2018 Chevrolet Equinox has the goods, but for an extra cost

[MUSIC] Look, I know what you're thinking. Not another mid-sized SUV, but look Y'all keep buying them, so we here to keep reviewing them, and today we're talking about the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox. Now, this is a pretty popular car, having sold more than 2 million units since its debut in 2005, and this year it's all-new. It's got a few different engine options, but be prepared to pay the piper when it comes to safety. [MUSIC] Now I hate to leave with a negative, but Chevy could do a better job of making their safety features standard. As it is, I've got to jump all the way up to this top of the line test model to find the premiere all wheel drive if I want to get the cool features like lane departure warning and GM safety seat which seems like Like a little thrill to your **** when you do something wrong, with a little vibration. I mean, it's kinda fun. And if you want adaptive cruise control, yeah, well, forget it. Because Chevy doesn't offer it on any trim line of the Equinox. I mean, come on, Chevy. You all can do better than that. But where Chevy does do it right is in connectivity and tech features. I've got a standard WiFi hotspot, plus the MyLink system which includes technology like teen driver. We've got a full deep dive video that you can check out. But suffice to say, MyLink is one of the best offered in the business. Under the hood is the standard 1.5 liter turbo charged, 4 cylinder engine. Which is putting out a 170 horsepower and that's about average for the class, but a thumping 203 pound feet of torque, a 1.6 liter turbo diesel will be available in late summer, and a 2 liter turbocharged, putting out northwards of 250 horsepower, is gonna be available. It's available soon, that's all Chevy said was soon. I grilled them. [MUSIC] The Equinox has shed 400 pounds this year so the 1.5 Liter has got more than enough juice to get over and through the Hill Country, and it actually kinda wants to turn. I mean, it's pretty nimble for a vehicle its size The one thing that I don't like is the steering it's pretty light and it's also pretty numb. Now if your looking at an Econox I don't think your looking to feel that like every single pebble on the road if that's what your looking for just like buy a Mazda CX five or something Or something. The six feet automatic transmission is a little hesitant to down shift, but I can overlook that, especially considering that the competition mostly uses continuously variable transmissions. What is disconcerting is the throttle response. So the car needs about a second to realize that you've got your foot on the gas and to actually move forward, especially when you're coming out of a turn. It takes a while for that turbo to spool up, and it just puts a damper on any kind of fun that you might have. Now, a lot of this is just a computer code, so come on after-market nerds. Do me a solid. It's my [UNKNOWN] response [MUSIC]. EPA fuel ratings are 24 in the city 30 on the highway and 26 combined. Now during my time I have driven mostly highway miles and I am netting 25.7 miles per gallon. So it's close but not quite there yet [MUSIC]. The Equinox is right in the middle of the competition when it comes to size. And it is baby bear in the middle when it comes to cargo space as well. Behind the rear seats is 30 cubic feet of space but that jumps to 63.5 when you fold those rear seats down. Now that is way less than the Honda CRV but it's a lot more than the Mazda CX5. My top of the line Equinox has got a full leather interior, plus heated and cooled front seats. The design is pretty snazzy. It doesn't really look like a GM vehicle. They've taken a big step in terms of the overall look and feel and quality of materials. In terms of storage, there's lots of little nooks and crannies for your phone, your keys, your wallet, anything that you'd have with you in the car. [MUSIC] The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is a fine ride. It's just not very engaging. There are plenty of other mid-size SUVs that deliver more fun behind the wheel and more standard safety. But where the Chevy has it going on, is in connectivity. Now a base model Chevy Equinox starts at $23,500 but all you get with that is a backup camera. If you want a top of the line, premiere all wheel drive like my test model, well that starts $34,400. But this one's got some extras. A $3,000 package that includes navigation, a panoramic sunroof, and 19 inch wheels. Bringing the total price to $39,045. [MUSIC] [BLANK_AUDIO]