The 2018 Equinox has been redesigned from the ground up in order to take the fight to rivals such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester.

The old model, as explained by CR’s Tom Mutchler, was less maneuverable and less efficient than most compact SUVs, and not as competent as midsize SUVs such as the Highlander or the Pilot.

Now, thanks to a complete redesign, the Equinox is pushing all the right buttons in terms of on-board technology, active safety systems and even fuel efficiency with a total of three available turbocharged units, including a.1.6-liter diesel claimed to return around 40 mpg (5.9l/100km) on the highway.

Mutchler also found the interior of the 2018 Equinox to be much improved, saying that the dashboard was “typical GM” and that all the commands were easy to locate and use.

He said that GM’s latest SUV had plenty of rear seat room and that while you do get quite a few active safety features, some, like Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking were only available as optional extras, and not standard across the range as CR would have preferred.

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is set to go on sale in the first quarter of 2017 with prices yet to be revealed.

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