National Post (National Edition)
Packing a punch
CHEVROLET RAISES ITS CROSSOVER GAME WITH A COMFORTABLE AND GROWN-UP EQUINOX
Originally launched in 2005, the Cambridgebuilt Chevrolet Equinox compact crossover became a cash cow for General Motors thanks to the segment’s ascendancy to North America’s vehicle of choice. The first-gen Equinox found more that two million homes, and in Canada it was Chevy’s second-best seller behind the Silverado pickup.
Ah, but time waits for no crossover mired in the past. To keep up with the raging tide of competitive iron, the Equinox now moves into its third generation for the 2018 model year, getting an allnew structure, tidier dimensions, sharper looks, updated tech and a new base engine — a 1.5-litre turbo-four putting out 170 horsepower 203 pound-feet of torque — mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It also sheds up to 180 kilograms, depending on the trim.
The 1.5-L engine in the Equinox, which we sampled earlier this year, is smooth and reasonably fuel-efficient. But for those seeking more punch, Chevrolet answers the call with this 2.0-L turbo-four that makes 252 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 rpm. It works in tandem with a nine-speed auto. The Equinox now leaps to the head to the class when it comes to segment power, edging out the speedy Subaru Forester XT with its 250 hp, the 245-hp Ford Escape and the Kia Sportage, which develops 237 hp from its 2.0-L turbofour.
With the 2.0-L turbo engine, the Equinox starts at $35,645, including destination and A/C tax. We test drove the top-tier Premier AWD, which at $39,245 layers on such goodies as two-tone leather, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning systems, memory settings for driver’s seat, radio and mirrors, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a hands-free powered lift gate and rear park assist, plus 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a few chrome bits on the exterior, and more.
Escaping the confines of congested Nashville, the 2.0-L Equinox feels relaxed and certainly more fleet than the base 1.5-L engine. With its stiff structure, targeted sound insulation and standard noise cancelling, Chevy has fashioned one of the more serene and comfortable riding vehicles in the segment. Ride quality is excellent, and while handling might not be as sharp as the Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5, the Equinox cuts a clean and controlled path on these undulating roads in rural Tennessee.
The nine-speed automatic transmission was developed by GM in-house, reflecting an industry trend to get a wide ratio spread while keeping engines within a fuel-efficient rev range. Hats off to GM for tuning this transmission to avoid unwanted ratio “hunting” and excessive lag when calling for acceleration.
The first five gears are closely stacked and slur between each other mostly unnoticed. Under light throttle loads, the nine-speed wants to keep the 2.0-L turbo just under 1,500 rpm, but unlike some others with multi-gear transmissions — the new Jeep Compass comes to mind — there’s no pathological aversion to downshifting here.
As these were U.S.-spec Equinoxes, we observed 24 MPG on this mix of highway and winding two-lane roads. Plus, not only does the Equinox run on regular grade fuel, an auto start/stop system is standard across the line.
The first stop is the hamlet of Leipers Fork, about an hour outside of Nashville. If you’re looking for a killer fried chicken sandwich and some fried green tomatoes, drop in on the friendly folks at The Country Boy diner. And if you’re looking to jam on some funky vintage instruments, wander two doors down to Serenite Maison. There’s an old Kay standup bass leaning in the corner — been there for decades, they say — along with a selection of Gibson and Martin guitars hanging on the wall. No, they’re not for sale — I asked — they’re purely for the pleasure of anyone who wants to play them.
Chevrolet has the 2018 Equinox armed for connectivity. Standard is a Chevy MyLink infotainment system with wireless audio streaming, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and one year of OnStar that bestows, among other services, a 4G LTE wireless hot spot.
The Equinox’s dash looks to be lifted right out of the Malibu, which is no bad thing, as all the controls, major gauges and menu structure are clear and logical. The cabin looks good dressed up in this two-tone tan-and-black combo, but lesser trim models in all black are a bit dour. The quality of materials is not up to class leaders, such as the CX-5 and the Sportage, and some of that fauxchrome trim hints of an old-school GM hangover.
The front seats are comfortable, and rear passengers are not left out here, getting plenty of headroom and legroom, two USBs, a power adapter, a 110-volt outlet and heated seats. It doesn’t stop there. Rear-seat riders can choose whether they want warm butts and/or backs.
A raft of new radar- and camera-based safety kit is on the menu, including surround vision, forward collision alert and automatic braking, plus lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist systems. Additionally, the standard Rear Seat Reminder warns if a child or dog is left in the second row.
There’s plenty of functionality in the 2018 Equinox. The 60/40-split second row easily folds forward with a low-effort fluid motion, creating a flat and smartly configured load space. There is a hidden compartment under the floor. The hatch opening is large, too, although you’ll find more cargo room in a CR-V, Forester or Toyota RAV4. With the 2.0-L turbo engine, the Equinox’s tow rating leaps to 3,500 pounds (1,558 kg).
Landing in dealerships now, this accomplished crossover with its bigger engine, grown-up, comfy road manners and classleading technology is the first prong in the Equinox’s assault on the compact crossover segment. Later this year, the Equinox will get a 1.6-L turbodiesel engine with 136 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.