Chevy Equinox Diesel Crushes its Hybrid Competition

Back when Chevrolet revealed the completely redesigned 2018 Equinox, it didn’t hide the fact that it planned to release a diesel version. Today, we learned most of the juicy details on this new diesel powerplant.

Now, before you go thinking this is some torque-monster engine, it is not. However, it does have relatively high torque for its small displacement, as this 1.6-liter four-cylinder delivers 240 pound-feet or twist. Chevrolet didn’t get into this diesel engine’s horsepower, but my gut says it’ll be somewhere in the 165- to 175-horsepower range.

To help assure it delivers efficient torque from lower engine speeds, this 1.6-liter engine boasts variable-geometry turbos. This allows its peak torque to come in at 1,500 rpm and remain through 3,250 rpm.

Now for the really big news about the Equinox diesel. Surprise, it’s super-efficient. The EPA rates it at 39 mpg highway, easily trouncing hybrid competition, like the RAV4 Hybrid. What’s more, the 2018 Equinox diesel will travel up to 577 miles between fill-ups. And when you do fill it up, you can opt for B20 biodiesel.

The 2018 Chevy Equinox is in showrooms now with a $24,475 starting price. Opting for the Equinox Diesel, which arrives this fall, puts the starting price at $31,435.

Stay tuned for updates as we near the 2018 Equinox Diesel’s debut.