2026 Chevy Equinox
Following the redesign of the 2025 Equinox, Chevy has kept the new features modest but noteworthy for the 2026 Chevy Equinox. Stylish as ever, Chevy’s compact SUV comes with an assortment of options and practical conveniences that are bound to keep families and daily drivers alike happy on the road. If you’re looking for a good compact alternative to other segment competitors, such as the Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4, the Chevy Equinox makes for a competitive choice for those who enjoy a versatile SUV that can do it all.
The trim line for the 2026 Equinox is kept simple, so anyone can quickly identify what works for them and move forward. This includes the entry-level LT, the performance-focused RS, and the ruggedly styled ACTIV. Buyer-focused simplicity makes the compact SUV an easy option for those who don’t want to filter through half a dozen trims to figure out what works best.
When it comes to new features for the 2026 model year, there are a few noteworthy additions that add to the value and streamlined usability of the Equinox. One of those conveniences includes the drive mode selector being standard across all trims. Another benefit is that the roof rails are now available exclusively for the LT trim via the sunroof package or the Midnight Edition. And lastly, they have added Polar White to the color options for the Equinox, joining the likes of Cacti Green, Sterling Gray Metallic, Mosaic Black Metallic, Reef Blue Metallic, Radiant Red Tintcoat, Lakeshore Blue Metallic, and Summit White.
MSRP: $28,800 [a]
Towing: 1,500 lbs
Cargo Space: 63.5 cu.ft.
Screen Size: 11.3 in
Performance Built for Range
The 2026 Chevy Equinox simplifies the shopping process with a single turbocharged powertrain available in two configurations: front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All confusion is removed when it comes to figuring out what powertrain works best for you or your family. Shoppers are given a very straightforward process when it comes to narrowing down what kind of performance they’re seeking out of the Equinox. If you want good fuel economy, you can opt for the front-wheel drive, whereas if you want more stability and better traction control, the all-wheel drive option is available.
The 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that powers Chevy’s compact SUV makes a total of 175 hp and a maximum of 203 lb-ft of torque. The front-wheel drive version of the Equinox is paired with a continuously variable transmission, while the all-wheel drive comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic. Both versions feature automatic start/stop to get the most out of the engine’s fuel economy. The front-wheel drive version offers a max EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 MPG in the city and up to 29 MPG on the highway. The all-wheel drive version, alternatively, provides you with an EPA-estimated 25 MPG in the city and up to 29 MPG on the highway.
There are a number of other conveniences that make the 2026 Equinox highly efficient when it comes to how it utilizes its performance for range and stability. Automatic Vehicle Hold enables you to set it so that the vehicle stays put even when stopped and your foot is off the brake, which is good for slow-moving stop-and-go traffic during rush hour. There are other great features, like the brake lining wear indicator, which gives you a good heads-up as to when the brakes will need service, so a lot of the guesswork is taken out of the equation.
The physical knob for the drive mode selector makes it convenient to quickly choose how the vehicle performs under various driving conditions. It contains three modes, including Normal, Snow/Ice, and the Off-Road mode that is exclusive to all-wheel drive iterations of the vehicle. When paired with the proper equipment, this makes the 2026 Equinox a dependable compact SUV for drivers looking for a vehicle that can handle every season with ease.
A Versatile Design for Drivers
Following the redesign from the outgoing model year, the 2026 Chevy Equinox exterior design retains the sporty lines, aggressive front fascia, and unique grille look that Chevy vehicles have adopted as part of a unified design language. This brings the Equinox into a familiar fold when it comes to sharing a similar look to its SUV family members, such as the smaller subcompact Chevy Trailblazer, the slightly larger midsize Chevy Blazer, and the three-row Chevy Tahoe. If you like a sporty-looking compact that has its own classic visual style, the Equinox delivers confidently in this category.
Both the LT and ACTIV trims come standard with 17-inch wheels, but the LT can be upgraded to 19-inch wheels. The major difference is that the LT comes with all-season tires, whereas the ACTIV comes equipped with all-terrain tires, so you have better traction control if you decide to venture off-road. Unlike the other two, the RS comes standard with 19-inch wheels with a unique design, but it also has the option of upgrading to 20-inch wheels with machined face aluminum.
All three trims come equipped with an LED lighting array, with LED headlights and tail lamps, and power heated outside mirrors. Fog lamps are available, while IntelliBeam comes standard, featuring auto-on functionality. The ACTIV and RS also come standard with the Rainsense automatic wipers, the AutoSense power liftgate, and roof-mounted side-rails so that you can customize them with a roof rack.
Another distinction between the three trims is the availability of different colors and color configurations. For instance, the LT and RS come standard with solid body colors, but you can have the LT in a solid body color with either a Summit White roof or a Mosaic Black Metallic roof to create a nice two-tone exterior color. The RS, however, comes standard in a solid body color but can be configured with the Mosaic Black Metallic roof and the body color of choice to create its own two-tone look. The ACTIV comes standard in a solid body color, but you can get it in a two-tone color scheme with the Summit White roof and your choice of body color.
Convenience & Comfort Features
A good daily driver needs comfort-driven features that make for a very accommodating cabin. The four-door SUV seats up to five people across its two rows, providing plenty of room for passengers. The Equinox also comes equipped with the tech, accessibility, and comfort to make every drive feel special.
There is standard cloth seating in black, or you can have the Equinox outfitted in Evotex upholstery, with optional Black or Artemis Gray color schemes. Heated and ventilated seating is also available, giving you control over how the seats feel, whether you need them heated during chilly mornings or ventilated during hot afternoons. An eight-way power driver seat with lumbar control enables you to customize the seating position to get the most out of your travels with proper contour support.
Keep your belongings close by with multiple storage areas, including side door panel storage, overhead sunglass storage, seatback storage, and center armrest storage. Carpeted floors come standard, along with active noise cancellation, so you have a quiet cabin, no matter how loud it is outside. This works well for making commutes feel comforting and relaxed. You also have easy access getting into and out of the vehicle, as well as managing the security with the remote locks and remote start, so you can have the Equinox ready to go before you even reach the driver’s side door.
Modern Tech & Safety
The accessibility ties directly into the tech and safety features of the 2026 Chevy Equinox, as everything is streamlined to make travel easier than ever before. With features like the passenger sensing system, it automatically detects if a passenger is in the front seat and switches the airbag on or off depending on occupancy. There is also a LATCH, or Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren, system and childproof locks. This makes the Equinox great for families with small children.
The safety also extends to the active driver alerts and awareness systems, including available traffic sign recognition, blind zone steering assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. With added pedestrian alert, automatic emergency braking, and the following distance indicator, you’re always kept in safe hands with the Equinox. Features like the Buckle-to-Drive and Teen Driver also add to the technological safety features, with pre-launch safety checks and report cards available for your teen drivers to ensure they’re kept safe on the road when driving alone.
Tech features like the availability of HD Surround Vision work in conjunction with the rear parking assist, so you get a good view of the Equinox to avoid objects while receiving guided support to park the vehicle. You can also access vehicle health and camera views using the 11.3-inch HD touchscreen, powered by the Google built-in operating system that supports voice-activated assistance, navigation support, and the ability to add apps via the Google Play Store. It opens up a wealth of options when it comes to productivity and entertainment services.
Bluetooth wireless connectivity also enables you to easily connect to your smartphone using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity also comes standard, allowing you to stay connected and access work, media, or phone calls and texts while traveling. You can also enjoy your favorite SiriusXM stations through the six-speaker audio system, as well as keep your smartphone charged through the USB charging ports or through the available wireless charging pad.
Start Shopping for Your 2026 Chevy Equinox Today
The 2026 Chevy Equinox is a robustly featured compact SUV. You have plenty of comfort, convenience, and performance features tucked into each trim. From the streamlined design to the automatic safety assists, there’s a lot to like about the Chevy Equinox. If you’re interested in the LT, RS, or ACTIV, feel free to browse our lineup of 2026 Equinox models. We make shopping for different model years seamless and easy, whether you’re doing so online or in person. Alternatively, if you would prefer a hands-on look at the SUV and to get a better feel for it, you can book a test drive at Edwards Chevrolet Downtown so you can experience the compact SUV for yourself.