The 2018 Equinox boasts an expanded range of turbocharged engines that will soon include an all-new 1.6-liter diesel. Offering an estimated 40 mpg highway, it will be a rare entrant to a highly competitive playing field of small SUVs.

Order guides reveal the Equinox Diesel has been priced just above $31,000 and will range to nearly $34,000. So what kind of premium does that equate to versus the gas versions? What are some key differences in equipment?

Here's what you need to know.

Just North Of $31,000

Recent order guides show the 2018 Equinox LT Diesel will start from $31,435 including destination. That's $1,345 more than an equivalent LT with the 2.0T engine and $3,740 more than the 1.5T.

The better-equipped Premier Diesel will start from $33,930, which is $2,195 more than an equivalent 1.5T but actually $600 less than the Premier 2.0T. All-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,750.

We reached out to GM to find out why the gas-powered Premier is more expensive. According to spokesperson Tara Stewart Kuhnen, it's because the Premier comes with several extra features: 19-inch Ultra Bright Machined Wheels, dual exhaust and a tow rating of 3,500 lbs.

All versions of the Equinox Diesel will come with a 1.6-liter turbo producing 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic is standard. GM says the vehicle will earn 32 mpg in the city and up to 40 mpg on the highway (opting for all-wheel drive sacrifices 1 mpg city and 3 mpg highway). This will potentially make it the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class.

Notable Features

The LT will come with 17-inch aluminum wheels, cloth seats and a 7-inch infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The most notable option is the $2,395 Sun and Infotainment Package that gets you some extra features like a larger 8-inch system, multiple USB ports and power sunroof.

The Premier adds 18-inch wheels, leather seats, the 8-inch touchscreen and dual-zone climate. It also comes with a universal home remote, remote start and roof rails. You can add a 7-speaker Bose audio system with HD Radio plus navigation and a power moonroof with the $2,620 Sun, Sound and Navigation Package.

Both trims will come with a standard blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and rear park assist. In the Premier, shoppers can add the $1,895 Confidence and Convenience Package II, which gets you forward collision alert with low-speed automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, surround view monitor, adaptive headlights and more.

Increasing Field of Diesels

In terms of price, the Equinox LT Diesel will come in $1,130 less than the upcoming 2018 GMC Terrain SLE Diesel, which has been priced from $32,565. Similarly, the Premier will be $1,210 less expensive than the Terrain SLT.

As far as competition, Mazda will release a much-anticipated diesel version of its redesigned CX-5. Pricing hasn't been announced, but we suspect it'll fall in the same range given that the current CX-5 Grand Touring tops out at around $30,335.

Will buyers take to the new range of diesels given how inexpensive gas has been? Is there a leftover stigma surrounding diesels following the Volkswagen emissions scandal? That remains to be seen. For now, SUV shoppers certainly seem to have something compelling to look forward to.