You’re probably familiar with the Chevy Equinox. This compact SUV has been roaming the streets since 2003, providing drivers with just the perfect amount of room in a safe, reliable vehicle that can go the distance. Much has changed in the past two decades, and those who are looking for a Chevy Equinox for sale might not realize exactly how much the Equinox has to offer.
The 2026 Chevy Equinox comes hot on the heels of a complete facelift for 2025, which means everything about it is fresh and new. We’ve also found that what drivers love most about the new Equinox boils down to three important things: the impressive array of comfort and convenience technology, the peace of mind that comes with a safe and reliable vehicle, and the ability to choose a vehicle that makes the most sense for your budget and needs. Read on to see why the 2026 Equinox deserves some serious attention from those looking for the ideal new compact SUV.
Equinox Basics
The 2026 Chevy Equinox is offered in three trims, plus an EV version. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the traditional gas-powered models: the LT, RS, and ACTIV.
The power source for all three models is Chevy’s 1.5L turbocharged I-4. This engine, exclusive to the Equinox model, provides 175 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive models pair this engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the optional all-wheel drive models include an eight-speed automatic transmission.
All of this gives us plenty to love about the 2026 Equinox already, but Chevy has designed the cabin of this compact SUV with passenger comfort in mind. When we hear the term “compact,” we tend to think “cramped,” but that’s not the case at all. With all seats occupied, the Equinox has 29.8 cu.ft. of cargo space. Lower the folding 60/40 split rear bench seat completely, and you’ll have 63.5 cu.ft. of room for gear of all shapes and sizes. A hidden storage compartment under the rear cargo floor is also ideal for keeping gear out of public view. If that isn’t enough for all your belongings, the Equinox can tow up to 1,500 lbs when properly equipped.
Top-Notch Tech
Not too long ago, it was the trend for auto manufacturers to configure their vehicles into a dizzying array of trims and subtrims. There are instances in which that makes sense. The Chevy Silverado 1500, for example, benefits a wider range of drivers by offering numerous trims and capabilities. When drivers see that the Equinox is “only” offered in three trims, it may not seem like a lot.
However, the important thing to keep in mind here is that the base LT trim is equipped with a mind-blowing array of standard features. We live in an age when some drivers must subscribe to their heated seats and pay extra for a spare tire. The amount of standard tech on the 2026 Chevy Equinox LT trim is staggering in comparison.
Heated seats are standard for both the driver and the front passenger, along with a heated steering wheel and heated outside mirrors. Furthermore, the 11.3-inch standard touchscreen leads to a comprehensive infotainment system that includes navigation, voice recognition, and wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Paired with a standard 11-inch Driver Information Center, the Equinox has a comfortable cockpit that will give you confidence regardless of how many miles you travel.
The RS and ACTIV Trims
While the Equinox LT’s cabin is undeniably at the top of the SUV pack, Chevy makes the ultimate “but wait, there’s more” move with the RS and ACTIV trims. There are quite a few similarities between the two trims when it comes to everyday niceties. The RS and ACTIV both include standard eight-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with lumbar support. Dual-zone automatic climate control means no need to compromise comfort in the front seats, while the AutoSense power liftgate makes life easier when cargo comes on board. Technology features like wireless phone charging and Universal Home Remote take the Equinox RS and ACTIV models to the next level.
That being said, there are also quite a few differences between the two. The RS is the sportier sibling, with athletic cues like a wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and high-gloss black exterior details. The RS trim also rides high on 19-inch carbon flash metallic wheels and all-season tires. The ACTIV has a more suave outdoorsy personality, with suede microfiber seat trim and 17-inch all-terrain tires with Dark Android aluminum wheels. The wrapped steering wheel adds character and comfort.
Safety for All
Your new SUV includes standard peace of mind regardless of which trim you select. The 2026 Chevy Equinox takes a tech-forward approach to comfort, convenience, and safety. The Chevy Safety Assist suite of driver assistance technology is standard on every 2026 Equinox. This includes familiar features like Forward Collision Alert with Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, but also quite a few more recent additions, such as Rear Park Assist, Intersection Automatic Emergency Braking, and Side Bicyclist Alert.
Furthermore, those looking for additional confidence when hitting the freeways might want to consider the Safety and Technology Package, which adds a Rear Camera Mirror for added visibility of what’s behind you. It also adds Rear Pedestrian Alert, HD Surround Vision, and Traffic Sign Recognition, all of which use external cameras and sensors to help you stay alert to all of your surroundings at once.
Making the Equinox Yours
For drivers who aren’t satisfied without all of their favorite features, all trims can be customized with stand-alone features like a dual-pane power sunroof, interior and exterior appearance updates, or one of the many optional packages. The LT trim, for example, can be amplified by choosing the Midnight Edition, which adds black badging, glossy black body details, and roof rails.
The RS and ACTIV trims can be updated with even more features. The Convenience Package III, for example, adds power position and lumbar adjustments for the front passenger, along with ventilated seats for the driver and front passenger and heated rear outboard seats. Inside and out, Chevy provides drivers with just enough options to complement the already impressive trim packages without overwhelming drivers with an endless array of minor updates.
We Love the 2026 Chevy Equinox
Chevy offers drivers something that many manufacturers don’t: the opportunity to drive a car they truly love. If you’ve been considering an upgrade to your current vehicle, there’s no time like the present to check out the 2026 Chevy Equinox. Not only is it equipped with technology that keeps you connected to the world around you, but the type of tech that keeps you, your loved ones, and everyone sharing the road with you as safe as can be.
From the incredibly long list of standard features to the intuitive ways Chevy lets you customize your Equinox, what we love most about the 2026 Chevy Equinox is that it makes so much sense. While too much practicality can be a bad thing, Chevy hasn’t taken the Equinox too far in any direction. That’s why we think it’s a pretty great SUV.
