well as the exterior. It also rides smooth and we haven't had any problems or have had to go to the mechanic at all and we've almost had the car for a whole year.