However, if you like using voice commands, you’ll need to push the voice command button on the screen because the one on the steering wheel still activates the native system and not your mobile phone. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration come standard on all models, allowing your smartphone to take over as your on-board multimedia system. A 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard, but our range-topping Premier tester had the larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation. Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system is one of the easiest in-car multimedia interfaces to use with its responsive touchscreen and intuitive voice commands. Where the 2018 Equinox distinguishes itself is in its multimedia interface and the amount of available features. Manual mode doesn’t help because the transmission is slow to respond to your inputs. This can get annoying when you’re in traffic and climbing up grades because the transmission keeps kicking the engine out of its powerband and refuses to hold gears, causing it to easily get confused. GM’s six-speed automatic is perhaps the Equinox’s weakest point because its fuel economy-minded tuning means it always wants to upshift to the highest gear. Like most small turbocharged engines, it’s tuned for mid-range torque and doesn’t struggle unless the car is fully loaded and you’re climbing up an extremely steep grade. The base 1.5-liter turbo-four, which first appeared in the redesigned Malibu, has more power and torque in the 2018 Equinox. Handling is stable, but it’s no Mazda CX-5, hinting at the Equinox’s more comfort-oriented mission and making it more ideal for commuting and long drives. The steering, on the other hand, lacks feedback and feels disconnected. With the optional 19-inch alloy wheels, ride quality does take a hit, and it can get bouncy on poorly maintained surfaces. Out on public roads the Equinox was pleasant to drive, thanks to its quiet cabin and a comfortable ride on all but the roughest surface. Walton also noted the lifeless steering, which he described as “very light, numb, and feeling like the proverbial video game.” The toggle switch on top of the gear lever for manual shifting also proved infuriating due to its slow responses. Road test editor Chris Walton noted that the stability control wasn’t fully defeatable and would randomly turn itself back on however, it didn’t interfere much. It finished the figure-eight course in 27.7 seconds with a 0.61g average and produced an average of 0.83g of lateral acceleration on the skidpad. On the figure eight, the 2018 Equinox showed that it had secure handling, thanks to its balance between understeer and oversteer. Stopping from 60 mph took 119 feet, which is mid-pack, and it was during the braking tests where we noted that the Equinox had good body control and short pedal travel. This makes the 2018 Equinox one of the slower entries in the compact crossover segment alongside the Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape 1.5T EcoBoost, and the Kia Sportage 2.4, all of which took 9.0 seconds or longer to hit 60 mph and the quarter mile in 16.0 seconds or longer. At the test track, associate road test editor Erick Ayapana found the transmission shifts too early in Normal mode and used the manual shift button to get the quickest run to 60 mph of 9.2 seconds, finishing the quarter mile in 16.9 seconds at 91.2 mph. Under the hood of our 2018 Equinox test car is a 1.5-liter turbo-four with 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox. But does it have what it takes to go up against segment stalwarts such as the Honda CR-V? Let’s find out.Ĭompare Prius - Get More From Your Hybrid Available with a range of turbocharged engines and a wide variety of convenience and active safety features, the Bow Tie brand’s redesign crossover is now more family friendly. Now sized appropriately and packing more tech, the all-new 2018 Equinox is looking to take a bite out of the rapidly growing compact crossover pie. The Chevrolet Equinox was one of the lesser-known compact crossovers in the market, and it didn’t really help that, in terms of size, it was slightly larger than most of its competitive set. Stefan Ogbac Words, Jessica Walker Photos I put electrical tape around all 4 tabs, now it doesn't rattle anymore.Ģ018 Chevrolet Equinox 1.5T Premier First Test: Tech Features Galore!Ĭhevrolet’s Compact Crossover Gets Serious The "rattle" in the back can come from the fuse panel cover on the inside left of the rear cargo area. The 6 speed tranny doesn't shift to my liking but, then again, I deliberately purchased it for improved mpg's and took this into consideration.
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