2026 Chevrolet Equinox Overview

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox gives shoppers a compact SUV with 3 trims, standard turbo power, available AWD, and up to 63.5 cu. ft. of cargo space.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox lineup includes three gas trims: LT, RS, and ACTIV. Each trim is available with FWD or AWD, so the main choice comes down to style, comfort features, and how much rugged capability matters to you.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT

The LT is the value-focused Equinox trim. It gives shoppers the core comfort, screen technology, and safety features many daily drivers want, with several available upgrades.

Key LT features include:

• 17-inch machined-face aluminum wheels
• Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
• 11.3-inch touchscreen with Google built-in
• 11-inch Driver Information Center
• Chevy Safety Assist
• Available Evotex seating
• Available wireless phone charging
• Available AutoSense power liftgate
• Available Midnight Edition

The LT is the trim to compare first if the goal is to keep the Equinox near its entry price range while still getting the large touchscreen, heated front seats, and standard safety technology.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox RS

The RS gives the Equinox a sportier look with black exterior details, larger wheels, and more standard comfort features. It is a good match for shoppers who want the practicality of a compact SUV with a sharper design.

Key RS features include:

• 19-inch machined-face aluminum wheels
• Unique RS grille and lower fascia
• Black emblems, badging, mirror caps, and roof rails
• Wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel
• Evotex seating
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Wireless phone charging
• AutoSense power liftgate
• Available ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seats

The RS is the design-focused choice. Its biggest advantage over LT is not the engine, which stays the same across the lineup, but the standard appearance upgrades, larger wheels, and added cabin convenience.

2026 Chevrolet Equinox ACTIV

The ACTIV gives the Equinox a more rugged personality. It adds all-terrain tires, unique suspension tuning, distinctive interior materials, and adventure-inspired design details.

Key ACTIV features include:

• 17-inch Dark Android machined-face aluminum wheels
• All-terrain blackwall tires
• Uniquely tuned suspension
• Sueded Microfiber seating surfaces
• ACTIV stitching on the front head restraints
• Roof-mounted side rails
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Wireless phone charging
• AutoSense power liftgate

The ACTIV is the right pick if all-terrain tires are a priority. Neither LT nor RS offers the same tire setup or unique suspension tuning.

Which Trim Should You Choose?

The LT is the practical pick for shoppers who want standard heated seats, Chevy Safety Assist, and the 11.3-inch touchscreen without moving into the mid-$30Ks. The RS is for buyers who care most about exterior style, with blacked-out trim, 19-inch wheels, and a sportier cabin feel. The ACTIV is the choice when tire type and rugged design matter most, especially for Northeast Florida drivers who want the Equinox to look and feel more adventure-ready without moving into a larger SUV.

Every 2026 Chevrolet Equinox gas trim is powered by a 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower. FWD models use a Continuous Variable Transmission, while AWD models use an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Equinox also includes Drive Mode Selector, Automatic Stop/Start, and Automatic Vehicle Hold across the lineup. When properly equipped, the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lbs.

Is the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox Available With AWD?

Yes. AWD is available on the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox LT, RS, and ACTIV. AWD models use an 8-speed automatic transmission instead of the FWD model's CVT.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox seats up to 5 and offers 63.5 cu. ft. of max cargo volume with the rear seats folded. That gives shoppers a compact SUV footprint with useful space for passengers and gear.

Every 2026 Equinox includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. RS and ACTIV trims add more standard convenience, including dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and an 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar control.

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox gives every trim a large standard touchscreen, wireless smartphone compatibility, and connected vehicle features that support daily convenience.

Explore OnStar and Connected Services

The 2026 Equinox includes over 15 standard safety and driver-assistance features, including Chevy Safety Assist and additional technologies for traffic, parking, and everyday driving.

Chevy Safety Assist:

• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Front Pedestrian Braking
• Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Alert
• Following Distance Indicator
• IntelliBeam

The Equinox also includes Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Rear Park Assist, Side Bicyclist Alert, and HD Rear Vision Camera round out the standard driver-assistance package.

Available safety features include Rear Pedestrian Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Rear Camera Mirror.

Exterior Features

Each Equinox trim has its own wheel and tire setup. LT keeps the design clean and practical, RS moves to larger 19-inch wheels, and ACTIV is the only trim in this lineup with all-terrain blackwall tires.

Exterior highlights include LED headlamps, LED tail lamps, IntelliBeam, heated power outside mirrors, deep-tinted rear glass, and available fog lamps.

The LT offers available roof-mounted side rails and an available AutoSense power liftgate. RS and ACTIV trims include roof-mounted side rails and AutoSense power liftgate as standard features. Available exterior upgrades include roof rack cross rails, a dual-pane power sunroof, and select two-tone roof options.

Packages and Special Editions

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers several available packages that help shoppers add convenience, protection, technology, and capability features.

The Midnight Edition is available on LT models and adds black exterior details, exclusive 19-inch Black wheels, Black roof rails, Black badging, and Black bowties.

New, Used, and Certified Pre-Owned Shopping Options

A new 2026 Chevrolet Equinox gives shoppers access to the current trim lineup, current model-year features, and the ability to compare LT, RS, and ACTIV directly. A used vehicle may be worth considering if price range is the main priority, while Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles can be a helpful middle ground when available in current inventory.