5 Reasons Why the 2018 Equinox is Worth Waiting For

As you deck your halls in preparation for the holiday season, our favorite automaker has been busy in its own magical workshop preparing the latest vehicles to be released for the 2018 model year. While not all Chevy models will be receiving a makeover for 2018, there are more than enough updates to one particular nameplate that has us giddy with anticipation for its arrival at Chevy dealers. Dayton, Ohio residents, get ready for the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, and check out what the changes mean for fans of this versatile crossover from the bowtie brand’s most recent lineup.

The Chevrolet Equinox: Past, Present, and Future

Chevrolet released its midsize crossover SUV for the 2005 model year, and the Equinox has been a popular choice in the growing segment ever since. The 2005 Equinox was the first crossover model produced by Chevrolet, and represented the beginning of a very lucrative relationship between the bowtie brand and drivers who prefer smaller SUVs. The second generation Equinox just ended with the 2017 model year, and the anticipation surrounding the start of the crossover’s third generation is palpable.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Equinox, is its affordable price. The 2017 version of Chevy’s crossover features a starting MSRP of just $23,100, and offers an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon. Despite this impressive fuel economy rating, the 2017 Equinox features up to 63.7 cubic-feet of maximum cargo capacity, and can seat up to five passengers comfortably in over 99.7 cubic feet of passenger volume. With all of these impressive stats and features, it should come as no surprise that the Equinox was named the “Most Dependable Compact SUV” by J.D. Power, and took home the title of “Highest Ranked SUV in Initial Quality, Two Years in a Row” from the same industry authority. Chevrolet has kept its title of Most Awarded Brand in America, and the Equinox has played a major role in making that possible. The newest rendition of the popular compact crossover from Chevy is turning even more heads than ever before, and for very good reason.

Meet the 2018 Equinox

The newest Chevy Equinox has not yet made it to dealer showroom floors, but the hype surrounding the 2018 version of the crossover came to a head at this year’s LA Auto Show. Chevrolet unveiled the 2018 Equinox at the 2016 LA Auto Show this November, taking advantage of the global stage in order to properly introduce the third generation of the crossover. The 2018 Chevy Equinox is impressive to say the least, and there are plenty of reasons why industry experts can’t stop talking about all that it has to offer. The last redesign of the Equinox was for the 2010 model year, so to say that the crossover SUV is due for an update, is a major understatement.

Before the Equinox hits showroom floors this coming spring, get to know more about what it has to offer, and why buyers are already lining up to get their hands on the wheel of their very own model. Discover what makes the 2018 Equinox a true head-turner, by exploring some of what the third generation has to offer, below.

• New Exterior Design: Easily the most recognizable change to the 2018 Equinox is its new exterior appearance. Featuring a more expressive and lean body style than the outgoing model, the new Equinox was designed to echo the latest Chevrolet design language. The increased muscle tone isn’t just for aesthetic appeal, however. Thanks to its sleeker shape, the new Equinox is more aerodynamic than ever before. All 2018 Equinox models gain chrome trim exterior accents, LED daytime running lights, and horizontal tail lamps that perfectly accentuate its wider, more aggressive stance. The overall weight of the newest Equinox has been decreased by 400 pounds, representing a ten-percent weight reduction from 2017. Sleek, sophisticated, and stylish, the 2018 Equinox has been redefined to kick off its third generation.

• Interior Style Updates: The rich and sleek exterior theme is carried through into the crossover’s interior cabin. A newly designed “down-and-away” instrument panel is located under the low-profile windshield base, giving drivers a better view of the road ahead. Buyers who appreciate unique styling might enjoy the available denim-style interior seat fabric, which also happens to be more durable and tougher than traditional cloth upholstery. To increase functionality and cargo capacity, Chevrolet added a new kneeling rear seat that tilts forward to allow for a flat floor for easier loading and unloading.

• Connectivity Features: With new technology released every day, the 2018 Equinox received its fair share of updated connectivity features. Seven and eight inch MyLink infotainment system displays were designed to work seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, for hands-free connectivity on the go. As is true with every Chevrolet model in 2018, drivers can add 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity through OnStar to the new Equinox crossover.

• Safety Technology: Just as fast as connectivity technology changes, so does advanced safety tech. The new Equinox features a comprehensive suite of available active safety technology designed to prevent, avoid, and respond to collisions. Aside from the newly available Teen Driver technology that Chevrolet designed to help teenage drivers make more responsible decisions behind the wheel, the 2018 Equinox also offers the following new safety features:

• • Safety Alert Seat
  • Surround Vision
  • Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator
  • Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking
  • Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Seat Reminder

All of these features are available on the Equinox for the first time, and represent the commitment the bowtie brand has always had to on-road safety.

• New Engine Options: Three engine options are available on the new Equinox, and each one is turbocharged for ultimate performance. The most notable new engine option on the Equinox is a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel. Not only is this engine a first for the Equinox, it also happens to be the first of its kind to ever be offered on a crossover SUV in the United States. Other engine options include a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. All three engines come paired with a new and more responsive nine-speed automatic transmission. Also worth mentioning is a new all-wheel-drive system that can be switched off when it isn’t needed, enhancing the crossover’s efficiency and decreasing its impact on the environment.

Excited? So Are We.

The newest Equinox model isn’t going to make it to dealerships until the first quarter of 2017, and while an official release date has yet to be announced, we can safely assume it will arrive here at McCluskey Chevrolet by the end of spring.

With the complete redesign and new features included on the 2018 Equinox, it’s hard not to be excited for its arrival on the market. To help the time pass, come down to McCluskey Chevrolet and check out the 2017 Equinox and other impressive options that are currently available from the bowtie brand.

Be sure to stay tuned and keep checking back for updates regarding the release of the third generation Equinox.