2021 Chevrolet Equinox in Santa Monica, CA - $16,495

Chevrolet has introduced the all-new 2018 Equinox, a fresh and modern SUV sized and designed to meet the needs of the compact SUV customer. “We’ve got the strongest truck business in the industry and we’re reinvigorated our car lineup with Volt, Cruze and Malibu,” said Alan Batey, Global Chevrolet president. We’re applying the same customer focus to grow our crossover/SUV business - starting with the Chevrolet Equinox.”

Today’s compact SUV customers want a vehicle that meets all of their needs, from design, connectivity and safety perspectives. The Equinox delivers on all fronts, starting with its fresh new design and all-new propulsion systems.

The new Equinox’s expressive exterior has a lean, muscular skin echoing the global Chevrolet design cues and sculpted shapes seen in the Volt, Malibu and Cruze. Extensive aero development in the wind tunnel influenced the sleek shape.

It is a richer, more detailed design featuring chrome trim on all models and Malibu-inspired styling. Projector-beam headlamps are standard, along with LED daytime running lamps. At the rear, horizontal taillamps emphasize the Equinox’s wide stance, while uplevel models feature LED taillamps.

Power for the next generation Equinox is generated by a range of three four-cylinder turbocharged engines: 1.5L turbo and a 2.0L turbo and a 1.6L turbo-diesel. Torque is communicated through the wheels via a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission for both the 1.5L gasoline turbo and the 1.6L turbo-diesel engines, while the 2.0L turbo engine is bolted to GM’s new nine-speed automatic. The available AWD system is a switchable system that enhances efficiency by disconnecting from the rear axle when not needed.

Control hardware for the Equinox is tried and true: MacPherson struts with side-loaded modules, specifically tuned coil springs and a direct-acting stabilizer bar up front with a four-link independent set-up at the rear.

Inside the passenger cabin, the interior takes advantage of the Equinox’s all-new architecture to offer a down-and-away instrument panel, while a low windshield base provides a commanding outward view. New elements such as available denim-style seat fabric blend high style with high durability, while a new “kneeling” rear seat enhances functionality. With it, the bottom cushions tilt forward when the split-folding seatbacks are lowered, allowing a flat floor for easier loading.

Additionally, the 2018 Equinox offers purposeful technology that helps keep passengers safe, comfortable and connected. Chevrolet’s latest connectivity technologies include seven and eight-inch-diagonal MyLink infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

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. Teen Driver is also offered, allowing parents to set controls and review an in-vehicle report card in order to encourage safer driving habits, even when they are not in the vehicle. Available advanced active safety features to enhance driver awareness on the road include radar- and camera-based adaptive technologies that can provide alerts to potential crash threats, allowing the driver to react and make changes to avoid them.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 107.3; overall length: 183.1; width: 72.6; height: 65.4
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1.5L four-cylinder turbo - 170 hp/203 lbs-ft of torque; 2.0L four-cylinder turbo - 252 hp/260 lbs-ft of torque; 1.6L four-cylinder turbo-diesel - 136 hp/236 lbs-ft of torque.

Transmission: six-speed automatic, nine-speed automatic
Cargo capacity: 63.5 cubic feet
Towing capacity: 3500 lbs