There are few things that I dislike more than a crossover; but if there’s one thing that earns that (barely) coveted status, it would a subcompact crossover. That said, there are a few possible exceptions that manage to duck just about every criticism that I have. One such example comes in the form of the 2018 Chevy Equinox, which marked a departure over the Equinox is any recent model years. Simply put, it is one of the few (and I can’t emphasize enough the word ‘few’) subcompact crossovers that I view as a compelling offering. Perhaps that’s why the Equinox is second-only-to the iconic Chevy Silverado, regarding sale.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five reasons why the 2018 Equinox is worth considering.
On-Brand Design
Although personal opinion, one of Chevy’s greatest design strengths comes as a result of their ability to build upon a core aesthetic while exploring individuality between segment stablemates. Chevy’s crossover and SUV are a perfect example of this, with the Equinox and Traverse serving as confident tentpoles of the lineup. Bottom-line, if you like Chevy’s design philosophy, there is no reason why you won’t like the aesthetic of the Equinox. It’s the perfect blend of athletic sport and refinement.
Accessible Pricetag
Starting at $23,580 MSRP the Equinox is accessible in terms of its price tag. Sure, that number shoots up as you traipse across the three available trim levels, and various enhancement packages, but it remains aggressively priced to compete on all fronts.
Engine Configurations
While this Equinox was introduced with a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, capable of 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. While that may prove nothing earth-shattering, the integration of both a 2.0-liter variant (252 hp and 260 lb-ft) and a 1.6-liter turbodiesel (137 hp and 240 lb-ft) make for enticing alternatives.
Weight Reduction
Boasting a four-hundred pound weight reduction (as well as a reduction in the length), the Equinox now embodies a more sporty feel which makes it even more comparable to the likes of the CR-V and RAV-4. While the slight reduction does have some impact on cargo space (compared to that of its immediate predecessor), the difference is minimal. More importantly, the overall reductions empower the Equinox to feel more athletic regardless of which engine you choose.
Chevy Technology
Class-leading in every sense, Chevy’s inclusion of available technology is second to none. While competitors may struggle (shockingly) to standardize Bluetooth, or to integrate WiFi as a standard option, Chevy does so with ease. This only serves to make the Equinox more compelling, especially to families.
These are just a handful of reasons to consider the Equinox, so we encourage everyone to find out more for themselves. For those interested in doing so, here’s a great look courtesy of YouTube channel Alex on Autos:
