25 MPG combined is a reasonable figure for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox FWD 2.0L 4-cylinder, a compact SUV for buyers who prioritize space and features over maximum fuel efficiency. While not class-leading, this fuel economy is acceptable for the Equinox, a family-friendly vehicle offering a comfortable ride and responsive acceleration. The turbocharged 2.0L engine provides a noticeable performance upgrade compared to the base engine.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2018 Equinox FWD 2.0L at 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving many Equinox owners experience during their daily commutes and errands. The 29 MPG highway rating is more attainable on longer trips if you maintain a steady speed and avoid aggressive acceleration. The nine-speed automatic transmission plays a key role, allowing the engine to operate at lower RPMs at cruising speeds, which boosts fuel economy. This difference between city and highway figures highlights the importance of driving habits when assessing the Equinox’s real-world MPG.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox FWD 2.0L to be $2,300. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. However, this number is just an estimate; your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (city vs. highway), and local fuel prices. Consider it a benchmark for comparing the Equinox to other vehicles, but don’t consider it a concrete prediction of your personal expenses. You can research all Chevrolet fuel economy data to get a better sense of how various models compare.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a useful benchmark, real-world fuel economy often differs. Many factors can influence your MPG, including driving style, traffic conditions, weather, and vehicle maintenance. Equinox owners who frequently drive in heavy traffic or accelerate rapidly may see figures closer to the city estimate, or even lower. Conversely, those who primarily drive on the highway and practice fuel-efficient driving techniques may exceed the 29 MPG estimate. Routine maintenance, such as keeping the tires properly inflated and ensuring the engine is properly tuned, can also make a difference. For complete information including EQUINOX MPG across all years, check our model pages on FuelEconomyHub.

How it compares

In the competitive compact SUV segment, the 2018 Equinox’s fuel economy is competitive but not groundbreaking. For instance, the Honda CR-V with its 1.5L turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined, a slight edge over the Equinox 2.0L. The Toyota RAV4 achieves a similar combined MPG to the Equinox, while offering hybrid variants with significantly higher fuel economy. The Mazda CX-5, known for its sporty handling, delivers approximately 25 MPG combined with its base engine, similar to the Equinox. Buyers often cross-shop these vehicles, weighing factors like fuel economy, interior space, features, and driving dynamics. The Equinox 2.0L balances performance and efficiency, appealing to those who value quicker acceleration without sacrificing reasonable MPG.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Equinox 2.0L is equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission, designed to keep the engine in its most efficient range. Avoid aggressive acceleration, as this forces the transmission to downshift frequently, burning more fuel. Gentle and gradual acceleration will allow the transmission to shift smoothly through the gears, maximizing fuel economy.

Regularly check your tire pressure and maintain the recommended inflation level. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which can significantly reduce fuel economy. The recommended tire pressure is typically found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. A simple tire pressure gauge can help you avoid this common problem.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo or items can increase the vehicle’s overall weight, leading to higher fuel consumption. Remove any items from the trunk or rear seats that are not essential for your daily driving. Even a little weight reduction helps, especially during city driving.

Plan your routes and avoid rush hour traffic when possible. Stop-and-go driving badly affects fuel economy. Using a navigation app to find the fastest route or driving during off-peak hours can improve your MPG significantly. Consider combining errands into a single trip to minimize cold starts, which consume more fuel.

The Equinox’s automatic start/stop feature can save fuel in city driving by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped. While it can be temporarily disabled, leaving it active during most driving conditions can help improve fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Frequent short trips prevent the engine from reaching optimum efficiency.