Equinox Diesel Offers Better Fuel Economy Than a Hybrid
The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Diesel is bringing a segment best, EPA-certified 39 mpg on the highway when driving the front wheels only.
According to Chevrolet, the highway fuel economy provided by the 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel is better than what the 2017 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Nissan Rogue Hybrid can offer, with the Equinox capable of cruising for an astonishing 577 miles.
“Chevrolet continues to lead with technologies that offer customers more choice,” said Steve Majoros, marketing director for Cars and Crossovers. “Our three-engine turbocharged Equinox lineup means we can provide drivers more options for the performance and efficiency they desire.”
SEE ALSO: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Diesel Priced From $31,435
The new turbodiesel motor is the latest of the Equinox’s three turbocharged engine choices, joining the 1.4-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder units that debuted earlier this year. Developed at GM’s diesel product center in Torino, Italy, the SAE has certified the new oil-burner at 240 lb-ft of torque, which comes on at low rpm thanks to a variable-geometry turbocharger.
The engine also features stop/start technology and is compatible with B20 bio-diesel.
“It is very fun to drive, with torque on demand at all speeds,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president of Global Propulsion Systems. “In fact, the engine delivers 90 percent of peak torque between 1,500 and 3,250 rpm. The strong torque provides the feeling of a larger engine, with exceptional smoothness and quietness.”
A version of this story originally appeared on GM Inside News
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I'm waiting to see what the long promised and never delivered Mazda CX5 diesel will do.
There will come a day when we wish we had a Equinox diesel.