2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Chevrolet Equinox
Pictured: Chevrolet Equinox LT (III, Facelift) – f 05102022. Photo: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Transmission
6-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 39 hwy
Length
183.1 in
Curb weight
3,325–3,483 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2018 small SUV (24.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 183 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,483 lb (4dr SUV AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 39 highway), 29% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 410 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2018

  • New body dimensions: 5.1 in shorter, wheelbase −5.1 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • New diesel version
  • Engines added: 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 1.5L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Engines dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl
  • Best combined MPG up from 25 to 32
  • NHTSA overall rating up from 4 to 5 stars

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Equinox →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–1.5L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic
DriveFWD · AWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

LT (1LT)LS

Safety & driver-assist features

Blind-spot monitoringOptional
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Ingersoll, Ontario · Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila · San Luis Potosi, Mexico

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 Equinox configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD183.1 in72.4 in65.4 in107.5 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,483 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD183.1 in72.4 in65.4 in107.5 in62.2 / 62.2 in3,325 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Equinox FWD Diesel1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 39 / 32+29%$3,000319
Equinox AWD Diesel1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive28 / 38 / 32+38%$3,000319
Equinox FWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 32 / 28+12%$2,400314
Equinox AWD1.5L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 26+12%$2,600337
Equinox FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 250%$3,300355
Equinox AWD2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 24+3%$3,400367
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.5%
2018 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD Later Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.4%
2018 Chevrolet Equinox SUV AWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.5%
2018 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD Early Release★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★18.8%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD Later Release
Frontal crash test — 2018 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD Later Release. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD Later Release
Side crash test — 2018 Chevrolet Equinox SUV FWD Later Release. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Chevrolet Equinox (this car)32 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Hyundai Tucson27 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (5)

Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 29, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V668000 · 194,105 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Aug 30, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V576000 · 210,628 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · May 31, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V358000 · 895 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Risk
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
Structure › Emergency › Escape/Egress/Exit · Apr 19, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V252000 · 379 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles. The driver and front passenger door window glass may not be properly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Risk
If the glass is not tempered properly, and the window is broken, the glass can break into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the glass in the front doors, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18136.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Aug 22, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V516000 · 2,905 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles and 2017-2018 GMC Acadia vehicles. The right front intermediate driveshaft may fracture and separate while driving.
Risk
If the front right intermediate drive shaft assembly separates while driving, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. If the assembly separates while parked on a grade, without the park brake engaged, the vehicle may move unintentionally, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll-away.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right front intermediate drive shaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17329.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

410Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
23Involved a crash
4Involved a fire
30Injuries reported
23,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes118
Engine86
Power Train66
Electrical System57
Unknown Or Other56
Fuel/Propulsion System33
Structure › Body16
Steering15
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/10: 224/11: 524/12: 425/01: 425/02: 225/03: 125/04: 625/05: 525/06: 325/08: 625/09: 225/10: 225/11: 125/12: 326/01: 826/02: 726/03: 726/04: 526/05: 926/06: 326/07: 626/08: 726/09: 726/10: 224/1025/0125/0425/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 9

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Chevrolet Equinox buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 118 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Engine — 86 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Power Train — 66 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 23,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Equinox years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Equinox27–Not rated01
2026 Equinox27183.1 inNot rated389
2025 Equinox27190.6 inNot rated6405
2024 Equinox28183.1 inNot rated2190
2023 Equinox28183.1 in★★★★★399
2022 Equinox28183.1 in★★★★★6186
2021 Equinox28183.1 in★★★★★4100
2020 Equinox28183.1 in★★★★★4318
2019 Equinox32183.1 in★★★★★4310
2017 Equinox25188.2 in★★★★★0276
2016 Equinox26188.2 in★★★★★1399
2015 Equinox26188.6 in★★★★★2680

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →