Sporting a lighter weight and improved driving dynamics, the 2018 Chevy Equinox is a good purchase, despite limited safety features and pricey trims.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
2018 Chevrolet Equinox: A Quick Overview
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox introduced a complete redesign that shaved off 400 pounds compared to the outgoing model. Although it is a bit underpowered for its size, its affordability and turbo-diesel engine option gained the 2018 Equinox positive acclaim. Recent reviews of the 2018 model indicate that the vehicle holds up well after over three years on U.S. roads.
Multiple Trims & Tech Features Yield a Price Range of $17,000 to $28,000
The 2018 model offers four trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier. Even the standard base model comes loaded with decent tech and a fuel-efficient 1.5L engine. Additionally, two other engine options offer a broader opportunity for more power and extra fuel economy.
Technology features are plentiful, with a standard touchscreen infotainment system that includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. An integrated mobile app gives you remote control of features like door locks, ignition, and parking spot reminders.
A pre-owned, base 2018 Chevrolet Equinox can be found for around $17,000, while Premier models cost over $28,000.
SUV Safety Ratings & Recalls Indicate a Reasonably Safe & Reliable Ride
As for safety and reliability, the 2018 model received an overall crash safety rating of four out of five stars from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). It has a relatively low annual cost of repairs at $613.
However, this model year Chevy Equinox does have five active recalls, with the most prominent involving insufficiently coated rear brake calipers that may mar their effectiveness.
Would We Recommend a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
Having spent over 48 hours researching and checking our facts, we do recommend the 2018 Equinox. Much of its appeal stems from its overall high value, meaning that you get a lot for your money.
While the base engine is a little wimpy, what it lacks in performance it makes up for in efficiency, boasting an impressive 32 mpg highway rating. If fuel economy is your main selling point, spring for the turbo-diesel engine for its 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
The five open recalls on the 2018 Equinox are concerning, but they are covered by the manufacturer, and it’s likely the work has been performed.
So you can make an informed purchasing decision, let’s take a more detailed look at everything you need to know about how this vehicle has aged over the past three years.
Pros from Owners
We've had transmission issues from the car. I do not like that you cannot override where the car cuts off when it stops. I like that it syncs with my phone. I like the heated seats and that there are vents in the backseat. Overall it is a good car.
It has luxury everything including remote start (with an app you can download on your phone), touch screen radio and navigation, heated seats and steering wheel, cooling seats, and memory features for multiple drivers.
The Chevy equinox is a Great SUV. It is good on gas and a Great family car. Comfortably fits a family of 4. The trunk is a decent size if kids are older and do not require stroller or other large equipment.
Heated seats, remote start, CarPlay capability, back up camera, spacious, large trunk, height off the ground, great breaks, dual air temperature, seats up to five people, all wheel drive, gas efficient,
It has all wheel drive. Is good in the snow and ice which is important in states where winters are terrible. It is able to transport people comfortably with heated seats. Good for longer trips because of comfortable room and space in trunk but also good gas mileage.
4 Cylinder, hands free phone device, GPS, Sirius XM radio, rear back indicator, brand name, heated back and seat, dual Air conditioning, carplay device, on star navigation, surround sound, air bags all around car, LoJack theft device.
It has a lot of upgraded high end features and it is extremely safe for someone who'S expecting a baby soon. I wanted an SUV that had high safety ratings and also looked nice. My first car was a 2006 Equinox so I was happy to be back driving a car I was already so comfortable with.
AWD, RemoteLink start, heated seats are amazing, easy fold down seats. Easy to clean, affordable. Good on gas. Large trunk. Alarms on the mirrors if someone is in the lane next to you. Lots of storage space.
Cons from Owners
We have had transmission problems with the car but they seem to be fixed. I do not like that you can not override where the car cuts off when you stop. I wish that it had maps on the big screen in the car but at least it will show wave when connected to my phone.
A lot of the sensors glitch (ex: slick and traction during winter months) and will say the vehicle needs serviced, but when you turn the car off and back on again the error goes away. Also, the on-star customer service is terrible.
Definitely not enough space If you have a family of greater than 4 people or an infant. The seating is not big enough to comfortably fit the car seat and baby gear. Other than the space, I have no other complaints about the equinox.
Gas efficient starts/stops your vehicle when idle have to get use to this feature although you can turn the feature off. Also, the backup camera can get blurry depending on weather conditions and will be useless.
Gas mileage is not good in the city. The trunk is not as spacious as most. It is only all wheel drive not 4x4 so it will not get you out of a lot of snow easily. There might be too many gadgets with the car for an older generation.
It is a bit smaller in the back that I normally have, programming XM radio stations seems to be complicated.. Not user friendly. Sometimes I cannot voice activate a call. Very frustrating as I am driving.
I truly do not believe there are any cons to my vehicle. You get what you pay for and for the price of the car and everything I got it was absolutely worth it. Gas mileage can always be better, but for an SUV it is actually one of the better ones.
The air in the tires lowers very easily. I have had to fill them many times and I have only had the car a year and a half. There are also occasional issues with the radio and apple carplay it does not work 100% of the time.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox’s Four Trim Levels
The 2018 Chevy Equinox is available in four trims that span from the base L all the way up to the Premier, which comes loaded with the most bells and whistles. Here’s how each trim differs:
Equinox L
Though it’s the entry-level trim, the L still comes standard with plenty of features, like push-button start, a rearview camera,17-inch wheels with four-wheel ABS, and a seven-inch display. The L also comes standard with Ford’s Teen Driver tech, which lets you set certain limits for newer drivers, like max speed, a speed reminder, and whether they can turn off traction control.
Chevrolet Equinox L trim also comes with:
- Remote keyless entry
- Wi-Fi hot spot and USB port
- Carpeted front floor mats
- Active noise cancellation
- 12-volt power outlets in front/rear rows and rear cargo area
- LED daytime running lamps and halogen headlamps
- Outside heated power-adjustable mirrors
Equinox LS
Moving up to the LS trim gives you just a bit of an advantage over the base model in terms of features. The main benefit of the LS trim is the optional four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, which isn’t offered on the L.
Other standard or available extras on the LS include:
- Compact spare tire
- Carpeted rear floor mats
- Compass
- Optional keyless entry keypad
Equinox LT
Stepping up to the LT trim does offer a bit more in terms of driver and occupant comforts and conveniences. A few of the more popular upgrades include high-intensity headlights over the halogens in the LS, rear privacy glass, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors with body-color caps, and a power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar.
Additional standard or available extras on the LT include:
- Roof-mounted luggage carrier
- Dual-exit exhaust system (when equipped with 2.0L engine)
- Optional 18-inch aluminum wheels
- Optional Infotainment Package
Chevy also offered an available Redline Edition specifically as an add-on package to the LT trim. It includes 19-inch black wheels with signature red hash marks on the rims. Plus, it includes a black grille, mirror caps, window surrounds, and badging.
Equinox Premier
If you’re looking to go all out with your Equinox purchase, the Premier trim is undoubtedly the choice for you. The Equinox Premier offers pure luxury, with features that may surprise you considering its price point, including heated, memory, leather seating, and 18-inch bright aluminum wheels.
Undoubtedly, this trim level is the most comfortable for occupants, much due to the dual-zone climate control, hands-free power liftgate, and eight-inch infotainment screen. The Premier also adds to the safety features list, including rear cross-traffic alert with blind-spot monitoring, and LED headlamps and taillamps.
Other standard or available extras on the Premier include:
- USB and USB charging-only ports
- Inside rearview auto-dimming mirror
- Remote vehicle start
- Heated power-adjustable side mirrors with auto-dimming
How Much Does a Used 2018 Chevy Equinox Cost?
It’s difficult to specify what an appropriate price to pay is when shopping for a used car, especially since dealers are likely to try to convince you you’re getting a great deal. Regardless, most use Kelley Blue Book as a cost guide when buying and selling, which you can find on our 2018 Chevrolet Equinox specs page.
What to expect:
When compared to its competitors, the Equinox sits among the lower priced in its class. The 2018 Toyota RAV4 sits between $21,102, to $29,720, while the Honda CR-V ranges from $21,083 to $30,057. The closest in terms of price would have to be the 2018 Ford Escape, which actually has a lower entry and top-end price at $15,255 and $25,510, respectively.
2018 Chevy Equinox: Benefits of Certified Pre-owned & Used Options
Keep in mind that many 2018 Equinox examples have reached the end of their three-year/36,000-mile standard warranty provided by Chevy. They still have a five-year/60,000-mile warranty on the powertrain.
The more prudent option is to purchase one that is certified pre-owned (CPO) by Chevrolet. When purchasing a CPO, Chevy extends the powertrain warranty to six years/100,000 miles. Additionally, a 12-month/12,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty gets added.
CPO vehicles offer 24/7 roadside assistance throughout the duration of the powertrain warranty. Chevrolet offers three days or 150 miles for you to decide whether or not you want to keep the vehicle; if not, a full refund is issued.
Undoubtedly, CPO is the preferred way to buy a used 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. However, buying from a private party could net a lower price. Either way, shopping around is the best way to gain confidence before you buy.
2018 Equinox’s Three Powertrain Options Get up to 252 HP
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has three available engine options, but some are available only on specific trim models.
The 1.5L, turbocharged, inline-four-cylinder engine has a reasonable power output of 170 horsepower and 203 lb.-ft. of torque. It is available on all trim levels of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
For those seeking a bit more power, a 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine is available on LT and Premier trim level models. The 2.0L bumps power output up to 252 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque.
Finally, a 1.6L turbo-diesel, four-cylinder engine is also available on LT and Premier trims. It has the lowest horsepower output at 136. However, its torque rating takes the win at 263 lb.-ft., and it boasts a 39 mpg highway rating.
How Fuel Efficient is a 2018 Chevy Equinox?
The Equinox gets some pretty impressive fuel economy ratings from the EPA.
The 1.5L inline-four-cylinder engine offers fuel economy up to 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway when equipped with FWD. When equipped with AWD, numbers drop to 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
The 2.0L engine sacrifices a bit of fuel economy for the additional power. FWD models see 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, and AWD models drop to 28 mpg highway, with city the same at 22 mpg.
Finally, the turbo-diesel 1.6L engine offers the best fuel economy ratings, with FWD models getting 28 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. Turbo-diesel-equipped AWD models get 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.
2018 Chevy Equinox’s Driving Performance
Performance is not really a focus of the 2018 Equinox, although it is worth stating the specs.
Towing capacity is important to consider if you’re planning on pulling a small camper, trailer, or jet skis. The 2018 Equinox has a max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when equipped with the 2.0L inline-four-cylinder engine.
According to Car and Driver’s first-drive review, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has a 0-60 speed between 6.3 and 8.5 seconds, depending on which engine it is equipped with. Furthermore, the stated top speed across all 2018 Chevrolet Equinox models is 115 miles per hour.
Overall, the 2018 Chevy Equinox is not out to set any sort of performance or towing records. However, it is a great all-around compact SUV that has enough grunt and capability to ensure you get where you’re going with everyone and everything intact.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox: Cargo Space & Dimensions
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox offers a decent amount of cargo space for its size. Standard issue cargo space is a reasonable 29.9 cu. ft. behind the rear seat. The cargo space jumps to 63.5 cu. ft. with the rear seat folded down.
Most shoppers will find that they have no issues fitting a 2018 Equinox in a standard-sized garage. It has a wheelbase of 107.3 inches, with an overall length of 183.1 inches. Furthermore, the Equinox is 72.6 inches wide and 65.4 inches tall.
The front headroom is substantial at 40 inches. Additionally, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has a gross vehicle weight of 4,464 pounds.
How Safe is a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox has an overall crash safety rating of four out of five stars as rated by the NHTSA.
The NHTSA frontal crash rating is a perfect five out of five stars, with both the driver and passenger side receiving a perfect score for safety. However, things take a bit of an undesirable turn when looking at the results of the side-impact tests. In both side tests, which involve a barrier and a pole impacting the vehicle at 38.5 mph, the 2018 Equinox gets a perfect five out of five stars for the front seat. However, slightly concerning is the three-star result on both tests for the rear seats. This is something to take into consideration if considering an Equinox as a family hauler.
Finally, the NHTSA gives the 2018 Equinox a four-star rollover crash test rating with a probability of rolling of only 16.5%.
Alternatively, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2018 Equinox very high marks in terms of crash safety. In fact, the Equinox gets a Good rating throughout all of their crash tests, the highest possible rating. Furthermore, the IIHS rates the Equinox’s frontal collision prevention system at its highest possible grade, Superior. The only lacking portion of the Equinox’s safety features, according to the IIHS, is its lackluster headlights, which received a Marginal rating.
What Technology Features are in a 2018 Equinox?
The Equinox is chock-full of fantastic tech. The standard integrated Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, which comes on all trim levels, is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for hands-free access to many of your favorite phone apps. Additionally, it has a built-in WiFi hot spot that can connect up to seven devices.
Furthermore, Equinox owners can connect to their car via the MyChevrolet app available for both Android and iPhone operating systems. Using this app, owners can control the following things remotely: start and stop the engine; lock and unlock doors; activate the horn and lights; and request roadside assistance.
The technology packed into the Equinox is not just for fun and games, though. It also features a host of safety technology to keep you and your occupants safe. These safety features include: automatic braking, lane keep assist with lane departure, and rear vision camera.
2018 Equinox: Exterior & Interior Color Options
The 2018 Equinox has an impressive abundance of exterior paint color options to ensure you get the exact car you want.
In total, there are 12 exterior color choices, including: Summit White, Silver Ice Metallic, Orange Burst Metallic, Nightfall Gray Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Cajun Red Tintcoat (pictured above), Pepperdust Metallic, Satin Steel Metallic, Storm Blue Metallic, Sandy Ridge Metallic, Iridescent Pearl Tricoat, and Ivy Metallic.
Furthermore, depending on what trim level you get, the 2018 Equinox is available with either cloth or perforated leather interior.
Interior color options include: Medium Ash Gray, Jet Black, Jet Black with Cinnamon accents, and Jet Black with Loft Brandy accents.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox Reviews: Then & Now
What Critics Say
Upon its release, Kelley Blue Book got behind the wheel of a 2018 Equinox and had plenty to say about it. KBB gives it high marks for its ride quality and technology features.
“The benefits of that [400-pound] weight loss are immediately evident in the Equinox’s composed, confident handling and a ride that’s a little bit firm but still quite comfortable,” says Kelley Blue Book. “Chevy’s engineers also did a great job keeping noise outside. That, along with the pleasing road manners, makes the Equinox the superior choice for both long and short commutes.”
Ultimately, KBB gives the Equinox high praise overall. “Some SUVs are better than others, but even in a jam-packed field, the Chevy Equinox is one of the best choices you can make,” says Kelley Blue Book.
Car and Driver Thinks 2018 Equinox is Worth a Look
Much like the Kelley Blue Book review, Car and Driver’s first-drive review of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox gives high regard for Chevy’s updated styling and 400-pound weight savings, as well as its ride quality.
“Indeed, the new Equinox soaks up bumps with nary a quiver through the cabin,” says Car and Driver in its 2017 review. “There’s remarkably little body roll, and the ride is expertly damped, with well-controlled wheel motions and no sensation of body float. Road and wind noise are impressively hushed … Combine the Equinox’s overall sense of solidity with its nicely weighted, accurate steering and firm, progressive brake pedal, and it adds up to impressive dynamic capabilities.”
Motor1 Finds the 2018 Equinox to be Extremely Spacious
In July 2017, Motor1 spent a few days driving the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, and had similar thoughts as our previous two reviewers: “The Equinox has one of the best cargo holds … The shape of the space and the way the cargo floor is both completely flat and level from front to back makes it more usable.”
Ultimately, complaints generally remain the same, but there is one that stands out among the reviews.
“The Equinox’s turning radius is a relatively large 37.4 feet in diameter,” notes Motor1. “While better than the last model, this is still too large for tight maneuvering. … [And] in parking lots where tight maneuvering is required, it’s the difference between pulling right into a space and having to back up once or twice to squeeze in. I did the latter a lot with this Equinox.”
92% of Vehicle History Owner Reviews Give the SUV Near-perfect Rating
Here at Vehicle History, The 2018 Equinox holds a 4.5 out of a possible five-star overall rating across more than 1,200 reviews, with 64% of reviews giving it a perfect five stars. Additionally, 92% of owner reviews gave the Equinox four stars or more.
The more recent owner reviews we’ve received in 2020 and 2021 include:
- Goran B. reviewing his 2018 Equinox LT: “The vehicle is really great, it drives really smooth, and the technology in the car works well … The car’s all-wheel drive works amazing in the snow. The backup camera is really good, and it works well when it’s raining too. This is my first time owning a Chevrolet, and I am very impressed with the quality.”
- Lauren F. also had favorable comments regarding her 2018 Equinox: “It has been very reliable, and I haven’t had any issues yet. It is very comfortable and has a lot of nice features. I still find great new features every once in a while as I keep using it. I love the heated and cooling seats. There are heated seats in the back seat as well. My favorite feature though is the 360 camera, which helps you see your surroundings and helps you park.”
- Kristen R. left this three-star review of her 2018 Equinox: “The car is very good when it comes to saving money on gas and being reliable in the wintertime with its all-wheel drive. But, the car seems bulky like a truck, and the acceleration on the engine takes time to build up speed.”
- Richard M. reported on the differences between his previous 2015 Equinox and his current 2018 model: “The older models of the Equinox were more comfortable on the seats. Gas mileage is fantastic for a crossover. I also do not like the smaller trunk space. I feel my 2015 Equinox had more trunk space.”
Overall, though, both drivers of the past and present generally are satisfied with the 2018 Equinox experience.
How Reliable is a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox?
As we mentioned earlier, no vehicle leaves the factory with zero flaws. However, some vehicles are cheaper to maintain and repair than others. Luckily, we can easily see how the Equinox stacks up in terms of reliability and repair costs thanks to Repair Pal.
Overall, Repair Pal gives the 2018 Equinox a reliability rating of 3.5 out of five stars, and it currently sits in 23rd place overall out of 26 compact SUVs. Annual repair costs remain lower than average at $537. While repairs tend to be more severe than average, these issues occur less often, so major repairs are infrequent for the Equinox.
As for its competitor’s annual repair costs, the 2018 Ford Escape came in with a similar number at $506, and it wasn’t too far away from the $424 of the Toyota RAV4. However, in the compact SUV class, the Honda CR-V is significantly less costly to maintain at a surprisingly low $201 per year.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox: Recalls & Known Issues
According to the NHTSA, there are currently five active recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. While some of the issues are relatively minor, the 2018 Equinox does have a few concerning recalls.
One involves a manufacturing error in which the start/stop accumulator cap for the transmission is missing two bolts. This is part of the system that allows for the fuel-saving start/stop system that shuts the car off at stoplights. If the vehicle is missing these bolts, the transmission can leak fluid, which causes a multitude of potential issues. For one, starving the transmission of its fluid eventually can result in its failure. Additionally, exposing automatic transmission fluid to an ignition source, such as a very hot exhaust, can result in a fire.
Another recall has to do with rear brake caliper pistons with insufficient coating. According to the recall’s verbiage, this lack of sufficient coating can result in air pockets developing that reduce brake effectiveness, increasing the risk of a crash.
This May 2018 recall describes a faulty high-pressure fuel pump mounting flange that may fail and cause a fracture in the fuel line. Fuel leaks can cause a multitude of issues, including inadequate fuel pressure leading to rough running as well as fire danger.
An April 2018 recall details that driver and front passenger door window glass may not be fully or adequately tempered, which can result in dangerously sharp glass shards flying through the cabin in the event of a crash.
With some 2018 Equinox models, if the vehicle is left parked on a grade without the parking brake on, the front right driveshaft may detach and separate from the vehicle, causing inadequate propulsion and risk of a crash.
2018 Chevrolet Equinox vs. the Competition
When Chevy first launched the Equinox, they were stepping into a world created by Toyota and Honda with the likes of the RAV4 and CR-V. Though the original compact SUVs offer some stark competition, Mazda also has a fierce competitor in the form of the CX-5. Additionally, the Ford Escape is a loaded contender as well.
Let’s take a look at how each of these iconic models from the 2018 model year stack up against the Chevrolet Equinox.
2018 Toyota RAV4
Right out of the gate, the 2018 Toyota RAV4 has a leg up on the Equinox in the form of Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, included on every trim level of the 2018 model year. This includes lane departure alert with steering assist, radar cruise control, pre-collision monitoring with pedestrian detecting, and automatic high beams.
In contrast to Equinox’s three engine options, the RAV4 offers only one, a 2.5L inline-four-cylinder. It has a plentiful power output of 176 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. This puts the power in a similar range as the Equinox’s base 1.5L engine, so don’t expect the RAV4 to be too hot to trot, either.
The fuel economy falls short of Equinox’s numbers (save for the 2.0 models), with ratings of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
The size is nearly identical at 181 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 66 inches tall. The RAV4 excels in cargo with 38.4 cu. ft. with the rear seat standing up, and 73.4 cu. ft. with it folded down, offering around 10 cu. ft. more than the Equinox in both fashions.
Another similar trait is the RAV4’s towing capacity, which sits right around that of Equinox’s max 3,500 pounds.
The 2018 RAV4 is available in both FWD and AWD variants. Though the pricing starts a good bit higher for lower-trim models, around $21,000, the prices even out toward the top trim levels, with the RAV4 Platinum soaring to $28,000.
In the interest of fairness, the 2018 RAV4 Hybrid does have remarkable fuel economy ratings of 34 mpg city and 30 mpg highway without changing pricing. So, if the safety features are a primary concern of yours, the RAV4 is definitely worth a look.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Honda CR-V
Honda long has been synonymous with reliability, and there are decades of evidence to prove it. Naturally, that makes the 2018 Honda CR-V attractive right off the bat. The CR-V carries a lot more similarities to the Equinox than the RAV4 for the 2018 model year.
To start, the CR-V also comes with a turbocharged 1.5L inline-four-cylinder engine. It has a healthy power output of 190 horsepower and 179 lb.-ft. of torque. However, the CR-V’s CVT gives it a bit of a leg up in the fuel economy department, with ratings of 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Base LX model CR-Vs have a 184 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft. of torque, bearing a 2.4L, naturally-aspirated, inline-four-cylinder. This engine nets 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway ratings.
Once again, sizing and specs are nearly identical, with the CR-V’s measurements coming in at 180 inches long, 73 inches wide, and 66 inches tall. It also has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
The 2018 CR-V steps up cargo volume once again to an impressive 39.2 cu. ft. with the rear seat up, offering the most we’ve seen so far. With the seat down, it offers 75.8 cu. ft., again taking the top spot.
Just like the Toyota, though, the CR-V starts a little higher financially, with used base prices of around $21,000. The top trim level, Touring, still fetches up to around $30,000.
Barring all brand loyalty, at the lower end of the budget spectrum, the Equinox is on par with the CR-V for thousands less. However, with a budget of $25,000 or higher, a test-drive of each is the only real way to decide which works best for you.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Mazda CX-5
The final Japanese entrant in this race is the 2018 Mazda CX-5.
Under the hood is a 2.5L, Skyactiv, inline-four-cylinder, with 187 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque. It runs pretty standard, with fuel economy ratings of 25 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Unsurprisingly, the CX-5 is nearly identical in overall size to the other competitors at 179 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 65 inches tall. Again, it has a towing capacity in a similar range, with a rating of up to 3,655 pounds.
Cargo is a bit underwhelming compared to its companions, but not far off pace for the Equinox, with 30.9 cu. ft. with the seat up, and 59.6 cu. ft. with the seat folded down.
Once again, pricing starts a bit higher than Equinox, at around $20,000. However, the highest trim level, Grand Touring, caps out at around $24,000.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Ford Escape
The 2018 Ford Escape has very similar specs to everything else in this category. Like Equinox’s engine options, Ford brings a few options to the table. This includes a naturally-aspirated, 2.5L four-cylinder, making 168 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. There is a 1.5L Ecoboost four-cylinder making 179 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, and, finally, a 2.0L Ecoboost four-cylinder engine making 245 horsepower and a monstrous 275 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 1.5L gets the best fuel economy numbers at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The 2.0L drops those numbers to 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, giving the Escape the overall lowest city fuel economy rating in its class.
The Escape is similar to that of the Equinox, measuring 178 inches long, 72 inches wide, and 66 inches tall. The Escape’s max towing capacity is also the same at 3,500 pounds.
Cargo is slightly superior to the Equinox at 34.3 cu. ft. with the rear seat up, and 67.8 cu. ft. with the seat folded down.
Base model 2018 Escapes can be found for around $15,000, with the top-level trim, Titanium, fetching upwards of $25,000.
If the extra power is worth sacrificing the fuel economy to you, then by all means, look into the Escape. However, considering the similar price point, it’s hard to justify this on paper over the Equinox.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox a Good SUV to Buy?
Shoppers considering a 2018 Equinox should not shy away. Considering the model’s specs are so similar to its competitors, it’s hard to justify the additional cost of the Japanese counterparts at lower trim levels. Owners and critics alike also praise the updated Equinox, noting its comfort, fuel efficiency, and drivability, with negatives mostly concerning a dull base engine.
Ultimately, yes, the 2018 Equinox is a top pick in its class. We confidently give it our approval as a good SUV to buy.
Photos: Chevrolet; Ford; Mazda; Honda; Toyota
