The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Diesel is an efficient highway cruiser, but “42 mpg” is a shorthand for independent test results—not its EPA highway rating. Chevrolet listed the diesel at 39 mpg highway with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 38 mpg with all-wheel drive (AWD). Independent tests recorded 43 mpg at 75 mph for one AWD example and 41 mpg highway in another test. That efficiency comes with slower acceleration, low-speed diesel noise and vibration, and a 1,500-pound maximum tow rating.
What does the 2018 Equinox Diesel’s 42 mpg figure mean?
There is no single official 42-mpg rating for this SUV. Chevrolet’s 2018 catalog lists these EPA estimates:
| Drivetrain | EPA city | EPA highway | EPA combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| FWD diesel | 28 mpg | 39 mpg | 32 mpg |
| AWD diesel | 28 mpg | 38 mpg | 32 mpg |
The higher figures come from separate road tests, not the EPA label. Car and Driver’s December 2017 test of a 2018 AWD diesel recorded 43 mpg during a 75-mph highway cruise and 34 mpg overall. Consumer Reports reported 41 mpg highway and 31 mpg overall in its 2018 review. The results differ because test vehicles and methods differ; neither establishes what every owner will achieve. Speed, route, weather, load, tires, maintenance, and driving style can all affect fuel economy.
Car and Driver estimated a 670-mile highway range for its test vehicle, using its measured highway economy and that vehicle’s 15.6-gallon tank. Treat that as a test-based estimate, not a guaranteed distance between fill-ups. Car and Driver’s test details and Chevrolet’s 2018 catalog distinguish the observed results from the EPA estimates.
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How does the diesel drive?
The 1.6-liter turbo-diesel is paired with a six-speed automatic and was offered with FWD or AWD. In Car and Driver’s AWD test, the engine produced 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque at 2,000 rpm. That torque suits steady cruising, but it does not make the Equinox quick off the line: the publication measured 9.4 seconds from zero to 60 mph and described an initially unhurried response before the stronger torque arrived.
Cabin character changes with speed. Consumer Reports noted engine clatter and vibration at low speeds, while finding the engine quieter on the highway. Car and Driver measured 68 dBA inside its test vehicle at a steady 70 mph. That is a vehicle-specific reading, not a guarantee of the noise level in every example.
Rank #2
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Is it practical as a family SUV?
The Equinox seats five. Chevrolet lists 103.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and up to 63.5 cubic feet of cargo volume. GM describes a kneeling rear-seat design that folds to make a flatter load floor. Consumer Reports found the cabin roomy and the ride comfortable, but described the interior as drab. MyLink supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto depending on equipment; check the individual vehicle’s trim and options rather than assuming a feature is present.
Consumer Reports also noted that some safety features were limited to the top trim. On a used vehicle, inspect its actual equipment and verify which driver-assistance features are installed and working. Chevrolet’s catalog and GM’s 2018 model bulletin describe the published packaging and equipment context.
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How much can a 2018 Equinox Diesel tow?
Consumer Reports lists a maximum tow rating of 1,500 pounds for the diesel, a figure also reported by Car and Driver. This is a modest limit, so the diesel is a poor choice if frequent towing is the main job. Confirm the rating and any required equipment for the specific vehicle and intended load; do not assume the diesel has a higher capacity because it produces more low-rpm torque.
What should used-car buyers check about diesel ownership?
The owner’s manual specifies diesel-fuel requirements, including ultra-low-sulfur diesel limits, and warns against fuel outside the required specification. GM identifies this engine configuration as UREA-equipped, so consult the vehicle’s manual for the applicable fluid and maintenance requirements rather than choosing a brand or additive by guesswork. Review service records and check that the diesel-specific maintenance has been followed.
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Before buying, run the vehicle identification number (VIN) through the relevant recall checks. An emissions recall can depend on the vehicle’s build range, and an EPA lookup does not show whether a repair has already been completed. EPA directs owners to NHTSA for non-emissions safety recalls and recommends confirming open recalls with a dealer. A model year alone cannot establish that an individual vehicle is recalled or recall-free. EPA’s recall guidance explains the emissions-recall lookup and its limits.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the 2018 Equinox Diesel worth choosing?
It makes the clearest case for someone who spends much of the driving day at highway speeds and values fuel economy more than brisk acceleration. The published highway-test results are strong, but the EPA figures are lower and differ slightly by drivetrain. For low-speed urban use, quick acceleration, frequent towing, or a quieter engine at neighborhood speeds, its compromises matter more. Consumer Reports also observed that the diesel’s new-vehicle price premium at the time was not quickly recovered through fuel savings; that historical comparison does not determine whether a particular used Equinox is good value today.
Best Value
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The evidence here describes a model-year 2018 road-test subject, not a current reliability ranking or used-market price guide. A used example’s condition, service history, equipment, and VIN-specific recall status need to be assessed individually.
Quick Recap
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