One of the things we've been waiting for is a real volume-selling General Motors Product. Sure, it has the Silverado but we were expecting more of models like the Cruze, Malibu and Impala.
This is where the Equinox comes in.
LA Auto Show PreviewAimed straight at consumers that have a fetish for sport-utility vehicles, this General Motors product may be a bit better aimed at vehicles like the Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Chevrolet was said to have went to the drawing board with this all-new generation product and better packaged it.
Whereas the last-gen Equinox was a bit larger and taking on two different classes of SUVs, the 2018 model knows its role. Equipped with several small displacement forced induction motors and a nine-speed automatic, it is going to attack the category where volume is moved. So, let's see how she does.
The best news? According to GM the Equinox has shed 400 pounds from its last-gen model. Hurrah!
The LA Auto Show photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.LA Auto Show Preview
Chevrolet's press release follows:All-New 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Makes Auto Show Debut
Fresh design, latest connectivity and all-turbo engines for redesigned compact SUV
LOS ANGELES — The redesigned 2018 Chevrolet Equinox will make its public auto show debut Nov. 18-27 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Offering an expressive design, the latest connectivity, more safety features and a trio of propulsion choices — including the segment’s only turbo-diesel — the all-new Equinox is a fresh and modern compact SUV.
“The all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a modern SUV sized and designed to meet the needs of the compact SUV customer,” said Alan Batey, president of GM North America and brand chief, Global Chevrolet. “We’ve got the strongest truck business in the industry and we’ve reinvigorated our car lineup with Volt, Cruze and Malibu. Now we are focusing on growing our crossover/SUV business, starting with the Chevrolet Equinox.”
The 2018 Equinox goes on sale in the first quarter of 2017 in North America.
Modern design, latest connectivity
The new Equinox’s expressive exterior has a lean, muscular skin echoing the global Chevrolet design cues and the sculpted shapes seen in the Volt, Malibu and Cruze.
Projector-beam headlamps are standard, along with LED daytime running lamps, while horizontal taillamps emphasize a wide stance. Uplevel models feature LED taillamps.
Inside, new elements such as available denim-style seat fabric blend high style with high durability, while a new flat-folding rear seat enhances functionality and enables easier loading.
The 2018 Equinox also offers Chevrolet’s latest connectivity technologies, including 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone.)
More safety features
The Equinox offers a comprehensive suite of available active safety technologies and adaptive crash-avoidance features that provide ease of use and peace of mind on the road, including:
- New Safety Alert Seat
- New Surround Vision
- New Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator
- New Low Speed Forward Automatic Braking
- New Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- New Rear Seat Reminder
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Teen Driver is also offered, allowing parents to set controls and review in order to encourage good driving habits, even when they are not in the vehicle.
Turbocharged engines and more
A range of three turbocharged engines, including the segment’s first turbo-diesel in North America, provides customers more choices when it comes to performance, efficiency and capability in the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
They include a 1.5L turbo, a 2.0L turbo that is matched with GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission and a 1.6L turbo-diesel. The lineup makes the new Equinox Chevrolet’s first model in North America with an all-turbocharged, multi-engine propulsion lineup.
Additional vehicle highlights:
- It’s approximately 400 pounds (180 kg) lighter than the current model, for a 10 percent weight reduction that contributes to vehicle balance and efficiency.
- The switchable AWD system enhances efficiency by disconnecting from the rear axle when not needed.
- A unique kneeling rear seat enables a flat rear load floor and up to 63.5 cubic feet (1,798 liters) of maximum cargo space.
FAST FACT: Equinox sales have reached nearly 2 million since its launch and it is Chevrolet’s second-best-selling vehicle after the Silverado.