2018 Chevy SUVs: Which Is the Best of the Best?
Each SUV offers something unique. But in the end, there can be only one.
SUVs are hotter than ever, and there are no indications that demand for these do-it-all vehicles is headed anywhere but up. That’s why pretty much every automaker has shifted their focus to building more and better ‘utes. Chevrolet is no exception to that rule, offering a host of appealing utility vehicles that offer great value.
But with so many great options on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which one is best for your needs. That’s why we decided to line up three 2018 Chevrolet SUVs and dissect each one. Two of them are all-new for 2018, and even the third brings one big change to the new model year. All three represent great options for the SUV hunter, but only one can come out on top.
Equinox
The 2018 Equinox is truly a brand new vehicle from the ground up. In today’s automotive world, that’s certainly a good thing. The new, compact Equinox rides on an Opel-derived platform that helps it shed 4.7 inches of length (5.2 inches of wheelbase) and around 350 pounds off the outgoing model. But despite the loss in size, passenger and cargo space are virtually unchanged. Talk about progress.
The base 1.5 liter turbocharged inline four cylinder is also new, and it produces 170 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. A 1.6 liter turbodiesel and 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder are also available. All get a 6-speed automatic transmission except for the range topping 2.0, which comes with GM’s 9-speed auto box. Fuel economy with the base engine is adequate – 24 mpg’s in the city, 30 on the highway.
Obviously nobody buys a compact crossover for outright speed, but the 1.5 liter Equinox disappoints in a straight line. 0-60 takes 8.9 seconds, with the quarter mile clocking in at 16.9 seconds. Handling isn’t bad, however, as the little CUV manages 0.86 g’s on the skidpad. Pricing starts at around $24,000, but can quickly approach $40k if you go for a well optioned AWD Premium model.
Pros:
Inspired handling and braking performance in a tidy little package. The interior is quite roomy and well appointed. There are also plenty of modern convenience features inside.
Cons:
Gas mileage is a little bit disappointing, even with the weight loss. Performance is sluggish as well if you opt for the base 1.5 liter engine. For the price of a well-optioned model, you could easily upgrade to something else.
Verdict:
If you really want a compact crossover, the Equinox is a good one. Just don’t go crazy on the options sheet, and don’t expect to win any stoplight drag races.
Tahoe
The 2018 Tahoe doesn’t look much different from the 2017 model, because it isn’t much different. But there is one big addition to the lineup, of course – the RST (Rally Street Truck) performance package. For those looking for a little extra oomph from their SUV, the RST comes with an available 6.2 liter V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Along with other goodies like 22 inch wheels, Brembo brakes, Magnetic Ride Control, and Borla exhaust.
Aside from that exciting addition, things are, well, pretty much the same. But that’s not really a bad thing. The full size SUV is roomy, comfortable, and full of technology and convenience options. The base 5.3 liter V8 produces good power with a 355 hp and 383 lb-ft rating. Gas mileage isn’t terrible for a big ute at 16 city and 23 highway in two wheel drive configuration.
The Tahoe is getting a little long in the tooth, however. The old school solid rear axle makes for a bit of a bumpy ride. Throttle response is a little slow, and brakes are overly firm. The 6-speed automatic transmission is a few gears short of modern standards, and it’s geared toward fuel economy, not performance. Still, the 2WD Tahoe can tow a solid 8,600 pounds.
Pros:
The Tahoe is roomy, comfy, and ride quality is mostly very good. It can tow just about any reasonable load, and the interior is quiet. Despite its mechanical age, the Tahoe also comes with loads of modern safety features like lane-keep assist.
Cons:
The ride can get quite bouncy over uneven surfaces. Third row seating isn’t the most spacious for such a big vehicle, and neither is cargo room. Performance and fuel economy aren’t going to impress anyone, especially in this day and age. Unless you opt for the RST, of course.
Verdict:
The Tahoe is great for growing families, especially those that like to tow a bigger camper or boat on the weekends.
Traverse
The all-new Traverse debuted back in January at the Detroit Auto Show sporting much different dimensions than the outgoing model. But unlike the Equinox, the Traverse has gone in the opposite direction. The 2018 model is a full two inches longer than the old one. And that extra room has made the Traverse’s already excellent passenger room even more excellent.
Cargo space, on the other hand, shrinks from 116 feet down to 99 feet. But that’s still better than most of the competition. Even with the stretch, the new Traverse manages to weigh in 351 pounds less than the outgoing model. And it does so with much improved, modern styling. The new, squared off haunches make the Traverse look like a truck, not some egg shaped family hauler.
Buyers can opt for a 3.6 liter V6 producing 305 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, or the RS and its turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder making 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The six cylinder returns 18/25 mpg’s, while the four banger gets 20/23 city/highway. And both come standard with GM’s new 9-speed automatic transmission.
Pros:
Fantastic styling and passenger space that far exceeds the competition. Easily the most modern SUV in Chevy’s lineup. All models come standard with the new 9-speed auto, and both power and fuel mileage are good regardless of engine and drive options.
Cons:
Even though it’s still competitive, the loss of cargo space might be a big deal to some current Traverse owners. The RS doesn’t really offer much of a performance upgrade on the base V6.
Verdict:
The Traverse is a great all-rounder and a good choice for modern families. For 2018, it’s easily the most modern Chevrolet SUV.
If we could choose only one, the new Traverse is the easy pick here. It offers a great balance of size, power, and capability in one very attractive package. Unless you absolutely have to have a compact or full-size SUV, this one’s pretty much a no-brainer.
