The Chevrolet Equinox has become a formidable competitor in the compact SUV class. This Chevy earns respect for its feature-rich options and engaging driving dynamics. If you’re looking to score a deal on this charming crossover, you’ll see that the 2018 Equinox is among the most enticing options to buy used.

Driving the 2018 Chevy Equinox 

Chevy introduced the Equinox’s current generation for 2018, so it was a pretty exciting year for the model. Most critics said that the 2018 Equinox is more superior than its predecessors. They did note a few drawbacks, though. 

Standard Equinoxes come with a 170-hp, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder. A six-speed automatic is standard, while a nine-speed auto is available on the higher trims. Consumer Reports is among the reviewers that weren’t too impressed with the Equinox’s standard setup. CR felt that the regular four-cylinder lacked power and that its transmission wasn’t the smoothest. On the bright side, this powerplant has decent fuel economy ratings. 

Additionally, there are two other performance options you might want to consider. The 252-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will give you the quickest experience. And for the most efficiency, there’s the 1.6-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that makes 137-hp.  

Despite mixed reviews, owners are most satisfied with how the Equinox drives, according to CR. Many appreciated the updated Chevy’s quicker experience. Others called out its fuel economy figures. 

“The new turbo engine in this car is amazing. It has excellent acceleration and handling. I read many reviews before purchasing and there were so many negatives. I have found it to be completely the opposite. I love driving it.”

Linda B. (2018 Chevrolet Equinox)

Cabin comforts 

Furthermore, reviews also vary for the Equinox’s interior design, mostly because the standard models look a little bland. Still, most owners were happy with the comfort the Equinox’s cabin provides. It has sufficient room for up to five passengers. One downside is that the Equinox’s cabin doesn’t do a great job of blocking out excess road noise.

On a more positive note, the Equinox won fans with its tech offerings. The 2018 model comes with a 7-inch touchscreen plus Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a wifi hotspot. Upgraded versions will have a navigation system. Unfortunately, not many active safety features are standard on the 2018 Equinox. Some owners noted in CR’s survey that upgrading for the advanced safety equipment was worth it. The Equinox’s available forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring functions can especially make driving much easier. 

What should I pay for a 2018 Chevy Equinox?

Based on CR data, the average price for the 2018 Chevy Equinox ranges between $14,950 and $22,275. This range makes the Equinox one of the more affordable used SUVs. The price you may pay depends on the features you want and how well the previous owner maintained the vehicle. 

At the time of this writing, there aren’t a significant number of complaints associated with the 2018 Chevy Equinox. Though, make sure that you get the model you’re considering properly inspected before you buy. CR’s surveys show that 63 percent of owners would repurchase the SUV, which is an above-average score.