The Equinox is Chevrolet’s second-best selling vehicle, after the Silverado. For the 2018 model year, the Equinox expanded its fleet applicability by adding a 1.6L four cylinder DOHC turbo diesel to its choice of engines.

The 1.6L turbo diesel can generate 137 hp and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Recently, Automotive Fleet had an opportunity to test drive the 2018 Equinox all-wheel drive (AWD) turbo diesel (TD) model in the LT trim level.

Below are five takeaways that I found noteworthy during my test drive.

1: Enhanced Fuel Efficiency

One of the key takeaways is the fuel-efficiency of the 2018 AWD Equinox TD. Classified by the EPA as a small SUV, the 1.6L turbo diesel has a fuel economy rating of 32 miles per gallon combined city/highway, which is excellent for an AWD vehicle. The city fuel economy rating is 28 mpg and has a highway fuel economy rating of 38 mpg.

The Equinox is equipped with a start/stop system that contributes to its improved fuel economy. The transition to start from a complete stop is relatively unobtrusive, which can’t be said for other OEM models offering start/stop technology.

What also helps improve fuel economy is that the 2018 model is approximately 400 pounds lighter than its predecessor for a 10% weight reduction.

2: Good Engine Torque

The second takeaway from my test drive was engine torque. As a fleet vehicle, the Equinox, most likely, will be primarily used in urban settings and turbo diesel’s 240 lb.-ft. of torque made maneuvering in and out of congested traffic quick and nimble, while accelerating up hills or freeway on-ramps was effortless.

3: Safety Equipment & Features

The Equinox LT offers an array of safety equipment, such as rear cross traffic alert, side blind zone alert with lane change alert, rear park assist, and rear vision camera. It is equipped with the Stabiltrak-stability control system with traction control and a four-wheel disc brake anti-lock braking (ABS) system.

The Equinox is equipped with six standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger, roof rail-mounted head curtain and front-seat-mounted side-impact air bags.

While sitting behind the steering wheel, I had excellent road visibility due to its large windows and low beltline.

4: Quiet Cabin

The Equinox interior is very quiet, with minimal powertrain vibrations penetrating the cabin. Standard on the Equinox is active noise cancellation. The Equinox suspension makes it a very comfortable vehicle to drive.  

5: Ample Cargo & Rear Room

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox TD is very fleet-friendly when it comes to cargo area. The cargo space behind the rear seat is 29.9 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 63.5 cubic feet by folding down the rear seatback.